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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 issues are related to the OrbiOS 2.1.1 firmware. We are actively working to address these issues, and expect to fix them with a firmware upgrade soon. In the meantime, we’re temporarily suspending auto-upgrading users to OrbiOS 2.1.1.
While we work through some of the issues, we’re releasing a new Beta firmware (2.1.2), which contains:
- Support for LED control & scheduling for Orbi Outdoor Satellite (RBS50Y)
- Fixes high CPU utilization on Orbi Router, which could be causing other issues
- Fixes the Attached Devices UI showing all devices connecting to the Orbi Router
The Beta firmware 2.1.2 files can be obtained from here:
RBR50: http://files.netgear-support.com/go/?a=d&i=n2X2ARvI7o
RBS50: http://files.netgear-support.com/go/?a=d&i=yBsnhHaBiw
RBR40: http://files.netgear-support.com/go/?a=d&i=8xFS1yg8fn
RBS40: http://files.netgear-support.com/go/?a=d&i=Hu3hbx814i
RBW30: http://files.netgear-support.com/go/?a=d&i=PRpkMfJynw
RBS20: http://files.netgear-support.com/go/?a=d&i=OGhLlDB9mQ
Instructions for performing a Manual Upgrade: https://kb.netgear.com/000037217/How-do-I-check-and-manually-upgrade-the-firmware-on-my-Orbi-satellite
If you are having issues with 2.1.1, having higher than normal disconnects or if you have purchased an Outdoor Orbi Satellite (RBS50Y) please upgrade to the new Beta firmware through the manual upgrade process. Feel free contact NETGEAR Support if you’re having issues with MR 2.1.1 (even if you’re outside of the 90 day window).
We apologize for these issues.
Orbi Product Team
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
371 Replies
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I have similar issues like other unhappy customers on this forum. Purchased RBK50 system (Router RBR50 + 1 Satellite RBS50)
Have about 40 devices on my network, some of them are Android.
After upgrading firmware to 2.1.16 I had constant router reboots. I tried pretty much everything recommended by other users:
1. Upgraded firmware to 2.1.2.10 Beta (Satellite first, then router - as recommended)
2. Tried Enabling/Disabling: UPnP, Beamforming, MU-MIMO, FastRoaming (presently still ALL disabled)
3. Disabled Daisy-Chain Topology (don't really needed as I only have 1 satellite but it was enabled by default)
4. I do NOT use wired ethernet backhoul to connect main router to satellite
5. Did factory reset on both (router + satellite), then another clean upgrade to 2.1.2.10
6. Changed my SSID upon factory reset
7. Changed WIFI channels and location of the router+satellite to avoid potential interference with other devices on the network
None of these things helped and I still have daily reboots.
So I finally called Netgear support and spent about 2 hours today (most of it being on hold), before they suggested to replace my Orbi router due to potential hardware defect.
I also provided debug logs (that were captured just minutes after another crash this morning) but they were not interested in analyzing logs or escalating to the next level of support (which is L2 I believe)
It is very unlikely that this is hardware related problem but they were willing to replace my router before investigating further.
I had to pay about $25 CAD for Advanced RMA return process in order to receive new unit before shipping the old/deffective one.
It's free only if you send them your deffective product first and then wait for replacement, which was not an option for me becuase I no longer have my old router.
- 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.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.
- Or just go back to 1.11.0.20. Orbi Pro is running a 1.x firmware if I'm correct.
My Orbi is on day 3 of uptime since downgrading and power cycle of my modem, switch and orbis. I have Google homes, Chromecast and Android 8.1. No issues. Is the expected behavior for a wired backhaul to disable the satellite radio? If I unplug the cable 5G connects and enables the satelites radio again.
I'm not having any of the reboot issues. The only android in my house is my A1E Sony TV but that's wired.
Also having a $ in your SSID password is not fixed in the beta.
Stars_fan wrote:Also having a $ in your SSID password is not fixed in the beta.
I have a beta that fixes the $ in password issue. For some reason they have not put it out to a wider beta but it has been stable for me for about a week. I don't think it fixes the Android issue and as I said before it's likely anyone that had a $ in their password removed it by now so that is not as big an issue. Still if you want that try PM the moderators.
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
Where can I get the latest 2.1.2 beta firmware?
Updated to 2.1.2.18, so far things seem OK but I find this a bit funny.
The router believes my 3D Printer is connected to the Satellite but in some unknown way? (it's wireless btw). The Satellite doesn't see it connected at all....
