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OrbiOS 2.1.1
The Orbi team at NETGEAR is aware that some users are experiencing higher than expected Orbi Router reboots, special characters in WiFi Passwords and WiFi / Internet disconnects. We believe these is...
Let me give you a quick update on where NETGEAR is with the OrbiOS.
Just before Christmas break, we paused the distribution of OrbiOS 2.1. Very soon, we're about to restart the distribution of a slightly updated version of the beta (2.1.2). In addition to the major new features introduced in 2.1 (e.g. Circle, Ethernet Backhaul), this firmware is expected to address the high CPU issue, as well as the special character in PSK issue as well as support for the Outdoor Orbi. Check Release Notes for complete list.
We are continuing to work on the issues with Google devices that have been documented in the press (several users have provided links here).
My recommendation is that you should either use the Orbi Mobile App (if you haven't seen it recently, check it out, we've made some major improvements) or the Web UI to check for new firmware or wait until your system gets auto-upgraded.
To answer your question, Stars_fan. When Orbi are connected over Ethernet backhaul, the 5GHz band becomes hot standby.
Orbi Product Management
I went through the support and replace process with two satellites. They satellites they sent had really old firmware (1.4.x), and couldn't be updated easily. I had to jump through a lot of hoops nerwork-wise to get them upgraded, and even then I still had the same problems. All in all it was a waste of several hours.
My problem isn't reboots, though - it's just loss of internet connectivity through the satellites. Local connections continue to work.
My problem isn't reboots, though - it's just loss of internet connectivity through the satellites. Local connections continue to work.
Yes, I have a feeling that replacing my router is going to be a total waste of time and money. I'm still suprised that support guys did not want to analyze my router debug logs and try to figure out what the problem is. It may be cheaper for them just to send new unit...
It is also interesing that hey only wanted to replace my router and not the satellite that comes in the RBK50 package.
When i pointed out that my replacement router will likely have a different firmware than my satellite and cause another firmware upgrade etc. , they offered a free satellite exchange if it turns out that the problem is not related to my router. Bizare.
Let’s be honest when it comes to level 1 phone support, not specific to Netgear.
It’s a crapshoot...
Sometimes you’ll get a dedicated techie on their way up the ladder who is really dedicated and loves solving problems. And some companies empower their level 1 team to actually fix problems. Sometimes you get “level 0” support who is reading from a script and counting the minutes until their shift is over and they can get back to their parents basement. That’s when you try and find the “escalation trigger words” to get to Level 2 or Engineering support :-)
What would be nice is if either Netgear provides us with a time frame to resolve the problem or option to replace the defective Orbi with Orbi Pro. I would think that would be a better business model then losing customers. But that’s just wishful thinking.
Flinally, after reviewing an article on cnet.com, I decided to disconnect my google home, followed by re-starting both orbi router and satellite, and that seems to be more effective without any connection drop. I am on firmware 2.1.2.10 (seems to be the beta). I will continue to monitor, but as indicated in Cnet.com, until a new fix is found by google and Netgear, I will keep my google home disconnected (I also have Alexa, which seems to work better anyway!)
cnet.com article link: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-keep-google-home-chromecast-from-killing-your-wi-fi/
If you are within your return period, I would recommend returning the Orbi home and going with the Orbi Pro; 3 days, no issues so far, and all sorts of google devices on my wifi network,,
