RBK50 Firmware Version 2.5.2.4?

Mstrbig
Master
Aug 25, 2020
I posted this in another thread about fimware:
Since there is so much confusion out there, (I know I'm confused), about what firmware is official and what firmware is causing issues, etc., plus the fact that my company installs these systems for customers, I contacted Netgear direct and talked to their support specialist.
According to the Netgear specialist:
"There is no firmware 2.5.1.22, 2.5.1.32 and as well 2.5.2.4 for RBR40, RBR50, even on RBR50v2 -The latest firmware for RBR40, RBR50, RBR50v2 should be "2.5.1.16" - It is Highly suggested that to install firmware for the appropriate model number only which is posted on our Netgear support site. Could you elaborate where you are seeing 2.5.1.22, 2.5.1.32 and 2.5.2.4 for download?"
Many of you are saying that Netgear is pushing these newer firmware to your Orbi systems, but Netgear is saying no. I checked the last 10 installs, and had our customers, check the version number on their Orbi devices. All are on 2.5.1.16 and all systems were new out of the box.
This raises a valid question, as to where these versions are coming from and why some have received them and others not.
So, to take a poll, who received the newer firmware who purchased their product new from an authorized seller, and who received the newer firmware who purchased their product used?
- Mountainman95
  Aspirant
  Aug 25, 2020
  I am running RBR50v2 router/satellite purchased new from Best Buy. Mine were updated to 2.5.1.32 which was downloaded from Netgear (no doubt about where it came from, I always absolutely verify). A couple 2 or 3 weeks ago Netgear pushed an update on both route and satellite to 2.5.2.4 overnight with no notice. I did not request it and have auto updates turned off.
- mjdyer305
  Tutor
  Aug 25, 2020
  Mstrbig Not sure if you're still in touch with support but if so you can provide them these links:
  
  NOTE: I have not tested these links and there is no documentation/release notes:
  
  <Direct links to firmware downloads have been removed for security purposes. Please contact ChristineT for details.>
  
  Note that these files have a different prefix than the regular downloads: `https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBK50/`
  
  I purchased my Orbi from Newegg on ebay as a "manufacturer refurbished" unit.
  
  My system was auto-updated and to date I have not seen any release notes, etc. I did receive a "your orbi has been updated..." message on my phone.
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Aug 25, 2020
    Those links are auto update links used by the system. Not meant for used by users idealy. NG would be already aware of these and any information behind them.
    
    If your system auto upated to v4 then you can keep it loaded and use it. If you see problems, I recommnend you factory reset the system and setup from scratch and see if the problems resolve. If not, then revert to v16. I have not had a chance to load v4 yet and last time I checked, v4 wan't avaialble on it. v16 has been working well for me and others.
    
    I'm sure NG will post something when and if they deside v4 is approved for public release.
    
    <Portion of post has been removed by a NETGEAR Moderator for security purposes>
    
    My system was auto-updated and to date I have not seen any release notes, etc. I did receive a "your orbi has been updated..." message on my phone.
- gjacknow
  Guide
  Aug 25, 2020
  I don't thikn we need to go down conspiracy theory paths here.
  
  The simple explanation is the person you talked to at Netgear has no clue what they were talking about.
  
  I spend a good bit of my job talked to tech support and it is surprising how often that is the case, at least at first untill you explain how they can'tbe right and force them to look further into it.
  
  We know that a bunch of folks here downloaded 2.5.1.32 from their website where it was up for months (protected by cert, so definitely them unless large hack was done) despite the app not offering it as an auto-update. Had you pointed that out and forced him to go find something that actually knew what was going on that and its being pulled etc you might have gotten answers.
  
  What we know is the folks with the .32 firmware all got auto-updated to 2.5.2.4. around the same time .32 it was pulled from the website. At least at some point if you reinstalled .32 it updated again. It also updated an satellites to that same version. And just recently started updating 40 series to 2.5.1.22.
  
  And you can install .16 and it will stay at that version.
  
  At some pont one woudl expect they will decide what they have been developing is stable enough to be the official release and this will all line up.
  - Mstrbig
    Master
    Aug 25, 2020
    gjacknow wrote:
    I don't thikn we need to go down conspiracy theory paths here.
    The simple explanation is the person you talked to at Netgear has no clue what they were talking about.
    I spend a good bit of my job talked to tech support and it is surprising how often that is the case, at least at first untill you explain how they can'tbe right and force them to look further into it.
    
    Had you pointed that out and forced him to go find something that actually knew what was going on that and its being pulled etc you might have gotten answers.
    
    Where did your conspiracy theory statement come from? I never said anything about a conspiracy, LOL.
    Do you know the person I talked to? I contacted my reliable source, who had a"clue what they were talking about".
    I didn't need to find someone for answers, as he was the one with the answers.
    I don't doubt the fact that the ones, that installed the bad firmware, received an emergency update or 2 or 3, as there are even newer firmware versions available.
    And you are probably correct assuming that sooner or later Netgear will get their S$&* together and come up with a correct firmware version.

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