'No internet connection' attempted fix fail

Question

Now I'm in a pickle. I've been suffering frequent losses of internet connectivity. All devices are accessible over the LAN but report 'no internet'. Power cycling the RBR50 restores connectivity for a while. I read here of others facing a similar issue here so I decided to downgrade from the latest firmware an earlier release I had on my computer until the issue is resolved.

I first tried downgrading the RBS50 satellites to V2.5.2.4 but noticed they returned to the latest version within minutes! So then I then tried downgrading the RBR50 router (thinking this might be what kept updating the RBS50s) but things then went crazy: I could no log in to the management page with my password. Neither the password I'd been using all morning nor the default creds would work (I wondered if the thing had done a factory reset). It then asked for serial number followed by two security questions I had no idea about. Now I'm locked out.

How could my password get reset to something unknown and is a factory reset the only way forward?

FURRYe38 · Answer

Does the top ring LED turn PINK or BLINK WHITE when this happens?&nbsp;
I've kept my 50 series at latest FW version and have not seen any issues. Possible loss of internet maybe at the ISP level.&nbsp;
RBR and RBS need to be at same FW level as well.
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What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?&nbsp;Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6 is recommended.&nbsp;
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If you havn't tried a factory reset yet, maybe time. A complete pull of the power adapters for a period of time after the factory reset then walk thru the setup wizard and setup from scratch with a wired PC and web browser.
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
https://kb.netgear.com/22697/How-do-I-install-my-NETGEAR-router-using-the-router-web-interface
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How many RBS are deployed?&nbsp;What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?&nbsp;What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.&nbsp;https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite🛰
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What channel configurations are currently set on the router?&nbsp;
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Try disabling the following and see:Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Traffic Meter.
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Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:NETGEAR Mobile Applications and Android/Apple/Windows Devices FAQ | NETGEAR Communities
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AdrianM · Answer

OK, maybe circumstantial but this issue (solid pink light) emerged shortly after release of V2.7.5.6

Google "V2.7.5.6 no internet" for inspiration (i.e. top result).

This is not the modem or cable (both been swapped out since - no change). Soft Reboot not always good enough - hard power cycle always works. If it was ISP then how come it works again instantly . BTW this setup RBR50 + 3xRBS50 has been on air since the products were first released.

But here's the thing - I now get how going too far back might cause issues with current settings (passwords etc.) so I did a factory restore and went through initial setup. As soon as I got to the GUI, before the internet had been set up, I see firmware version 2.7.5.6 How the heck did this show up so quick given that I had flashed it with RBR50-V2.5.2.4.img not 15 minutes earlier?

FURRYe38 · Answer

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?&nbsp;
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you havn't tried a factory reset yet, maybe time. A complete pull of the power adapters for a period of time after the factory reset then walk thru the setup wizard and setup from scratch with a wired PC and web browser.
&nbsp;
To stop autoupdates, disable that feature or disconnect the RBR from the modem to stop auto updates from happening if you downgrade.&nbsp;
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Also if newest FW may not be working for you, can always try Voxels 3rd party FW. Make contact with there support site for help and information regarding there FW.&nbsp;

AdrianM · Answer

The broadband connection is made via a BT Openreach VDSL modem (of which I have two working examples). The Orbi kit covers a couple of buildings totalling around 3000sq ft. I was forced into perform a factory reset because my login credentials failed after the downgrade attempt (which was performed over ethernet).

As it happens, my attempt at downgrading from V2.7.5.6 to V2.5.2.4 was in preparation for installing voxel's firmware (as recommended by the author). But following the factory reset, and going through the initial setup (changing password) my first sight of the web GUI showed me it was back on V2.7.5.6.

Next time I try I will disconnect the WAN cable but I can't see how it could have auto-updated three satellites and the router during the time it took to enter my credentials. My suspicion is that the downgrade attempt corrupted some stored information including my credentials and also failed to replace the firmware - meaning that it had remained on V2.7.5.6 all along. This is supported by the fact that the old SSID remained active after the flashing reboot, with internet access available to all connected stations, during the time that I was trying to log in unsuccessfully - prior to the factory reset.

FURRYe38 · Answer

I recommend using the ERASE button on the RBRs web page to trigger a good ERASE and factory reset. Do this while ths RBS are also connected as it should reset the RBS as well. After you trigger the ERASE and, have the WAN port disconnected from the modem. After the system is rebooting, give it about 5 minutes for the RBS to auto connect to the RBR. You can then begin to walk thru the setup wizard and manually setup the system, while still not connected to the ISP modem. You should already have FW files for the RBS and RBR already on your PC if you need to downgrade or use voxels FW. You can disable Auto Update as well on the RBRs web page while it's not connected to the ISP modem. Helps prevent the system from auto updating.&nbsp;
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'No internet connection' attempted fix fail

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