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Forum Discussion
BretD
Jun 04, 2018Administrator
Orbi firmware update v2.1.4.16 availability
We’ve been monitoring issues that some customers have experienced in OrbiOS 2.1.4. In response, we’re releasing firmware that provides a permanent fix for the homekit issue along with various other f...
frustrated3610
Jun 09, 2018Tutor
As long as I have had my Orbi AC3000 two unit system, I have problems with Orbi keeping my internet connection. I am connected to the internet via an xfinity cable modem. Prior to Orbi, I was connected to the same xfinity cable modem with my Netgear WNDR37AV and I had NO internet connectivity issues. Orbi does provide better coverage area and higher throughput, but all of that is negated when Orbi cannot hold an internet connection.
This leads me to my current problem with your support team. Yesterday, 6/8/18, your support tech suggested that I update to Orbi firmware version 2.1.4.16 for both the router and the satellite (RBR50 and RBS50). The first firmware update was to the RBS50 satellite and that seemed to upload sucessfully. The next firmware update was to the RBR50 router and using Chrome, I received the message that Orbi could not connect to the internet to perform the firmware upgrade. So, your tech had me try using Windows Edge browser. (I am running Windows 10 Home edition.) When I tried the firmware upgrade using the Edge browser, I received a different error message that leads me to believe that the RBR50-V2.1.4.16.img file is corrupt.
I know that I should have probably grabbed screen shots or I should have written down the exact error message. However, your support got me so mad that I was not thinking clearly. All your support tech would suggest is that I go to one of my neighbors and ask to borrow a different laptop or PC to try updating my Orbi RBR50 firmware. Really? I am supposed to ask a neighbor to lend me their laptop/PC?
Your tech said that he would escalate my case to Level 2 support. But, it is now over 24 hours later and I have yet to hear from anyone at Netgear.
Honestly, I believe your .img file might be corrupt since both Chrome and Edge had problems with it.
In any case, I NEED NETGEAR SUPPORT HELP TO FIX MY ORBI INTERNET CONNECTIVITY ISSUES.
Please offer me a better solution. I was so frustrated yesterday that I felt like taking ALL of my Netgear equipment -- my Orbi AC3000, my Arlo Pro 2 double base units with 6 cameras, my older Netgear routers (I think I have two more in addition to the WNDR37AV) -- and toss all of my Netgear products in the trash!!!
Please help me.
Signed, frustrated3610
- e1supermanJun 09, 2018ApprenticeOther than price can any one tell me a single reason not to return my Orbi back to Costco and trade for a Linksys Velop? I use ethernet backhaul which they support so there is no advantage to the 5Ghz backhaul the Orbi has. The Velops are also hands down more stable. I'm tired of losing internet without notice everyweek until I reflash firmware.
- JMU1998Jun 09, 2018Luminary
e1superman they all have their own set of problems and issues , get away from one type of headache and start another different headache
- e1supermanJun 09, 2018ApprenticeCan you be specific on what issues Velops have? From what I read their firmware is stable and they don't have issues like this. All the reviews basically say the advantage of Orbi is the dedicated 5Hz backhaul.
- st_shawJun 09, 2018Master
frustrated3610 Others (including me) have updated their RBR50s with the posted .img file, so it's unlikely the posted file is corrupted. The file might be corrupted on your computer though. Try deleting the .img file on your computer, and then download it again. Then, if your computer has wired Ethernet, connect your computer to the router with a wire. If you don't have wired Ethernet, then you can use WiFi, but move close to the router so you have a good signal. You can also turn off the satellite(s) to be certain your computer's WiFi connects directly to the router. Once connected, log into the router's admin webpage and do the update manually.
- frustrated3610Jun 09, 2018Tutor
st_shaw Thanks for the suggestion. I will try again. FYI, I am connected by wire from the xfinity cable moden directly to my Orbi RBR50; then by wire (the supplied wire from Netgear) directly to a new HP PC running Windows 10 Home. I do not have internet connectivity problems if I connect my old Netgear WNDR37AV but the bandwidth and range do not compare to Orbi's. Also, I am doing a manual update. Here goes my next attempt ... Stick around and I will give an update as to my success or failure.
- frustrated3610Jun 09, 2018Tutor
st_shaw and others. Success with the firmware update to version 2.1.4.16 on both my satellite and the router. I deleted the previous copy and then downloaded the update .img file. This worked for the update. Thanks!
Now, if my internet connectivity is fixed, then I will be a happy camper -- at least for now. I was losing my internet connectivity at my personal Windows 10 PC (connected by wire); my employer's Windows 7 PC (connected by wire); my Samsung 8 smartphone (wireless) and my wife's iPhone 7 (also wireless). None of these connections were ever reliable. So, now it is time to see if v2.1.4.16 fixes our connectivity issues -- and hoping that I do not have any new issues pop up.
Thanks again.
New question: The first Netgear tech I had earlier this week had me: 1) change the MTU size from the default 1500 to 1420; 2) change the wireless 2.4 GHz channel from "auto" to 6; and 3) change the 5GHz channel to 44 from 48. Does anyone on this community forum have any comments (pro or con) as to what the netgear tech had me do? Thanks in advance.