A quick update. We're about to release an updated version of OrbiOS 2.1.4 in the next few days through our auto-update mechanism for all Orbi models. When it goes live, you should see a prompt in the Orbi Mobile App (or the WebUI) to upgrade your firmware. In addition to the connectivity fixes in 2.1.3, has a few additional bug fixes from the last release (2.1.3). Orbi Product Mangement

How about you give us the option to turn OFF AUTOUPDATE. Or STOP automatic updates all together! When you guys roll out the updates FORCED Orbi resets and looses all my settings and takes down my internet and home security system as I’m not home. That’s a fantastic feature! SO sick of this POS not working reliability.

So I have done some testing with this new version. Just as I have done with every past version since the packet loss issue began. Here is my testing setup for this occasion. There were a total of five devices on my network arranged as such: A simple router providing DHCP with no internet connection. (10.0.0.1) RBR50 Orbi Router in AP mode. (10.0.0.2) RBS50 Orbi Satellite. (10.0.0.3) Testing laptop. (10.0.0.40) Synology NAS (10.0.0.42) All my testing was done via the testing laptop and always connected to the Orbi Sattelite. The Orbi units where running on wireless backhaul with line of sight of each other. I ran packetloss tests on three targets: simple router, Orbi Router (AP mode) and Synology NAS. Keep in mind there was no internet access during this time and no other devices where on the network. As usual, I did a full factory reset on the Orbi units. Here are my results: First up is the simple router on 10.0.0.1 as we can see there is heavy packet loss, as has been with the latest firmware versions on this particular models. A notable difference is that the packet loss pattern is now concentraded in larger chunks. Previos versions would generate a more scattered pattern with thinner lines. Next is the Orbi router on 10.0.0.2 this is an interesting result because we see no packetloss at all. Keep in mind for this probe all my traffic went from the testing laptop, to the Satellite unit, through wireless backhaul and into the Orbi Router. This clears up any suspicion of the wireless backhaul being the reason of the packet loss. Could it be that my humble router (10.0.0.1), providing DHCP to the network is to blame? This is the result of the same test and same network but this time the target was the Synology NAS. Surprisingly the packetloss is back with the same pattern as we observed on the router (10.0.0.1). This seems to confirm the wireless backhaul is definetly not the cause for this issue. This points to the ethernet ports of the Orbi Router as the failure point. The same devices on the same network arrangement rendered no packet loss on all the same tests when running firmware V2.0.0.74. This strongly suggests the issue is due to some factor in the newer firmware. Here is a short Q&A of other variants I tried before typing this post: Did you tested with any other devices apart from that silly router (10.0.0.1) and the Synology NAS (10.0.0.42)? Yes, practically with anything that had an ethernet port in my home. TVs, game consoles, STB, bluray player, printers, etc...The results where always the same. Could it be that some of the ethernet ports of your Orbi units are defective? This was one of my first concerns. So I repeted the tests by trying differnet ethernet ports for each device, each time! The only thing that actually made a difference was... firmware version! Maybe your testing laptop has a faulty network connection? I thought this too and repeated the same tests with two other laptops and iOS devices. The results where the same. Did you do a full factory reset on the Orbi units? / Configured from scratch? / Updated the Satellite first and Router second? Yep Tried changing the position of the Orbi Router and Satellite? I don't see how this affects anything considering the results. But, yes I did tried several locations on my house. Maybe your ethernet cables are bad? Incredibly, my frustration is so big at this point that I actually took the time to test CAT5, CAT5e and CAT6 cable for all tests and devices. What is the brand and model of your _______ device? At this point it doesn't matter since I tried with so many devices and still the only fix was rolling back to V2.0.0.74 Maybe the Orbi units are fine and the other devices are running some weird network configuration? This is the main reason I repeated (painstakingly) the test with all kinds of devices, managed and unmanaged, old and new, etc..(see above). The results remained the same. More importantly, all packetloss patterns went away, from all tests, as soon as I reverted back to firmware 2.0.0.74 on the Orbi units. I hope this post is of some use to someone out there on my same situation. Online gaming, VoiP calling, FaceTime Video and that kind of thing are greatly degraded when packet loss is present (specially at the massive rates I'm seeing on my Orbis). Sadly, packet loss is not so noticiable when one is accustomed to a bad ISP service. I'm lucky to be in an area with excelent providers to choose from that provide amazing service. So it is an important matter for me since I work from home.

Dear Mr. Netgear: Orbi is supposed to be a consumer product. I'm a consumer not a IT professional. Telnet, Putty is not the solution for a consumer product. Orbi RBK50 is not listed on the netgear website under business prodcuts. Please give us a check box

I FIXED IT! I went out and bought Google Wi-Fi. Everything is working better than it has since prior to bringing the Orbi home. This whole ordeal has left a very bad taste in my mouth as far as Netgear is concerned. Also went to the store to buy a new switch and just couldn’t bring myself to buy a Netgear one. Anyone want to buy an Orbi mesh with faulty firmware?

tsigI have had Orbi for over a year and just switched to a google Wi-Fi and I have to agree, it crushes Orbi in many areas mostly in stability, ease of setup and Google integration (ability to configure the router away from home using the app). My WiFi speeds are almost the same as I got with Orbi except now my Wi-Fi no longer drops whenmy kids are in the middle of a game, as Orbi has done for the entire year I had it no matter what firmware rev I ran on them. Also, Google prompts and ASKS YOU if you would like to perform a firmware upgrade. I have never had a hardware manufacturer PUSH a firmware out without user input.I have been in IT for over 30 years and I am Cisco certified (CCNP). It is simply unacceptable to have a router that randomly stops routing internet traffic and drops your Wi-Fi connections no matter how fast your backhaul is (when it works). I have never been happy with orbi since the day I borought it home and now I have never been happier with a home WiFi as much as I am with Google WiFi. Even my kids commented on how much better the Wi-Fi has been this week.

OrbiOS 2.1.4 availability | NETGEAR Communities

257 Replies

BobDuke
Apprentice
Apr 25, 2018
The Orbi app offered to update my system this morning. Good way to do it.

The update went smoothly, as have all past updates since I installed in December. I needed to restart the Orbi app to refresh it's data.

I have not needed to do a factory refresh. My configuration had always been transferred automatically through each update. I don't remember all the version numbers, but I started in 1... to 2.0.. to 2.0.?.18 to 2.1.3.4 to 2.1.4.10.

All working well so far.
- tsig
  Luminary
  Apr 25, 2018
  Update mine via the app last night. Very disppointing. No drama at all. After about 5 minutes or so everything was working as normal with no issues at all.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Apr 25, 2018
  Glad the update went smoothly and you haven't had to factory reset. Some haven't had any problems during or after updates. Thats good as well. Factory reset is recommended if you do encounter problems.
  
  Enjoy.
  
  BobDuke wrote:
  
  The Orbi app offered to update my system this morning. Good way to do it.
  
  The update went smoothly, as have all past updates since I installed in December. I needed to restart the Orbi app to refresh it's data.
  
  I have not needed to do a factory refresh. My configuration had always been transferred automatically through each update. I don't remember all the version numbers, but I started in 1... to 2.0.. to 2.0.?.18 to 2.1.3.4 to 2.1.4.10.
  
  All working well so far.
usahale
Star
Apr 25, 2018
HomeKit still broken.

Back to 2.1.2.18.

Your next update should really include the 'no update' option. :)

30-40 minutes of my time to roll back every time is getting tiresome.
- Sdiver2489
  Apprentice
  Apr 25, 2018
  I updated because the interface offered it to me. It went smoothly so far. I'll see if the Rainmachine issues continue or other weird random issues.
- RJD
  Star
  Apr 25, 2018
  When I updated my RBK50 (both router and satellite) to 2.1.3.4 I reset everything but still had issues with the satellite. When the RBW30 2.1.3.6 firmware was released I updated those, reset and added to the RBK50 router and was goind relatively well. A few drops here and there but nothing major.
  
  I then updated the router to 2.1.4.10 via the web gui upgrade and both RBW30's now drop in and out a lot so have turned them off until a 2.1.4.x update is available for those. I am not resetting everything again as have had enough of doing that and as per various comments updating from 2.1.3.4 to 2.1.4.10 via an upgrade instead of using BETA software shouldn't require a full reset again.
  
  I tested again with the RBK50 satellite (RBS50), updated, reset it and connected but as I noticed before bugger all devices will connect to it and continue to connect to the router so have just swtiched that off as no point wasting electric.
  
  will await RBW30 firmware before testing those again.
kc5grw
Initiate
Apr 25, 2018
As so many others have stated THERE NEEDS TO BE A NO UPDATE OPTION AVAILABLE!!!! I saw the update last night and installed it. It worked for a few minutes then I lost connectivity completely. My ORBI router sits in my office at the front of the house where my modem is. One satellite in my master bedroom closet connected wirelessly. The second satellite connected via ethernet backhaul upstairs at the back of my house. The system was stable under 2.1.2.18. I rolled back to 2.1.2.18 after 2.1.4 hosed everything. All was back to normal. Then I wake this morning to find that 2.1.4.10 was installed again on the system and again loss of connectivity. Rolled back to 2.1.2.18 again this morning and will have to check again at lunch if it has gone to 2.1.4.10 again. I haven't tried factory resetting it all yet. I guess I have to see if that works.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Apr 25, 2018
  When coming from older v2.1.x.x FW there are some major changes when loading v2.1.4.10. So please do a full factory reset on the router and satellites then set up from scratch. Should see better results. Others have mentioned this as well.
  
  kc5grw wrote:
  
  As so many others have stated THERE NEEDS TO BE A NO UPDATE OPTION AVAILABLE!!!! I saw the update last night and installed it. It worked for a few minutes then I lost connectivity completely. My ORBI router sits in my office at the front of the house where my modem is. One satellite in my master bedroom closet connected wirelessly. The second satellite connected via ethernet backhaul upstairs at the back of my house. The system was stable under 2.1.2.18. I rolled back to 2.1.2.18 after 2.1.4 hosed everything. All was back to normal. Then I wake this morning to find that 2.1.4.10 was installed again on the system and again loss of connectivity. Rolled back to 2.1.2.18 again this morning and will have to check again at lunch if it has gone to 2.1.4.10 again. I haven't tried factory resetting it all yet. I guess I have to see if that works.
  - Retired_Member
    Apr 25, 2018
    FURRYe38 wrote:
    
    When coming from older v2.1.x.x FW there are some major changes when loading v2.1.4.10. So please do a full factory reset on the router and satellites then set up from scratch. Should see better results. Others have mentioned this as well.
    
    kc5grw wrote:
    
    As so many others have stated THERE NEEDS TO BE A NO UPDATE OPTION AVAILABLE!!!! I saw the update last night and installed it. It worked for a few minutes then I lost connectivity completely. My ORBI router sits in my office at the front of the house where my modem is. One satellite in my master bedroom closet connected wirelessly. The second satellite connected via ethernet backhaul upstairs at the back of my house. The system was stable under 2.1.2.18. I rolled back to 2.1.2.18 after 2.1.4 hosed everything. All was back to normal. Then I wake this morning to find that 2.1.4.10 was installed again on the system and again loss of connectivity. Rolled back to 2.1.2.18 again this morning and will have to check again at lunch if it has gone to 2.1.4.10 again. I haven't tried factory resetting it all yet. I guess I have to see if that works.
    
    The idea of recommending/forcing people to perform a factory reset is bogus. IMHO this would appear to be an easy fix that could be applied with each update and FW install tool, much like a web browser clears its cache. Many folks have personal settings, passwords, etc that require time to reload if a factory reset is perfomed. Don't make it harder than it needs to be.
DanimalC
Tutor
Apr 25, 2018
I have been plagued with Wi-Fi dropping for months now. So two days I ago I decided to manually upgrade my RBR50 and RBS50 sattelite to v2.1.3.4 and everything was working good! Then last night I lost internet connection twice. I logged into the webUI and noticed that they both updated automatically to v2.1.4.10 without my knowledge or input (of course the day after I finally got them working well). My RBW30 updated to 2.1.3.6 automatically as well. Each time a reboot of the router fixed the internet issue. This morning when I woke up I didnt have internet over Wi-Fi again, a reboot fixed the issue again. I tried downgrading my router to 2.1.3.4 but it was unsuccessful. Tonight I will try factory resetting everything and seeing if that helps. I just wish I had the option to install the update and that these firmware upgrades worked better.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Apr 25, 2018
  Let us know if doing a factory reset after applying v2.1.4.10 and set up from scratch helps. .
  
  DanimalC wrote:
  
  I have been plagued with Wi-Fi dropping for months now. So two days I ago I decided to manually upgrade my RBR50 and RBS50 sattelite to v2.1.3.4 and everything was working good! Then last night I lost internet connection twice. I logged into the webUI and noticed that they both updated automatically to v2.1.4.10 without my knowledge or input (of course the day after I finally got them working well). My RBW30 updated to 2.1.3.6 automatically as well. Each time a reboot of the router fixed the internet issue. This morning when I woke up I didnt have internet over Wi-Fi again, a reboot fixed the issue again. I tried downgrading my router to 2.1.3.4 but it was unsuccessful. Tonight I will try factory resetting everything and seeing if that helps. I just wish I had the option to install the update and that these firmware upgrades worked better.
  - erikrubin
    Aspirant
    Apr 25, 2018
    Is there a preferred or recommended procedure for performing a factory reset? I have a system with 2 satellites. After upgrading to 2.1.4, I get extensive and long duration dropouts on my Nest Outdoor cam.
Planetom
Star
Apr 25, 2018
New version 2.1.4.10 auto-installed while I was away. No paper clip reset done after this update.

I wait and see what happens thus let you know.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Apr 25, 2018
  Hope it works well for you.
  
  Planetom wrote:
  
  New version 2.1.4.10 auto-installed while I was away. No paper clip reset done after this update.
  
  I wait and see what happens thus let you know.
eljarviso
Luminary
Apr 25, 2018
Has homekit/mDNS broadcast been fixed in this release?
acrawford72
Guide
Apr 25, 2018
Have had a STABLE connection 6 WEEKS ON 2.0.1.4!!! Now the udate to 2.1.4.10 has screwed that all up. Router resets every 15 to 60 minutes. Both router and sateltie are on 2.1.4.10 and both have been factory reset. Still resets keep happening. Going to reset to 2.0.1.4 again. If this keps happening will be getting rid of Netgear product and going else where. This has been going on for far to long.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Apr 25, 2018
  Whats the Mfr and model of the ISP modem that the Orbi router is connected too?
  
  Any wireless neighbors near by? If so, how many
  
  What channels are you using? Try manual instead of Auto.
  
  Fw update should try a full factory reset on all units then set up from scratch.
  
  What is the distance between the router and satellite? 30feet minimum to start.
  
  Whats the size if your home? SqFt.
  
  acrawford72 wrote:
  
  Have had a STABLE connection 6 WEEKS ON 2.0.1.4!!! Now the udate to 2.1.4.10 has screwed that all up. Router resets every 15 to 60 minutes. Both router and sateltie are on 2.1.4.10 and both have been factory reset. Still resets keep happening. Going to reset to 2.0.1.4 again. If this keps happening will be getting rid of Netgear product and going else where. This has been going on for far to long.
  - Retired_Member
    Apr 26, 2018
    Got the 2.1.4 update through the web GUI. Took just a few minutes and all appears to be in order. No factory reset. Wish me well.
    
    May the force be with us all...............
Yamamoto
Star
Apr 26, 2018
After being forced to auto update to 2.1.4.1 the Orbi has been absolutely terrible. Websites intermittent loading, poor performance satellites losing connection., etc. Ths firmware is unusable. I was on 2.1.3.4 with no problem. I have spent about 3 hours on the phone with tech support and here is where I stand.

Tech support told told me not to plug in one satellite for fear it might be creating interference. Don’t use Ethernet backhaul. And currently I can download 170mbs if my computer is hardwired into the router, but wireless speed is 20mbs download when the device is 10feet from router (connected to router, not satellite). With no physical object blocking signal.

System ran fine in 2.1.3.4, now it’s terrible. Worst thing is the auto firmware update. I can do a thing about it.

Unbelievible. I think I will have to return it to Costco. My family and myself are losing our minds.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Apr 26, 2018
  What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the Orbi is connected too?
  
  Please try a factory reset on the router and satellite and set up from scratch and let us know if this changes anything.
  
  Yamamoto wrote:
  
  After being forced to auto update to 2.1.4.1 the Orbi has been absolutely terrible. Websites intermittent loading, poor performance satellites losing connection., etc. Ths firmware is unusable. I was on 2.1.3.4 with no problem. I have spent about 3 hours on the phone with tech support and here is where I stand.
  
  Tech support told told me not to plug in one satellite for fear it might be creating interference. Don’t use Ethernet backhaul. And currently I can download 170mbs if my computer is hardwired into the router, but wireless speed is 20mbs download when the device is 10feet from router (connected to router, not satellite). With no physical object blocking signal.
  
  System ran fine in 2.1.3.4, now it’s terrible. Worst thing is the auto firmware update. I can do a thing about it.
  
  Unbelievible. I think I will have to return it to Costco. My family and myself are losing our minds.
gertg
Tutor
Apr 26, 2018
I have RBK50 with 3 RBS30 Satellites. Previous 2.1.3.4 firmware worked almost ok after hard reset both router and satellites except no or very slow response from Homekit devices.

This new 2.1.4.10 is unstable even after hard reset, losing devices, Homekit doesn’t seems to work.

It would be nice to have check box for Autoupdate option.
Sevo123
Apprentice
Apr 26, 2018
Whyyyyyy!!!! My rbk53 olus (hardwired rbr50) took a **bleep** from last night! Been over 12 hours connection issues!! I probably power cycled , hard reset 10 times this stupid firmware is pissing me off and Netgear is aswell! Garbage honestly they try to fix couple issues they create other issues!! Whyyy did I update whyyy!!! Netgear doesn’t know what they are doing some workers need to be FIRED ASAP!!!!!!

Forum Discussion

OrbiOS 2.1.4 availability