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Forum Discussion
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...
Still haven't fixed ethernet backhaul. I updated my RBR50 and satellite to this firmware, all was well for a minute or two, then the network crashed and had no internet. Multiple reboots and still no internet. I unplugged the ethernet backhaul link and rebooted the router and all is working again on the wireless backhaul...ugh.
Same, I have router plus three satelites - if I try to go ethernet backhaul to compensate for the satelites going good/bad often - everything goes offline. Had to disconnect the orbi satelites from the gigabit network and unplug the router to get networking back.
Had these mesh systems for a few months now, have not been able to get rid of my random wifi AP's because I can't depend on this expensive secondary system that doesn't work all the time.
How does the Satelittes talk to the router? direct LAN cable or going via a switch?
I found if I plugged the Satelitte into a Switch in my Office the connection drops. But if I plug the cable directly into the back of the Satelitte directly back to the Router Unit and then the switch into the next port of the Orbi it has been stable as.
I have also plugged in to the ethernet port on the far left (if looking at the back of the unit).
Been stable for over 24 hours now. Will thrash over the weekend and see how it goes
Been running this firmware since Sunday evening. Been rock solid throughout the week. Using wireless backhaul - and happy to report that not only is the router not crashing & rebooting 4x a day like it was previously but everything is remarkably faster. The fastest I used to be able to get off the satelite was around 250mbps on the previous 2.1.4.10 firmware - now its in excess of 400mbps on a Macbook Pro - 350mpbs on Apple TV & other iOS Devices. My homekit devices also respond more reliably as well.
If Netgear takes this firmware and launches it untouched - and allows us to lock this guy in - I'll be a happy customer. 2.1.4.10 was horrible - hopefully they have more quality controls in place to prevent that disaster from happening again. Love this product - but one forced firmware update of hell can tarnish it quickly.
When will the day come when Netgear will have their own devices talk to each other? ORBI main unit and satellite done connect via backhaul using Netgear Nighthawk switch R8000 in between .
I mentioned in earlier posts that my Orbi system under V2.1.4.16 works with wired backhaul and is very stable.
I was asked if I would work with L2 support, which I did. During my discussion with L2, I raised two issues
- I suddenly fluked achieving wired backhaul after an hour or two of alternating magenta ovals, by swapping the backhaul ethernet cable plugged directly into a LAN port on the Orbi router from port 2 to port 3. Almost instant connection, no magenta ovals. On one hand, this is a monumental achievement, but on the other hand, does it mean the Orbi router port 2 was fauly? I couldn't let that one pass, so I raised it with the L2 support guy.
- I also discussed an issue, probably unique to me, about my Orbi router not producing a signal strength anywhere near the equal of the satellite, which he said should be very similar, subject to the local environment. He suggested I seek a replacemet fgrom my Orbi vendor under warranty, which I did yesterday afternoon (14/6/2018)
Prior to swapping my Orbis for new ones, I backud up my settings. Then I set up the new Orbis fairly quickly. I enabled AP mode as soon as I could, upgraded FW to V2.1.4.16, restored my backed up settings, and was operational within an hour. Then I connected my backhaul cable to the Orbi router, and after power-cycling each Orbi, the router attached devices showed the satellite as "wired". It's now 24 hours since I did that and everything is stable, signal strength is strong, 5Ghz devices capable of 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz connect as 5Ghz, and all connected devices have aligned to the nearest Orbi.
For general info, my Billion 7800VDOX modem/router connects to the internet, and handles all DHCP, NAT, firewall and security duties. The Orbis are in AP mode. In the Billion, I have set up reserved IP addresses in the DHCP table for all devices that permanently connect to WiFi, so the Orbi router's attached devices list clearly identifies each object by name. I think this improves efficiency of operation and stability.
