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Solved
Unable to sync/add new ORBI RBS50v2 to existing network of RBR50 and one RBS50
Current OS is Windows 10 with a simple network consisting of a RBR50 and one RBS50 purchased new and installed for our church in 2020. ORBI system has performed great since installation. Firmware (FW) has never upgraded - currently V1.1.0.16 on router and sat. Need additional coverage in back of church so we purchased a new RBS50v2 via Amazon. Have not been able to sync/add the new RBS50v2 to existing network. Seems obvious that we need to update FW on existing units but have read posts that going directly from FW V1 to current FW V2.7.5.4 is not an option. Also need to confirm the new RBS50v2 will work on the older RBR50 after updating firmware. Assuming the new sat will work on existing system, I need help on what steps/versions we need to update to in order to get to current FW version 2.7.5.4 (or earlier version that will work for all devices). Also, how do I determine current FW version of new RBS50v2 (can I connect it via ethernet cable and use orbilogin to do this)?
SUCCESS!!
As noted in my prior post on 2023-07-12 11:37 AM, the last step to resolving the issue was to add the new RBS50v2 satellite to existing network (via sync button on satellite and then sync button on the router) and update firmware. The RBS50v2 synced/added successfully. Firmware on new satellite was shipped new with 2.5.2.4 so it was updated to 2.7.3.22 to match the RBR50 and RBS50 that was already on our network (firmware had been updated from 1.1.0.16 to 2.7.3.22 on existing devices as noted in prior post). Logged in to router and verified all devices were on 2.7.3.22 and checked network to be sure wifi was working in all areas of church campus --- everything working as expected.SpeedTest (OOKLA) was about the same in all areas.
Thanks to CrimpOn and FURRYe38 for their input in resolving the issue.
The info from FURRYe38 about disconnecting the RBR from the ISP modem to avoid any auto updates would probably have saved me a lot of time.
6 Replies
manderson240 wrote:
have read posts that going directly from FW V1 to current FW V2.7.5.4 is not an option. Also need to confirm the new RBS50v2 will work on the older RBR50 after updating firmware.
Yes to both.
- The RBS50v2 satellite is entirely compatible with the original RBR50 router once they have the same firmware.
The key is updating the original router (and satellite). Once that is done, the additional satellite can be added and the firmware version will become readily apparent. - Yes. The software engineers calculated that the firmware file for the original Orbi would never exceed a specific size and built in a test as part of the firmware update process. Any firmware file that was larger than that size was automatically rejected.
The original satellite (first) and router (second) should be updated to version 2.2.1.212, which will enable them to be updated to the latest version:
https://kb.netgear.com/000060612/RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-2-1-212
Manual updates use the "Manual" Tab on the web administration "Firmware Updates" page. Above the line is for the router. Below the line for satellites. (My personal preference is to connect a web browser directly to the satellite's web page using the IP address of the satellite. Select Firmware Update from the satellite menu. - https://kb.netgear.com/31573/How-do-I-manually-upgrade-firmware-on-my-Orbi-router-using-orbilogin-com
Thanks for the info.
I was able to determine the FW version is 2.5.2.4 in the new RBS50v2. I connected it to the router via ethernet and used orbilogin on desktop PC.. The new sat appeared to connect based on the blue light that came on after it was connected to router via ethernet cable (I did not push sync button on either device). I doubt it would work properly with the different FW versions.
I plan to update old sat then the router to 2.2.1.212, then update old sat and router to 2.5.2.4 to get all three devices to 2.5.2.4. Then I will sync/add the new sat to the network. Will post results, but it may be a couple of days.
Assuming this works I will plan to update both sats and the router to curent FW after all are showing via orbilogin.
UPDATE: not there yet, but making progress. Experienced couple of automatic updates (??) during the process that kept Sat and Router out of sync on FW version. Information below provided so others may benefit from my experience doing the updates - first time I have tried updating ORBI firmware.
Below is a summary of activities completed to get our network to current status (Sat and Router both on 2.7.3.22):
I was unable to update from v1.1.0.16 directly to v2.2.1.212 -- get 'File is incorrect...' msg, so I went back to version that file would work with the update process.
1. Updated (Upd) Sat & Router to 1.4.0.18 - ok
2. Upd Sat & Router to 1.8.0.6 - ok
3. Upd Sat to 2.0.0.74 received msg at end stating 'This site cannot be reached...(IP address took too long to respond) - timed out' that stayed on screen for couple of minutes then received normal completion message and the correct version was displayed on screen. Assumed (probably not safe assumption) it was okay.
4. Upd Router to 2.0.0.74 - ok
5. Upd Sat to 2.2.1.212 - received site cannot be reached msg again and finally got the completion screen (green circle with check mark). But the version was actually updated to 2.7.3.22 based on display. Router still on 2.0.0.74 - network is working.
Did not try to update router to 2.2.1.212 - so i tried to get Router to 2.7.3.22
6. Upd Router to 2.7.3.22 - failed - did not record the message received?? - So now Router is still 2.0.0.74 and Sat 2.7.3.22
Since new RBR50V2 Sat to add is at 2.5.2.4 decided to try and get Sat & Router to 2.5.2.4.
7. Upd Sat to 2.5.2.4 - ok after two attempts - and connecting ethernet cable to Sat via Router. Received msg about going to previous version and continued-- seems to be okay. Now to get Router to 2.5.2.4 (should be a breeze, right?)
Router is still 2.0.0.74 and Sat 2.5.2.4
8. Upd Router to 2.5.2.4 - receive File is incorrect message
9. Upd Router to 2.2.1.212 - receive File is incorrect message
10. Upd Router to 2.2.1.210 - ok
11. Upd Router to 2.2.1.212 - seemed to work ok, but after completion it appears it actually updated to 2.7.3.22.
12.Upd Sat to 2.7.3.22 - ok
I see the new screens when logged in to Router via web browser (both show 2.7.3.22 as version).Get a message that Armor is not installed. One screen shows a message that Firmware is downloading and this eventually changes to a link with 2.7.4.24 (assume this can be clicked to install online?). Somewhere along the way I had to change Admin password because of new security requirements?.Network seems to be working okay at 2.7.3.22 after updates.
NEXT STEPS:
Add the new RBR50v2 Sat (which was the goal from day one) to the network and update to 2.7.3.22 (from 2.5.2.4). When this is completed I plan to let 2.7.3.22 run for a while and then update Router and both Sats to current FW (2.7.4.24?)
WILL PROVIDE UPDATE WHEN AVAILABLE (hopefully it will be short)
- The RBS50v2 satellite is entirely compatible with the original RBR50 router once they have the same firmware.
