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Forum Discussion
dkunath
Jan 17, 2018Star
New Orbi firmware 2.1.2.18 update issues?
I noticed that there was a new firmware version 2.1.2.18 for Orbi RBK50. Has anyone installed this version, and has there been any issues after the installation. Please provide any details that you...
jeremiahlee
Mar 13, 2018Tutor
After months of happy operation, I have had significant latency problems the last two weeks. For example, Instagram (a request-heavy app) would seem to stall loading Stories and the Search tab.
I noticed in the Orbi logs that it had been updated. I tried rebooting the modem and Orbi devices. I tried resetting the modem. Nothing seemed to work until I did a "factory reset" of the Orbi system (putting the paper clip in the reset hole until it blinked amber). Once I resetup Orbi, the latency problems went away. Doing the factory reset only reset to the defaults of version 2.1.2.18, not the version of firmware that came with the device. That said, the problems went away once I resetup Orbi after resetting its defaults. Not a good upgrade experience, Netgear.
- donp1225Mar 13, 2018Initiate
Sadly enough I have taken my Orbi back after trying desperately for 2 months to get it working.
I had constant problems with wifi not working right on various apple devices.
My PS4 constantly disconnected and dropped out even though it was hard wired to a satellite.
I picked up a new Linksys Velop andafter a 10 min setup I was up and running and now no more issues.
Range and everything in my 3000SQ home is fine. Even reaches an external garage 300 feet away.
There are a few orbi features I miss like the 4 network jacks and USB port, but I have work arounds.
I have had netgear equipment for year, but this just did me in.
Best of luck everyone. It’s a shame netgear doesn’t monitor these forums and reach out to help people.
Don
- docceloMar 14, 2018Star
The issue for me now extends beyond just inconveniences or lost work, and now also it has hit my wallet another way. Because of the constant disconnects, sometimes I wouldn't notice if I'm streaming something to my phone via home internet and it suddently disconnects and switches over to using mobile data. I've now been charged for overages on mobile data! I work from home, and almost always have access to wi-fi so hardly ever use mobile data. These overages are without a doubt because of the constant disconnects from my Orbi and my phone automatically switching to mobile data.
NETGEAR: While I appreciate that you are at least working to resolve the issues, this experience has left a very sour taste in my mouth for Netgear software (if indeed that is the issue here and this is not a hardware issue). What happened to testing code before releasing to the public? It seems like this issue is widespread enough that it should have been caught by your quality team. Can we please get a clear and thorough explanation of what is happening to cause these dropouts? Are these instabilities caused by a software bug, or is this indicative of unstable software and could resurface in a future --FORCED-- firmware update? I'm keeping my Orbi and will work with you until these issues are resolved, quite frankly because I have no option at this point. You will win me back as a customer if you are honest and direct about these issues and reach a resolution quickly.
Ocassionally, buggy software does get released and I understand that. But how many firmware revisions have we gone through now and the issue persists? We pay full price for a fully working product; we are not here to test your equipment for you. My wallet is now a little lighter thanks to your buggy equipment. A shame really, because the hardware *seems* fantastic.
- jeremiahleeApr 08, 2018Tutor
I couldn't find a way to edit my previous reply, but this turned out to not be an issue with the Orbi firmware update. My latency problems were caused by my ISP (Com Hem Sweden) temporarily disabling its native IPv6 support. This caused Orbi to start using 6to4 tunneling and the latency introduced was from my ISP's 6to4 tunnel, not from the Orbi update. I disabled IPv6 support in Orbi's settings for now and the latency went away.
- FURRYe38Apr 08, 2018Guru - Experienced User
Glad you figured it out. Thanks for letting us know how you resolved it.
Enjoy.
jeremiahlee wrote:I couldn't find a way to edit my previous reply, but this turned out to not be an issue with the Orbi firmware update. My latency problems were caused by my ISP (Com Hem Sweden) temporarily disabling its native IPv6 support. This caused Orbi to start using 6to4 tunneling and the latency introduced was from my ISP's 6to4 tunnel, not from the Orbi update. I disabled IPv6 support in Orbi's settings for now and the latency went away.
https://twitter.com/JeremiahLee/status/978618914782498816