RBR40 Braindead!

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farmboy3000 wrote:

• Attempted firmware update using firmware using TFTP client.  I wasn't able to transfer the files as the Orbi is unresponsive.  Cant even ping the unit when hardwired to my PC.

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Yes, it might be dead, although I believe the LED by the power switch is supposed to be green.

Flashing firmware with TFTP or mnrpflash is not simple.  It took me six tries once to flash an Orbi router.  It appears that during the U-Boot sequence, there is a brief window of time when the router looks for a TFTP connection. Too soon, and it isn't ready yet.  Too late, and it's too late.  It is also really a chore to set up. (disconnecting everything from the router. setting the PC to a static IP, subnet, etc.) getting TFTP ready to go.) Hit the power button, count to "one", send the file.  Well, that failed.  Turn it back off. get TFTP ready again. Hit the power button. Count "one, two" send the file.  SIX tries!!!

It is no surprise that it did not respond to ICMP (ping). Because the boot sequence has not completed, the software necessary to respond to ping has not loaded.

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farmboy3000 wrote:

I've only had it since 2019 and need something more durable for the price.  Looking at TP-Link Deco.  Any thoughts?

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If the goal is higher performance (perhaps move to a gigabit ISP plan soon) keeping it for a long time, and more coverage than a single WiFi access point can provide, I would look at:

• A Tri-Ban mesh system, where user radios do not share radio time with the 'backhaul' link between router and satellites
• A system that supports WiFi6, which is becoming more and more common.
• Something from a major brand (Amazon eero, TP-Link, Asus, Ubiquiti, Netgear, Linksys) in other words... I do not see any obvious favorite that is "head and shoulders above the rest".