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Forum Discussion
MikeG63
Oct 22, 2019Apprentice
Orbi Firmware Update 2.5.0.38
Does anyone have any details on this new firmware upgrade?
Release Notes:
[Bug Fix] Fixes issues with the Apple HomeKit connectivity.
[Bug Fix] Fixes the wireless crash and reboot issue when the router is under stress.
[Bug Fix] Fixes the WiFi disconnection and IOT issue.
[Bug Fix] Fixes the guest isolation issue for multicast and broadcast traffic between the main host and guest.
[Bug Fix] Fixes the Ethernet backhaul boot-sequence issue.
[Bug Fix] Updates the OpenVPN certificate from MD5 to SHA-256.
[New Features and Enhancements] Enhances the device recognition mechanism of the attached devices list.
[Bug Fixes] Fixes the compatibility issue with Sonos devices.
176 Replies
- AlanandstaciAspirantEver since i updated, I have had issues with my wifi slowing way down, almost to 10 or 15 when I normally get near 300. Then I have to reboot and it works for a while. Then it happens again. Please help I have the RBR50 V2
- Retired_Member
Roll your firmware back to an eariler version and stop doing manual updates.
- NixerrAspirant
I searched downloads for my RBK50 v2 system and the only firmware available to download is the dreaded v2.5.0.38. Can you provide a link to previous versions? I performed a complete reset of my Orbi system (as suggested) and the results arent much better, in fact it seems that the wireless range is not as good as it was prior to this latest firmware update and I have encountered some wifi blackspots in my house again. I need to get this back to a workable state, thank you.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 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-routerWhat channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZSc7vnRlQ
Alanandstaci wrote:
Ever since i updated, I have had issues with my wifi slowing way down, almost to 10 or 15 when I normally get near 300. Then I have to reboot and it works for a while. Then it happens again. Please help I have the RBR50 V2- Retired_Member
FURRYe38 wrote:What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 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-routerWhat channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZSc7vnRlQ
Alanandstaci wrote:
Ever since i updated, I have had issues with my wifi slowing way down, almost to 10 or 15 when I normally get near 300. Then I have to reboot and it works for a while. Then it happens again. Please help I have the RBR50 V2FYI...the OP is: Orbi Firmware Update 2.5.0.38 so why are you asking all of these of questions. Just tell to them to revert their firmware.
- agneevAspirant
Any idea when the fix is coming? Been a while since the release of this buggy firmware.
- CrimpOnGuru - Experienced User
I have not detected a "pattern" in Orbi firmware updates. 2.3.5.30 came out in (May? June?). However, this one seems to have been such a "stinker" that a rework will show up sooner. However, MY GUESS is that it still could be months.
- MikeG63Apprentice
So, here's the pragmatic thought - my router works fine, as do my satellites. So the 80 / 20 rule stands, i.e. does it fulfill 80% of my requirements. My network is stable and all my peripherals work fine with no drops and outages, so I ask myself why get stressed over some icons and names. Yes its annoying, inconvenient, not professional, bad QA, and more importantly for Netgear reputation damaging!!!
Absolutely a new firmware version will come along as per Netgear's release cycle, again probably not well QA'd, and may well address some of the issues / concerns and most likely introduce others. So I am keeping a healthy cynicism and from now on will adopt an n-1 approach.
- agneevAspirant
- jtlynn23Tutor
Both the 2.5.0.38 and 2.5.0.40 firmware updates have been disasters on my RBR50 and RBS50.
The problems with wireless performance and the Device List began with .38 and continue with .40.
WiFi performance has been dismal: for some reason the unit randomly ratchets back WiFi speeds to a max of 40-50 Mbit/sec every few days. When this happens, a hardwired speed test between the Orbi router and my cable modem consistently shows my full bandwidth of 700 Mbit/sec. Power-cycling the unit brings WiFi speed back to normal, but every couple days it inexplicably kicks back down again. Clearly, this firmware has messed with the WiFi services on the RBR50 and RBS50.
The "Devices" list is messed up-- devices I got rid of 2 years ago have reappeared as "active," and I can't fix a single incorrect entry on the list-- I agree that this is an "annoyance" but it serves as a blatant sign of a company that lacks pride in its work and disrepects its customers. I have managed software development teams and the fact that this software was actually approved for release to customers is appalling.
Netgear should be ashamed of themselves for releasing this on their customers.
And before the fanboys tell me to do a factory reset-- a solution which has met with very mixed results in this forum-- I will say that I refuse to spend another minute of my energy trying to fix this vendor's lousy work.
If a "factory reset" really is the answer, I will gladly start out from scratch again, and here's how I will do it:
I just returned from Best Buy with a Linksys Velop Mesh System that I bought via a sweet Black Friday deal. I will be going through a new setup process, and it's going to be with a competing product.
I have had this Orbi system for over two years and have had minimal trouble with it. And I've been a Netgear customer since the late 1990s in their Bay Networks days. This experience has destroyed my confidence in the Netgear brand.
If anyone wants a used Orbi system with half-baked firmware on the cheap, let me know.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
I was told to day that NG pulled v30 and v40 from there Orbi update servers. So users shouldn't see this on there FW update page on the RBR. Yes there available via the download site.
They confirmed that v34 is the standing latest version that they recommend upgrading to. You can upgrade to v34 which has the web page certificate fix or downgrade to v30 or last working version of FW. A factory reset is the last resort if users can't get there systems working normally. Those of us who do resets and manual upgrades, this seems to avoid issues seen by those of you who do see issues and choose not to do a reset. It's up to you. NG said it was coming out with a new FW udpate to fix the device naming issue found in v38. For those of you who can't get there systems working, with or with out a factory reset, revert back to something that works for you and wait for the next update to arrive. No date was given when the next FW upate will be released.
Good Luck.