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Forum Discussion
RBR/RBS50 FIRMWARE UPDATE general advice please
Hi RBR50 v1 here, working fine for 2 years without any issues. I am a naive user with little IT knowledge :smileyhappy: I have been reading alot of firmware update posts and the ensuing complex ...
Jason7 wrote:When you say "Unless NG pushes FW to your system" -- does that mean that NG automatically updates my units, ie, I do nothing in
Yes. When it first came out, Orbi was like many "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices. It was supposed to "just work" without the user doing anything. There were a number of firmware updates that happened silently in the night. (As far as I am aware, the Nighthawk line of products NEVER did this. It was always up to the user to recognize that new firmware was available and decide to install it.) Alas, some of these updates caused major issues for users and there was a significant "Hue and Cry". Since then, Netgear has floundered in regard to Orbi updates. People post that their Orbi updated firmware without them doing anything to cause it. The Orbi "app" will announce new firmware when the Orbi web interface claims "no new firmware available." Orbi will announce new firmware that is not the "most recent" release. Netgear also emails customers about "security update to firmware". From my viewpoint, customers have good cause to be confused.
As things stand today, "old timers" recommend, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Leave it the hell alone." If the Orbi is not working correctly, then a person has to balance the odds that (a) newer firmware will be "better" against, (b) newer firmware will either 'brick' the Orbi or will cause some new problem.
Will Netgear ever "push" new firmware to Orbi without the user doing anything? NO ONE KNOWS.
As a counterpoint to "don't fix what isn't broken", a firmware that has security vulnerabilities, especially if there are exploits in the wild, is broken. Netgear lists the vulnerabilities and fixes (in some cases) on
https://www.netgear.com/about/security/
If one chooses to stay with an older version, then it is a trade-off between stability and security. But it should be an informed decision. Like I said in my earlier post, Netgear may choose expediency over robust testing when releasing such hot-fixes.
Having been so preachy, I myself have not updated to the latest version.
alokeprasad wrote:As a counterpoint to "don't fix what isn't broken", a firmware that has security vulnerabilities, especially if there are exploits in the wild, is broken. Netgear lists the vulnerabilities and fixes (in some cases) on
That's a matter of opinion.
To keep things in perspective, NG used to push ALL firmware updates. You had no choice. Then users whined and cryed and wanted more choice and freedom. Just thought you'd lke to know. :smileyhappy:
My theory, FWIW, is that when Netgear is confidant about the quality and need for the update, they will put those up on the servers that feed the "check for update" feature on their device web interface.
Mine still is happy with 2.5.2.4. I'm loath to recommend any newer version, except to grizzled veterans who are aware of the risks in doing so.
alokeprasad wrote:My theory, FWIW, is that when Netgear is confidant about the quality and need for the update, they will put those up on the servers that feed the "check for update" feature on their device web interface.
Mine still is happy with 2.5.2.4. I'm loath to recommend any newer version, except to grizzled veterans who are aware of the risks in doing so.
My sentiments exactly. Be careful how you state your position in here. Some don't take kind to such views. Personal attacks run rampant. My skin has thicken while existing here.
Thanks!
