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Forum Discussion
Orbi-Firm Updates
This may seem like a silly question but... the router is a premium product. Why are the firmware updates so hard to install? Its almost 2020 and all major brands do auto updates. It sounds seems like ...
It's not a silly question at all. But the situation is sort of complicated.
For quite some time, Netgear DID silently push new firmware to the Orbi products without the user having any idea. I know people who have had Orbi installed for two years and have never looked at it. As long as there is never a screw-up, this is great. But, Netgear released some clinkers which made people furious. On this community forum, people clamored, "Let Me Choose" if and when firmware will be updated!!!! So, Netgear gave in and changed to informing users that new firmware is available and letting them elect to install it or not.
I have no experience with other mesh systems (Linksys, Google, Ubiquiti, TP-Link). And, of course, they are all now releasing new products that meet the new WiFi 6 standard that was finalyzed just this September. When I look at their user forums, people report problems just as on this forum.
Firmware updates are only one of a bunch of factors to consider (coverage, number of ethernet ports, how it does VPN, etc. etc.).
Life got a lot more complicated once people had the option to install their own systems rather than be forced to use whatever the ISP installed.
CrimpOn wrote:Firmware updates are only one of a bunch of factors to consider (coverage, number of ethernet ports, how it does VPN, etc. etc.).
I agree without equivocation. Other than performance and number of ports, the primary consideration for me was simply the ability to manage my Orbi system using a web interface (browser UI or whatever).
I believe the vast majority of the other mesh systems require an app and I will NOT fool around trying to change settings, etc., using an app on my iPhone.
Speaking of firmware, where is the new firmware promised "soon" and in early December? Could one of mods please get an update on when when can expect the new fixed firmware?
- Thanks for the food for thoughts! I think I will try it out for the next few days and look for anything quirky. I just plan to run a standard setup with no exotic clients or other wifi equipment.
Let us know how it works out for you.
30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router
hariou wrote:
Thanks for the food for thoughts! I think I will try it out for the next few days and look for anything quirky. I just plan to run a standard setup with no exotic clients or other wifi equipment.
