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Forum Discussion
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 may have.
Thanks,
Dave
334 Replies
New update tells me that my devices are connected to the satellite (RBS50) but shows connection type as "unknown".
Grade:
'A' for effort.
'C' for execution of reported function change
After 6 dropouts I reinstalled satellites and router with firmware again (starting with the 3 sats)
Woke up 7 hours later and no longer getting any drops. Fingers firmly crossed.
Routers really should be plug and play. I've given so much of my time to Orbi in the last 2-3 months
I updated my router first (by accident), and now I can't see my satellites. reset, resync don't appear to help. Any ideas?
RBR50 + 1xRBS50
updated from previously manual update of firmware 2.1.1.12 to 2.1.2.18
Only issue found was the actual update process :
The Router found the new firmware through the Admin - Firmware update page but the satellite kept saying checking... so couldn't update either through the admin page as the update button is greyed out while it checks the satellite. Besides, I've learnt the importance of updating the satellite first before you do anything else.
Fix was to login to Satellite webpage and do manual update which then rebooted as expected.
Returned to Router admin page, however it was still showing as "checking" satellite for firmware updates
So did a manual update of Router firmware as well.
Other than that. Nothing else spotted (yet).
Most nervous firmware update I've ever performed I'd say though ;-)Side note, I ended up returning the extra satellite i'd bought as i got so fed up with it, decided i'd look again at the 3rd one once all this firmware stuff settles down. If it doesn't ever end up becoming the product we all bought into (and to my shame recommending to friends who have gone on to purchse as well) then my loss will remain the initial 1 sat setup, not a small loss, but £200 extra saved from returning the extra satellite.
BenI don't know where to begin. I have never been so angry at a company. I don't know whether to blame Google / Oreo / Google Home / Chrome Cast... but I DEFINITELY blame Netgear in all of this. I have had nothing but complete trouble for the last 4 firmware updates. I finally after BREAKING MY ENTIRE SMART home, including lights, doorbells, garage door, motion sensors, sonos, Wi-Fi... I got a relatively stable release with 2.1.2.16. We have apple and android at home, we also have nest security cameras. I have a couple Logitech security cameras that use power over ethernet, and have a switch (hub) and lots of wired connections. 2.1.2.16 ended up ok, but that was really only when we disconnected the pixel 2. At first this firmware seemed to work with pixel 2 then it got more and more unstable, with the pixel connected it would slowly start making the network flaky. The previous firmware I couldn't see attached devices, the satellites would not update or connect, I had to start from scratch etc. every time. Then last night it said 2.1.2.18 fixed the high CPU issue (which I assume means the crazy android mess). So, like an IDIOT I updated. Immediately I noticed I had no Wi-Fi, I figured it just needed to all reboot, NOPE nothing, I couldn't even get a wired connection to get internet, I got so frustrated I went to bed. I had to connect my main computer directly to my cable modem and download the previous firmware. Then I had to disconnect my switch/hub and everything from the Orbi router, and just connect my computer, to downgrade the firmware to everything. Then I had to do a complete network reset including the cable modem, and wait for it all to come back up. So slowly I think I am back to as stable as I have had. What I don't understand is that this is all a mixed bag. Some people say they have the same exact issues as I do, some say this has been very stable. I know android is pushing some fix. Right now, we have all pixels and google homes and chrome casts disconnected from the network so they don't break it. I don't know whether to blame/class action sue google or Netgear or both for being incompetent companies. No product should take down your entire network like this. Orbi needs to get their stuff together, no firmware update should disconnect your own product satellites. That makes no sense, that is instability among your OWN products. No firmware update should ever break a WIRED connection to your computer... what the heck Netgear? You guys have to stop experimenting with us on these firmware updates. RELEASE STABLE FIRMWARE. You don't just break people's connection to the internet, you break our home security, our smart home devices including garage doors etc. You literally make our life hell when you release this stuff. I know there are thousands or millions of combinations of stuff on networks that may work for some people on some firmware, but providing home networking cannot be this difficult, I don't understand how a device connected to a network can break the entire network or communication between your product satellites or router or wired connections that seems like it is on you! I know there is a bunch of security stuff you are also dealing with, but I am not updating anything anymore, I don't care if you promise me that it will be the best experience in the entire world. I DON'T TRUST YOU ANYMORE. Your product is junk I am convinced. I just need to smash this stuff up and go to a different company, I have owned at least 10 different company’s routers over the years and never been so frustrated. When your Orbi system works, it works perfectly when it breaks (which is the majority of the time) it is useless JUNK.
I just manually updated to the latest firmware version and so far everything is stable, at least for me. I have not had any reboots previously reported in this forum, but I am using Orbi in the AP mode. All advance setting are enabled except fast roaming. That seems to cause my IP cameras to blink out momentarily and then back again. I have 83 devices and they all have their issues at times. I am not sure it is my DSL connection or Orbi, but so far I'm still connecting with no major issues. I would kill for a faster internet connection, but only DSL is available in my area. It maybe I have too many devices to work together consistantly on such a slow connection. I have never been able to stream Netflix or Amazon videos smoothly, so I guess I get what I get. Not a Netgear issue, at least in my opinion.
My router updated automatically last night and after the update there was no wireless at all for any of my devices or the orbi satellite. Rebooting didnt fix anything. Then I got lucky and noticed that when I tried to connect to my wifi from my iphone and said the password was incorrect. I thought that odd and ignored it. Then from my windows work laptop the cisco anyconnect client kept throwing an error about psk. Removing the wifi from the laptop and setting it up again didnt fix anything. So I went on the router, changed my wifi password, and then changed it back to what it was and that fixed the issue. Not sure if this will help anyone else having an issue after the update but it worked for me. This is the first issue I've had with the orbi but I'm fairly nervous about any updates for it.
Here is my experience with Orbi for one month.
Installation was breeze and setup everything without any issues. My setup is Asus RT-68U as DHCP server (with disabled wifii) and Orbi as AP Mode server. After the setup routers updated to 2.1.1.16 version. There were many reboots - at least 5-8 reboots per day. I tried everything to resolve this issue but no avail. I then downgraded to 0.74, everything started working and no reboots for 4 days. Yesterday I saw new firmware released and I wanted to try 2.1.2.18. This time I seculded my android phone to different wifi network from the main router. No reboots for last 12 hours. Keeping fingers crossed. Also waiting for google update for android issue. I like Orbi and its performance and trying my best to work around issues hoping that one day all will be fixed. I have return period until Jan 31st if things go south!!!:-)
Thanks for sharing. Are you running dynamic or static IP in AP mode? I have the same setup and tried both dynamic and static IP (no google stuff) and with the new update, I need to do a factory reset after an hour or so. Prior to the latest firmware, I was able to run around a week before I need to do a factory reset (note, I can't just reboot the system it need a factory reset to get it working).
I gave both the Orbi and the satellite static IPs outside the dynamic range; everything else gets a dynamic IP.
fyi in the advanced wireless settings I have beamforming and MUMIMO enabled, I have fast roaming OFF (when I experiemtned with it on I had problems). I have daisy chaining OFF.
As I mentioned in previous posts we are an all Apple home except for a Brother wireless printer
sorry you're having problems....
Did some more test last night. So instead of putting my router to AP mode, I switch back to router mode and the system has been running for 8 hours without a problem. However, I need this in AP mode so hope future firmware update fix this crap which has been going on for at least a year. I am monitoring how long before I need a factory reset again but running in AP mode with my RBK50 and satalite can't run more than an hour after this firmware update.
Just curious, anyone here run the RBK50 system in AP mode and has NO problem using the latest firmware 2.1.2.18?
yes - I'm in AP mode with no problems at all on latest (or previous) beta. The router is a ZTE suplied by the ISP (i.e. nothing fancy or special at all).
My bloody router and satelite also auto-updated to .18. I was curious why my mother said the WiFi wasn't working anymore and I couldn't access it remotely cuz I was at work. Came back home, and indeed after the auto-update the router no longer able to establish Internet connection.
Did power cycle, no success. Damn router now only shows the red hue the whole time. I'm running on PPPoE. Any clues? Dafuq is Netgear doing? Screwing all of our routers! I'm unable to work or watch TV at home now!
Netgear get your **bleep** together. How do we even rollback?
xanderwong wrote:My bloody router and satelite also auto-updated to .18. I was curious why my mother said the WiFi wasn't working anymore and I couldn't access it remotely cuz I was at work. Came back home, and indeed after the auto-update the router no longer able to establish Internet connection.
Did power cycle, no success. Damn router now only shows the red hue the whole time. I'm running on PPPoE. Any clues? Dafuq is Netgear doing? Screwing all of our routers! I'm unable to work or watch TV at home now!
Netgear get your **bleep** together. How do we even rollback?
Did you restart your modem? I often get the same problem then restart my modem and give it about 1 minute then restart my Orbi and has worked everytime!
Upgraded today. No issues however I have BEAMFORMING, MU-MIMO, Fast roaming and Daisy chain turned-off because they always caused issues. Going to turn them on and see how it goes.
Hey Marco, I've been using Beamforming and MU-MIMO for a few weeks on v.16 with no problems, but based on cummunity advice not using FT or Daisy (I only have 1 Sat anyways).
How are things going for you on v.18 with these advanced settings? I want to update to v.18 but waiting to see some feedback as my only issue with v.16 has been not connecting to the Sat when very close (or posssibly just v.16 not showing the correct connection) as the new v.18 is claiming to address.
Feeling fortunate as I have 20+ wired and wireless clients from Apple, Android, Chromecast, HP, Lenovo, Ring, Roku, Samsung etc. on my network.
- I'm done with orbi. Bummed because by all accounts it's the most powerful WHEN it works.
Does anyone have experience with ASUS LYRA?I’m having several disconnects per day for seemingly no reason. I’ve been looking at the “drops in connectivity” posts online, which appear to date back months. How is it that Netgear aren’t addressing this?
also seeing that Orbi Router works fine for 2 to 3 hours then looses internet connectivity and all devices loose WiFi. cablemodem is up- laptop hardwire to the modem and all is good.
Class action suit ?
Netgear ought to loan us another stable product unil they actually make the Orbi work.
I updated to firmware 2.1.2.18 last night. So far there are some major improvements. There is no lag, nor the system is dropping connection, or having the satellite disconnect. I still have to re-connect my google Home mini, to see if there will be any new issues. But at least for now, is very stable.
Please note that as I heard others, the router is not finding the new firmware automatically, so had to do a manual installation which works fine but should not be like that. Maybe for the next update it will find it automatically.
Ejalvara2 wrote:... I still have to re-connect my google Home mini, to see if there will be any new issues. But at least for now, is very stable...
Be aware that this latest Netgear version does not address the Google-specific disconnect issue.
Google is supposedly releasing a patch for their devices today, and Netgear has acknowledged that they are working with Google to address the issue on the router side of the house.
The issue seems to be solidly on Google's end to fix though, but it would be nice to know that any similar such activity in the future could be mitigated by the router, so hopefully Netgear will be able to roll out that enhancement sometime soon.
I've had this system since August last year. 28 devices connected to it:
- Android LG V20 phone running 7.0
- Android tablet, don't know rev
- three Windows PCs, Win 7 and Win 10
- two iPads
- one iPhone 7+
- 6 Amcrest IP cameras, 4 WiFi, 2 attached to a satellite ethernet port
and a variety of video game systems, thermostats, garage door openers, weather system, etc.
Everything has worked reliably except the IP cameras. They would lose connection or slow down quite a bit. Recently one of the Windows PCs starting having the same problem.
I haven't had trouble with any of the Orbis rebooting, and except for the IP cameras and one Windows PC, everything keeps a solid and fast internet connection.
The Orbi is set up as a router, not AP, although I have run it a few times in AP mode and it didn't change my results.
After the .18 update, the one Windows PC is still very slow, but the IP cameras have improved greatly. Seems strange, as there is nothing in the release notes to suggest an improvement like that.
The Windows PC works great if I turn on the WiFi radio in the cable modem, so that seems to be specific to the Orbi.
- Now I’m getting constant reboots (a first). Orbi is handling all routing, the modem is just an access point. To any moderators: I need a fix or I’m going with the Eero.
