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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBK40 broken by latest firmware V1.12.0.18
I have had the RBK40 (RBR40 and RBS40) since April. Had constant problems with it from the first week, all documented in one place or another on this Forum. I was just about to return it for a refund when they Firmware V1.11.0.20 was released. If you see that thread (it is noted as resolved) you will see that the release notes said it was for the RB40 (not the 50 and they are different). That release fixed 100% of my problems and with it, my Orbi system was running the way it was intended (and why I bought it). I enjoyed 3 weeks of stability and speeds that were like being plugged into ethernet, in all parts of my house. Sadly, what I was worried about happened yesterday when my system Auto updraded to V1.12.0.18. It has basically brought my system back to HORRIBLE and USELESS. The first thing noted were internet drops on my Microsoft computer, then wifi drops on 2 Android devices, and when reset everything (multiple times) the internet connection registered but speed was so slow it wouldn't even pull up a simple Google search screen. I plugged directly into my Cable Modem so I could get on here and dowload V1.11.0.20 and roll back to it in the hopes that I can get back to what it was. And yes, my internet service is fine as I am geting 100% of my service speed straight from the modem. I changed reviews in several places for this product because I thought Netgear finally fixed it. Guess I was wrong. Anyone else with the "40" having problems?
To Netgear tech support when you read this....yes I unplugged and re-booted everything multiple times. Connected to the Router and noted all settings were still as they should be. Ran the speed test and it registered 0.85Mbs download and wouldn't register anything upload (I have 125Mbs service). I was consistently getting 120Mbs Down and 6Mbs Up hard wired and almost the same on Wifi before the upgrade. Plugged directly into the Modem now with the Orbi bypassed and off) I get the usual 120Mbs/6Mbs. I notice the release notes of 1.12.0.18 mention nothing but the RB"50" products. Could it be that you all need to find a way to deal with these two Orbi systems differently? While logic says they should be the same since they operate with the same technology and the only difference is in the rated speed (AC2200 for the RBK40 and AC3000 for the RBK50), it seems when you fix one you break the other. Please give us the option of turning off Auto Updates so when we get the one that works for our respective systems we can keep it. I work from home and having to take the time to reset everything and roll back Firmware costs me time and money. Since I cancelled my return I am stuck with this $300 junk until who knows when you all get this mess sorted out. Once I open a new ticket if the roll back doesn't work, I hope you all will extend my free 90 day support until these issues are finally resolved. It is not possible to keep a single ticket open the way things have gone because a "fix" may work for a few weeks so the ticket will auto expire. I sincerely hope you all figure it out because after getting a taste of the way this system was meant to run, it is hard to imagine going back to the old Netgear Router with an Extender for the corner of the house.
26 Replies
I have had the same issue. Apparently the new firmware update happened on our RBK40 sometime overnight 3 days ago. It "upgraded" to V1.12.0.18, and now devices won't connect to the internet. Despite the admin panel saying the Internet status is good, it just won't connect. I have reset and reset and reset multiple times and verified that the issue is not with my provider.
And wouldn't you know? My complimentary Netgear support expired 2 days before my Orbi stopped functioning. I am not a tech guru to be able to fix this issue on my own and without having to pay money just to call tech support for something that shouldn't have messed up in the first place. So I am grateful to have seen this post to know that the issue is probably with the firmware.
Netgear, please fix this expensive paperweight. Not only did I pay good money for the router, but I am losing money everyday I'm paying my service provider for internet that I can't access.
I feel you EB and expensive paperweight is a great description. I used to be a lifelong Netgear customer. Not anymore after this mess. I wonder if their Management knows just how bad this is going to go for them. In any event, I can help you through this forum. I am no guru but know enough to get by. I connected my computer straight to my modem and went to this link to download the Firmware 1.11.0.20 files for both the Router (RBR) and the Satellite (RBS). https://kb.netgear.com/000038848/RBR40-RBS40-Firmware-Version-1-11-0-20
Once the files are on your computer, you can then hook back into the Orbi Admin GUI, go to Advanced and navigate to Firmware Update. Click the Manual Tab, select the radio button for the Satellite first and follow the prompts to upload the RBS file from your computer. It will give you a warning that it is an older version but you can say ok, and yes you want to upload it. Once it does that, then click on the Browse button for Uploading the RBR Firmware file. It will ask the same questions about older version, just say ok and yes. This will install V 1.11.0.20 which was the stable version for the RB40 system. Warning though, you are probably going to want to do a Factory Reset (stick a paperclip in the little hole in back of each paperweight that says reset) before loading the older Firmware. I am about to have to do that because while rolling back to the stable firmware has helped my issues some, it is still acting highly unstable with random disconnects of the Wifi and Internet. At least it works for 10 minutes or so. With the new 1.12.0.18, nothing worked. My internet speed in the rare times it stayed connected went from 120Mbs to 10!!! So now I get to spend another hour plus reconfiguring everything, including resetting the SSID, password and finally, reconnecting all devices. Something Netgear apparantly thinks is not a big deal for its customers to have to do once a month or more.
Hit me up if you need more instructions. I hope to report back on here that a full factory reset and then installation of 1.11.0.20 fixed everything back to the way it was. Not sure it will matter since Netgear won't allow us to turn off Auto Update. You should bother Tech Support too until you get an extension on your support. There is ample evidence this is a known and longstanding issue that clearly hasn't been resolved.
Hello EB2017
Yes roll back the firmware on the RBK40 unit there was a issue found in the latest firmware and we are working to fix it. If you are still having issues contact support again as they are aware of the issues and will be able to help.
http://www.netgear.com/support/contact.aspx
DarrenM
