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Forum Discussion
OrbiOS MR 2.1 issues
I wanted to reach out to provide a quick update on OrbiOS 2.1 software. We believe that these issues are affecting some users. Rest assured that we've been following this issue and working hard behind the scenes to address it. In the meantime, to those that are affected, I understand the frustration that you've been feeling. In response, we're taking the following actions:
1. We've paused the auto-firmware upgrade to MR2.1 and are re-posting MR 2.0 as the "latest" software for Orbi. What that means is that new customers will, upon first install, get upgraded to OrbiOS 2.0. They will not be able to use features introduced in OrbiOS 2.1 like Ethernet Backhaul or Circle. This will happen in the next 24 hours. Existing customers, can do a manual software upgrade back to MR 2.0 and it will stick until further notice.
For those interested in OrbiOS 2.1 features, We will post OrbiOS 2.1 available on the web server for customers who want to manual upgrade.
2. Customers who are having connectivity issues on MR 2.1 are encouraged to contact Support. We will try to help everyone. Bonus points if you're willing to work with us. We have some debug software available.
3. As more information is available, we'll keep you updated through the Community.
As an FYI, if you're having issues, a couple of quick & easy ways to self serve
1. Ensure that your Router & Satellite(s) are running the same (to the 3rd digit) of software. Best way to find this is on the Web UI (orbilogin.com. Advanced -> Admin -> Firmware Update).
2. Rebooting the system. Do this manually by unplugging & replugging in the Router & Satellites.
3. If you're having slowness when connected to the Satellite, moving it closer to the Router or to a different location
Orbi Product Management Team
140 Replies
- As instructed when I first set up the Orbi a week ago, my base station was upgraded to Firmware version 2.1.2.18; I unplugged and plugged the 2 satellites (numerous times) and they stiill maintain their Firmware versions at 2.1.2.2. The result of the upgrade has caused my Apple TV (A1427) to no longer see the wifi signal - even with a satellite installed inches away. Suggestions?
bring them into the same room as the router. Once on the correct version return them to their original location. NG tech support had me do that yesterday when we were trouble shooting the password/security/DHCP issue and it helped.
I personally would manually downgrade all three devices to 2.0.1.74
I tried downgrading 2.0.1.4 but it keeps disconnecting and I reverted back to latest version again.
This system works fantastic when it works! Very fast! After setting my new RBK50 system up and crossing my fingers with the firmware update to 2.1.1.16 in order to access Circle functionality for my kids, the router worked for a day and then stopped providing a wireless signal, would lose connection with the satellite, or would continuously reboot multiple times throughout the day on its own. Customer support was no help in correcting these issues with their directed reboots, repeating initial setups, changing settings, etc. Luckily firmware update 2.1.1.18 came out and I was able to upgrade and have been running smoothly ever since, including Disney Circle, which is working properly (NOTE NETGEAR ENGINEER: I BELIEVE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN MAINTAINING STABILITY FOR ME WAS THAT I KEPT THE FACTORY DEFAULT ROUTER NAME, SATELLITE NAME, WIRELESS USER ID AND PASSWORD RATHER THAN CUSTOMIZING THESE SETTINGS LIKE I HAD IN ALL THE PAST TROUBLING ORBI INSTALLATIONS/FIRMWARE UPGRADES). I really have little to no confidence in doing any upgrades to another firmware "branch" 2.0.1.4, for fear of another fiasco and too much down time.
TO ORBI USERS READING THIS: I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT UPGRADING YOUR ORBI FIRMWARE PAST 2.1.1.18 UNTIL SUFFICIENT USER REVIEWS PROVE FUTURE FIRMWARE UPGRADES ARE STABLE, OR NETGEAR ISSUES A NETWORK SECURITY FIX MAKING AN UPGRADE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, OR NETGEAR PROVIDES ORBI USB PORT-EXTERNAL DRIVE FUNCTIONALITY IN AN UPGRADE AND YOU WANT TO TAKE THE RISK.
Now I have begun trying to add an external USB drive to my ORBI USB port and network to no avail. After calling, Netgear's customer service, they stated Netgear has future plans to create that USB Port functionality in a firmware/software upgrade, but it does not exist yet.
To Netgear employees: I am cheering for you. You can fix these ORBI stability and functionality issues and turn it around by rolling up your sleeves, working as a team, and really testing your upgrades inside and out before issuing them, and better communicating fixes between the engineering dept. and customer support call centers to get precise solutions out to the agents responding to customers. The Customer service agents I spoke with had no knowledge of the problems or meritable solutions with ORBI and led me down the same standard troubleshooting steps I had done myself. Other examples of ineffective communications are in the post above when you state functionality like Ethernet Backhaul and Circle are being removed in the lates upgrade with no info on when we as users can expect to regain these in future upgrades going down the new upgrade "branch" of version 2.0.1.4, (i.e. state that we will have all functionality regained by version 2.0.1.5.) For that matter, why did you restart your ugrade number sequence from 2.1.1.18 to 2.0.1.4. (This creates all kinds of confusion for us users, another example of ineffective communication)? FINALLY, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO CREATE USB PORT FUNCTIONALITY ON MY ORBI TO CONNECT MY EXTERNAL DRIVES UP TO MY NETWORK? It was very disappointing to find out after the purchase that only a printer can be hooked up, which is not in line with the marketing material. I know you folks can do better than this based on all of the great products and the cherished brand you have built over the years. Now is the time to show us customers what your made of, your determination, your drive, and your passion to get it right!
Netgear Team and ORBI Users: Another thing I forgot to mention in my original post that helped me avoid connection problems between my ORBI Satellite and Router after upgrading to firmware version 2.1.1.18 was that I did not auto upgrade like I had in the past. I manually upgraded firmware and always started with the Satellite upgrade first then the Router upgrade like directed. In the past when I did the router upgrade before the Satellite upgrade this caused connection problems.
I see that 2.0.1.4 also has the issue of losing track of satellite connections, where the satellite connection list is missing entries that the router claims are connected to said satellite.
Since upgrading RBK40 Firmware to version 2.1.2.18, I'm unable to configure parental Controls through the Genie App.
I'm using the latest NetgearGenie app (2.4.32) for Mac OSX. The error i get is "Checking router firmware. We're making sure you have firmware that supports Live Parental Controls. You don't appear to be connected to the internet. Please connect to the internet through your NETGEAR router and try again"
I do have internet connectivity. I've tried this process when connected to WiFi and connect using a LAN cable.
It was working before the upgrade. I'm not sure what the previous version Firmware was.
Please assist. Thanks
For what it's worth - I was having trouble with my work VPN disconnecting randomly (although it seemed to be primarily during Skype calls) last week. Having never had this issue previously, I rolled back the firmware to the prior version (2.0 something) and the problem went away. It's been 72 hours with no disconnects. So while it may not be conclusive, it's pretty compelling that the 2.1 firmware was also causing the VPN disconnects.
PLEASE stop auto firmware updates.
Can everyone help to upvote for the following in Idea Exchange? It would be really nice if we can choose to enable or disable automatic firmware update. "if it ain’t ˈbroke, don’t ˈfix it"
I have rolled back the firmware to 2.0.1.4 and there is no change. the router keeps resetting itself from every 10mins to every hour depending on how many devices are connected. Is there any fixes comming or am I gonna have to shell out for a new system from another company?
Did you try a Factory Reset and reconfigure manually? Sometimes rolling the firmware back leaves wrong bits of data in the NVRAM. Factory reset and pressing the reset button for 15 seconds should set it up ready for your configuration.
Bought the RBK50 and set it up in Virginia, had no problems but rolled the firmware back to 2.0.1.4 as a precaution.
Delivered the RBK50 to Portugal and it has been working fine, no need to reboot it at all.
I don't know if there are any differences in hardware but I have been reading the complaints here and they do not match my experience. Still, I do not want to upgrade to 2.1.x.x until ... 2.2 or higher. Seems that Netgear suspended the auto-upgrade feature whether an individual unit is set on Auto, or not. I have not disabled the Auto feature, though I have seen where one can do so.
So my advice is (a) do a factory reset (but 15 seconds may not be long enough - RTFM for a more certain experience) and (b) aside from either activating a Guest network or changing the network name/password or admin login password, *DON'T* change the other settings.
Even 2.0.1.4 is set to use 5 MHz backhaul.
My experience was that the 25 Mbps wired performance ("fast" - but not 700+ Mbps that I have in Baltimore MD) was maintained via ORBI WiFi in the Virginia condo of the original setup. As well, the 9.8 Mbps wired performance in rural Portugal (yeah, not very fast - it is based on DSL) is maintained at 8+ Mbps throughout a much larger house.
YMWV. Best of luck to all.
Hoping that DMZ on the ISP modem can help rule out this issue or a HW issue. Time will tell when he gets back from trip.
AmitRwrote:I wanted to reach out to provide a quick update on OrbiOS 2.1 software. We believe that these issues are affecting some users. Rest assured that we've been following this issue and working hard behind the scenes to address it. In the meantime, to those that are affected, I understand the frustration that you've been feeling. In response, we're taking the following actions:
1. We've paused the auto-firmware upgrade to MR2.1 and are re-posting MR 2.0 as the "latest" software for Orbi. What that means is that new customers will, upon first install, get upgraded to OrbiOS 2.0. They will not be able to use features introduced in OrbiOS 2.1 like Ethernet Backhaul or Circle. This will happen in the next 24 hours. Existing customers, can do a manual software upgrade back to MR 2.0 and it will stick until further notice.
For those interested in OrbiOS 2.1 features, We will post OrbiOS 2.1 available on the web server for customers who want to manual upgrade.
2. Customers who are having connectivity issues on MR 2.1 are encouraged to contact Support. We will try to help everyone. Bonus points if you're willing to work with us. We have some debug software available.
3. As more information is available, we'll keep you updated through the Community.
As an FYI, if you're having issues, a couple of quick & easy ways to self serve
1. Ensure that your Router & Satellite(s) are running the same (to the 3rd digit) of software. Best way to find this is on the Web UI (orbilogin.com. Advanced -> Admin -> Firmware Update).
2. Rebooting the system. Do this manually by unplugging & replugging in the Router & Satellites.
3. If you're having slowness when connected to the Satellite, moving it closer to the Router or to a different location
Orbi Product Management Team
- Any update on the status and ETA of new firmware? I have read in another thread that in the 2.2 beta firmware version the ethernet wired backhaul is more stable which would be much appreciated. With all the issues surrounding the Orbi, also was confirmed by Netgear, I have been waiting patiently on new firmware. This week one of my kids didn't have Wi-Fi, although being close to a satellite, I rebooted my RBK50 router via the web interface resulting in a lot of issues on my wired network (whereas the router and satellite are connected to each other for the wired ethernet backhaul). Ultimately powering off the router and satellite and then powering on first the router and then the satellite solved this, but I am far from impressed so far. With most of my other network gear to be from Netgear I expected a way better solution. I hope that someone can give an ETA for new firmware that delivers on the promises that Netgear made on the Orbi.
NG doesn't usually post any ETAs on released. You just have to keep an eye on the FW download page. I'm hoping soon as well.
In mean time,
What is the Mfr and model# of your ISP modem? Built in router by chance? Or stand alone?
Try disabling any of these features on your Orbi router to see if anything helps:
Beamforming, MIMO, Daisy Chaining or Fast Roaming. Others have mentioned that disabling MIMO, Daisy Chaining or Fast Roaming has helped with there systems...
Any other wifi nieghbors near by? Do scan and see whos around you. How many are there and what channesl are they using?
Try setting WPA2 and AES only on the Orbi router.
ronaldvr2132wrote:
Any update on the status and ETA of new firmware? I have read in another thread that in the 2.2 beta firmware version the ethernet wired backhaul is more stable which would be much appreciated. With all the issues surrounding the Orbi, also was confirmed by Netgear, I have been waiting patiently on new firmware. This week one of my kids didn't have Wi-Fi, although being close to a satellite, I rebooted my RBK50 router via the web interface resulting in a lot of issues on my wired network (whereas the router and satellite are connected to each other for the wired ethernet backhaul). Ultimately powering off the router and satellite and then powering on first the router and then the satellite solved this, but I am far from impressed so far. With most of my other network gear to be from Netgear I expected a way better solution. I hope that someone can give an ETA for new firmware that delivers on the promises that Netgear made on the Orbi.
was the debug software ever posted ?? Considering the device is stuck auto updating no matter what without "hacking" a config file wouldn't it have been less cumbersome to to just auto roll back everyone -- the few people wondering why there are missing features would had been much less of a hassle then the amount returning there routers wondering why your new router is randomly disconnecting. Normal people don't know to log into there router much less know most company's have community forums like this.
AmitRwrote:I wanted to reach out to provide a quick update on OrbiOS 2.1 software. We believe that these issues are affecting some users. Rest assured that we've been following this issue and working hard behind the scenes to address it. In the meantime, to those that are affected, I understand the frustration that you've been feeling. In response, we're taking the following actions:
1. We've paused the auto-firmware upgrade to MR2.1 and are re-posting MR 2.0 as the "latest" software for Orbi. What that means is that new customers will, upon first install, get upgraded to OrbiOS 2.0. They will not be able to use features introduced in OrbiOS 2.1 like Ethernet Backhaul or Circle. This will happen in the next 24 hours. Existing customers, can do a manual software upgrade back to MR 2.0 and it will stick until further notice.
For those interested in OrbiOS 2.1 features, We will post OrbiOS 2.1 available on the web server for customers who want to manual upgrade.
2. Customers who are having connectivity issues on MR 2.1 are encouraged to contact Support. We will try to help everyone. Bonus points if you're willing to work with us. We have some debug software available.
Can someone please let us know if the latest Beta Firmware is stable ?
JMU1998wrote:Can someone please let us know if the latest Beta Firmware is stable ?
The pre-release version of 2.2.0 has been stable for me. I’ve been running it for 4 days without a crash or reboot. It’s not 100% ready for prime time, with a few deficiencies still to iron out. I have 1 Orbi router & 2 wired satellites.
I don’t know whether the version I have is the “latest beta”. I didn’t sign a NDA to get it.
Jesus, prior when i was having connectivity issus with 2.0, I sent an email, was given 2.1, and it was wonderful, provided feedback, collected debug logs (they never advised how to send to them :/...), still, it did great things for stability!
Sadly, my latest call/email to Netgear to try out 2.2 (because **bleep** losing wired backhaul and other features), it was literally a 4 hour, 3 of it on hold while Tier 1 was on the phone with Tier 2, and all they wanted me to do was change settings, I work for a company who has to setup router's, and troubleshoot them daily... been through all of it, defaults, downgrades, ect, they didnt want to provide 2.2 firmware, only replace the unit!
Nah we know our firmware is not stable, but we want to replace hardware anyway... great job Netgear support! (for the record I dont experiance any of the hardware issues other's here have, and using RBR50 only seems to be the stablest of all... (and doing a sattalite swap with a coworker yeilds same issue for both of us).
Netgear, get some good developers ya?
So, I decided to load the 2.1.2.18 firmware (yes, it is still available on the Netgear site). I loaded it this morning and it is still running well. No issues. I have Circle enabled. I am not using the Ethernet backhaul. I have every checkbox checked in the advanced wireless settings (Daisy-chain, mu-mimo, beamforming, fast roaming, etc.).
So far so good. We will see how it goes.
- Over the past 6 months, I have spent 9 useless hours on the phone with support about this connectivity problem. Almost everyone is having the same problems. Look on eBay at all of the Orbis up for sale. They are trying to blame it on Google phones, and other connected devices, buttons activated, and buttons not activated. I have Roku, Fire TV boxes, Apple devices, Android phones, and they ALL experience the constant internet dropping of these high priced lemons. They can't fix it with a firmware upgrade, OR downgrade, because it's not software related. They know it's a hardware issue, but they keep you on the phone for 3 hours at a time trying to get you to try the same ole crap, over and over again, and never offer to do any more than send you the another replacement lemon. Why do they do that?
Because they're stalling you, long enough, for your 90 day return policy to end, at the store in which you bought this piece of junk. If it's not too late, please return this product. Trust me, even if it is working for you, at the moment, it will start going downhill fast. Worst purchase that I ever made. Netgear got over $400 of my hard-earned cash, and by the time I realized that Netgear wasn't helping me, and were only stalling me, so I wouldn't be able to return the Orbi, it was too late. Don't let this happen to you. I have excepted that I was ripped off. I had, finally had enough of watching television, with freezing and buffering, trying to watch a movie and the app couldn't even load the film, and trying to surf the net, on my phone, and having to turn off the WiFi, so I could do it. A week ago, after 6 months of running, up and down my stairs, constantly resetting these stress-causing Orbis, I unhooked them for good. Every techie, that I know, kept telling me to buy the Google system. They said that it was the only bug-free system, out there. They told me that it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, of the other systems, but it works great. I boxed up the Orbi, threw it in the corner and bought the Google system. For the past 10 days, since I installed it, I have not had a single problem. My WiFi is back to being super fast, and it STAYS connected! If you've put up with this Orbi crap, as long as I have, then please, take my advice and except the loss, and go buy the Google system. I had forgotten how nice reliable WiFi felt. Being a cord-cutter, it was essential. Now I have it back. Netgear, I trusted your product, for the past 20 years, but, not any more. I will never buy another Netgear product, ever again. You know this product is bad, and you chose to do nothing about it, except to string everyone along. Only time that I have ever felt like suing a company for ripping me off.
