Just downloaded the latest release V1.9.1.12 and noticed in the official release notes from Netgear it states as fix 'Continious Improvement in wireless connection stability'..Dosent spefically makre reference to discconections but that sounds like a promising fix. Wonder if and when people update if they post if they have had discconnections (ios or Andriod) since installing V1.9.1.12 then we may know if its been fixed permanently

Netgear Moderators, I would like to attempt one last method to fix these multiple problems with the Orbi product. Rather than complaining, and throwing away my $600 investment, perhaps the Netgear engineers and developers would be perceptive to suggestions which I am sure can resolve some (if not all) of these problems. First, let me say Thank You! Thank you for your attempts to create an appealing looking product. It doesn’t look like a science project gone wrong with 6 antennas and 10 LED lights. It doesn’t cause my guest to ask me, “What is that weird looking thing”. Thank you for your attempts to innovate and solve the large home WIFI coverage problem. Thank you for the speed. Yes, its fast! With all that you made right, some portions of the Orbi product are missing the mark. I believe I may know what you are overlooking. You tried to create an EASY, SIMPLE, and high tech product that could be used by anyone, especially non-technical consumers. Unfortunately, what you “may” be missing is the reality that no one solution for WIFI exist for everyone. Therefore, other WIFI OEMs allow access to advance settings enabling consumer to tweak and tune the product to their specific use case and environment. Homes, buildings come in a large variety of sizes, floor plans, building materials and other variables which can cause interference from other locations. Possibly home appliances and other devices which may not “play friendly” with Orbi, despite your best attempts to find the one configuration that works for everyone. It’s just not possible! Hence, I ask of you. I plead with you. Beg of you! Stop trying to make Orbi work for everyone using your locked-in configurations. Allow some flexibility! Here are my suggestions which have proven to be affective for all of you competitors. Many of these suggestions have been posted in your” ideas” area forum. We must assume you are too busy, or have somehow over looked these suggestions. Allow the 2.4G and 5G radio SSIDs to be separated. All other OEMs which use any type of “smartconnect” ability allow that feature to be disabled. Because it doesn’t always work for EVERYONE. There are too many client devices in this world. 2 devices may work, and 2 may not. Allow this separation and it further removes the burden of band-steering. I can lock in my devices to a specific 2.4G or 5G band, and Orbi doesn’t need to worry about moving my devices to the other 2.4G radio. This should help with disconnects. It also allows Netgear to sell more Orbi Satellites. I would be inclined to buy an additional satellite so I have large 5G coverage, rather than moving to 2.4G. Let the user decide, as all your competition allows. Allow Orbi node/device-steering to be completely disabled. The Orbi is Fast. VERY FAST! It should not be required to force client devices back to the main Orbi router. If my client device has a good connection to the satellite, then let it stay there, or move on its own if the RSSI drops beyond 75. Most modern devices handle roaming VERY WELL, and do not need your help. Don’t risk a client disconnect by forcing the device to move to the router. Please provide the option to disable all band-steering. Please expose the client device, and Orbi Satellite device, RSSI, MCS Data Rate, connected radio, and which Orbi node its connected to. This will allow your users to have troubleshooting ability…AND it will allow better placements of the Satellites if you can show the “REAL” RSSI and MCS of the satellite connections. When a Satellite powers up and gives that white light showing a good connection. What it doesn’t tell you is how stable that connection is. I have two locations in my home that can cause random fluctuations in my signal strength. It will be good one moment, and not good 60 seconds later. I have been FORCED to use a Samsung Android Smartphone with WIFI Analyzer to determine the TRUE quality of a Satellite location because your product refuses to show any detailed information. Please allow automatic updates to be DISABLED. Netgear suffers the same problem all manufactures experience. Sometimes you get it WRONG. Sometimes a code update causes more problems. Your customers should be allowed to choose if they want to update, or NOT. This can be resolved via Orbi light illuminations telling the user something needs to be performed. It can also be notified via the Orbi App. But it should be “notify first, then allow the user to accept or decline the update”. Your recent 1.9.x update has caused more problems than it solved. Further making the Orbi NOT SIMPLE. And there are other “nice to have” features such as vLAN support for guest network. And others…But I would be happy see the above changes made. These requests are ALREADY part of the command line, but using them is difficult, requires research, and should the user make any changes in the Web GUI, the command line changes are lost. Please read this, and please make Orbi work. These changes should take no more than 2-4 weeks. Thank You

Gentlemen, and ladies, if there are some, Orbi needs to work as designed. That means any “fix” that requires; a. Disabling MU-MINO, b. Disable Beamforming, c. Reduce your power, d. Unplug you Satellites, etc, etc. This is NOT a “fix”. If my car is not operating properly and the dealer or manufacture instructs me to disable half my cylinders, never use my AC, radio, or cruise control, etc, keep your RPMs under 3K and never drive faster than 40MPH. Well, I think you would all agree that I would be “complaining”. And asking for a refund. What “I believe” is happening is the Orbi Algorithm is not working for “SOME”. Of course, it will work for some, and not others. WHY? Because there is no single magic Algorithm that works for every environment and client device. Cisco, and many other commercial grade wireless systems usually have a central control station that manages all APs in a multiple AP environment. This control station monitors all connections and status of all APs. It will change channels of some APs depending on the APs location and nearby interference, it will steer clients to other APs based on that devices capability and the overall status of the APs grid. And it will do MANY other things to insure a proper, healthy, functional and stable WIFI experience. It does this dynamically because WIFI conditions are never the same though the day, week, month, etc. One minute it has 10 clients, and one hour later it has 40. One hour the client is close to AP node 1, then it shows its closer to AP node 2. If the device does not move itself to the better AP node, the control station will move it. If I have an Algorithm that instructs; “If” client connects to Orbi Sat using 5G radio, “and” its RSSI is -65 or better, “then” DO NOT STEER to 2G, or Orbi Router. “If” client RSSI drops below -65 using 5G radio, “then” steer to Sat 2G radio. “If” client RSSI is -65 or lower using Sat 2G radio, “then” steer to Orbi Router 2G radio, “only” if RSSI is -65 or greater using Router 2G radio. If client RSSI is -40 or greater using router 2G radio, “then” steer to router 5G radio. The above is a VERY simple Algorithm for example purposes. I think Netgears’ Algorithm is broken, and they are “trying” to find the one Algorithm that works for EVERYONE. I think Netgear is trying to prevent the Sat backhaul from becoming too congested. Hence, the Algorithm is bias to the router and attempts to steer clients to the router as much as possible. The problem with any “bias” to the router, is modern devices that are not STUPID and can see the Sat having a much greater signal (-50 or better, compared to the current -70 it may have), and it switches to the Sat. But then, the Orbi Algorithm runs again and kicks the client back to the router. And the circle starts again. The client devices will “argue” and switch back to the Sat and Orbi will repeat this process again. But, after a few bounces between the router and Sat. the client drops its connection. And this can be due to several reasons. Example; 1. The client MAC is now showing on both Sat and Router and the L2 switching doesn’t know what path to reach the device. 2. The Apple client code realizes it cannot maintain a consistent connection to the WIFI network and hence it gives up and DROPS because its tired of being kicked several times to different AP nodes. It wants to choose the AP node itself, so it says screw you Orbi. Some devices are STUPID, and once they lock onto a BSSID AP Node, they stay. And if steering moves that device to another AP node, then it stays there. Some devices with bad and lazy code are perfect candidates for steering because they lack the intelligence to move to a better AP node. But newer devices with good code DO NOT like steering. They will go to WAR with it. But, the WIFI gods know this, so they created flags that APs can send to clients with “suggestions”. “Hey iPhone, I have this wonderful AP node with a much better signal, so why not try that.” The iPhone can choose to ignore it. If the iPhone has an existing data connection that must be maintained, it may choose to stay on the AP node it is using, and perhaps switch AP nodes once it goes back to idle. Example, Flash is on a WIFI Call. So, NO. I want to stay where I am at because switching may break the connection. I will move later. But if Orbi forces the move and STP and other network features are not used...Guess what...DROP... Again, this is what I believe could be causing the problem, but it’s hard to prove because unlike EVERYONE else who makes Multi-AP platforms with steering and other advanced features. They let you see the Algorithm and change it. They let you disable and enable features that may, or may not, work for YOU. WHY? Because they know there is no one size, no single Algorithm, that WORKS FOR EVERYONE.

We've been putting in significant work on these disconnect issues and wireless stability and every new release typically has improvements in it. The challenge is that there are literally thousands of devices running multiple versions of software that a router or WiFi System needs to work with, and occassionally interoperability issues arise as the two systems try to talk to each other. When that happens, rest assured that we're working very hard to stay on top of these issues and solve them. When we come up with a proposed fix, we always want to test out our fixes in a real-world environment, before rolling it out for everyone and we use the beta program for that. At this stage, we think we have a solution for some of them but we want to test it out in a smaller environment. If you're interested in helping us, please feel free to contact Support. Thanks, Orbi Product Management

Good luck to you all. I have given up and sold my orbi at a substantial financial loss, but with a net gain. I gain back my time and lack of frustration in purchasing another product that just works. Unfortunately, Netgear has a great idea but only a half baked product, hoping that we/you will stick it out until it is fully baked. My fear in that is that with a 1.OMG release, there will be a condition in which the hardware will not be able to support the necessary changes in code to run properly, hence making an Orbi 2.(0H.. this is what it should have been from the start). I am personally not willing to beta any further. Too many issues for something that should just work. Good luck all. Tom

Flash008 wrote:LOL It's called denial, brother. Let me enjoy my denial a little while longer. :smileysad: I want them to work really bad too but I had to cut the ties. Even if I don't stick with the Ubiquiti setup I will not go back to the Orbi's. I will find something else.

Update V1.9.1.12 Netgear officially announcing 'Improvement in wireless connection Stability'

265 Replies

AMarket42
Star
May 16, 2017
I agree with everything you've written! Sadly, I've spent time wondering some of the very same issues, like Sling and my ESPN app, along with WiFi drops. Sadly, even if I decide to move on, I'm out $400 I won't ever recoup, as well as the countless hours I've spent on the phone with support, with others trying to get this products to work as they claimed and the cost of having new drops added to my house so I could move it around to different spots. I'm tired of disabling, enabling, turning down the power, moving them to 17 different locations, checking the forum, and on and on... I'm trying to remain patient, as I've owned it for about 3 months, but it's wearing me out. I'm hopeful that all this time, effort and money wont be a complete loss. Thanks for sharing!
- Flash008
  Luminary
  May 16, 2017
  I was on a work conference call. Skype Internet Call, which seems to be more popular these days (internet calls) I was being asked a question. Then NOTHING. My call dropped, TV disconnected. Every client device I have dropped.
  
  Orbi Router and Satellite show White light. Orbi Rebooted itself.
  
  Checked Orbi logs, NOTHING. No reason!!!
  
  Still running beta code.
  
  Thanks, Orbi
  
  Thanks, Netgear
  
  Anyone here want to ask me how often my ASUS or Cisco AP devices randomly rebooted.
  
  HINT: NEVER
  
  Netgear, you do realize that in 2017 more, and more, services are running over the internet? TV, Telephone, Alarm System and pretty much everything else.
  
  Our employers are having us leverage Skype and Webex using Internet IP Voice, instead of the analog bridge numbers. Netgear, are you aware of the current and coming trends.
  
  Somewhat hard to live and work in 2017 with bad WIFI.
  - fbraz50
    Apprentice
    May 16, 2017
    Brother, move on. That's the best advice I can give you at this point.
    
    The Ubiquiti Experiment on my end has been going well. I feel like I do need/want a second AP somewhere but we will see after a few more days.
Retired_Member
May 17, 2017
The router has it's own disconnect issues, but there is definitely a major problem with the connection between router and satellite. If you watch the signal with a Wi-Fi analyzer app, you will probably see the backhaul signal (no SSID) constantly dropping, which takes out devices connected to the satellite with it.
Irishbrowncoat
Star
May 17, 2017
Frustrating that after all this time the reason to own a mesh router EXPLICIT BEAMFORMING is encouraged to be off for stability? This isn't a cheap option, and a fix has been promised all along. Disappointed would be a gross understatement at this point. Sadly beyond my return period, however thankfully work for a retailer who sells these so I can encourage customers to seek other routers that do work.
- JMU1998
  Luminary
  May 17, 2017
  Hopefully this fix is in the Beta fw that some are helping Netgear Engineering test currently.
- Flash008
  Luminary
  May 22, 2017
  Over 1 week of running Beta code.
  
  Yes, it’s better than 1.9.x, but still has problems.
  
  Random reboot with Orbi router 3 days after applying beta. No reason, no logs, no nothing. Netgear ask me to send the the debug log. Its empty.
  Still experience random disconnects with iPhone and iPad, and Apple TV.
  
  Yes, beta is more stable than 1.9.x, but that is not a good thing for many of us.
  
  1.8.x had problems that needed resolution. It was not stable. Netgear releases 1.9.x which was FORCED on us due to auto-update. No option to disable auto-update. Several methods have been provided by forum members to block Orbi’s auto-update ability, but those methods require a separate router with firewall port-blocking ability, which not everyone has. 1.9.x was HORRIBLE. It made Orbi virtually useless for many of us, forcing us to run back to 1.8.x, only to wake up and find it had auto-updated back to 1.9.x.
  
  Netgear lowered the bar so LOW with 1.9.x that we now view 1.8.x as the benchmark for “GOOD”. But 1.8.x was not GOOD. It was also problematic.
  
  So, to tell me that the beta is now operating at the level of 1.8.x IS NOT an improvement.
  
  Once again, I am being forced to disable my WIFI on my iPhone devices because WIFI-Calling disconnects. My SlingTV is still buffering, and so is Sony Vue. My home internet applications are not stable because the WIFI is not stable. Skype for Business pops up every 30 minutes screaming it cannot connect to the Skype services (runs on my Macbook Pro).
  
  I have begun my research and planning into Unifi from UBNT. I will most likely move to this solution within the next 2-3 weeks. I would appreciate any others who have used Unifi to share their experiences. Please.
  
  My denial is over. Netgear’s next firmware release MUST not only make Orbi work in the most basic realm of “stable WIFI”. But it must improve on the many other areas we owners and forum members have expressed.
  
  I was helping a friend today with a tech problem (using WIFI-Calling). I shared with him my last 2 years of down-teching my home and choosing products that are more simple and easier on the eyes. I shared with him my Orbi experience (10 minutes into wifi-calling and dropped, calling him back), and working with Netgear Dev Teams to test beta code due to the problems. He laughed and said, “It doesn’t sound like you made your life and home easier”. 20 minutes into call, Dropped again, disable WIFI and use cellular connection. On the phone 60 minutes via cellular, not a single disconnect.
  
  I think this week I am going to role back all devices to my ASUS RT3200. See how well it does for the week. If it holds connections stable for the entire week (as it did before Orbi), then my problem is validated.
marshymallow
Apprentice
May 18, 2017
Currently on this FW.
WWM disabled.
MU-MIMO disabled.
Beamforwarding disabled.

WIFI still drops on Android devices while stationary !

This WIFI drop issue is the biggest bane to Orbi right now !
- mixolyd
  Star
  May 18, 2017
  beta firmware definitely seems more stable on my end...
  - marshymallow
    Apprentice
    May 19, 2017
    How do I get a download of the Beta Firmware?
mixolyd
Star
May 19, 2017
Contact support
fbraz50
Apprentice
May 22, 2017
I'm running the beta as well. I haven't had a chance to really test fully yet. My desktop hasn't dropped yet in 24 hours of constant pinging of google.com. I will try to do some more stressful testing as this week goes on.

I'm sorry to hear your issues are still continuing and I will post back when I've really done mine.
- Bing-Stroller
  Luminary
  May 22, 2017
  Update V1.10.1.2 currently rolling out in UK
  - peteytesting
    Hero
    May 22, 2017
    RBR50 (Orbi Router) Firmware Version 1.9.1.12
    
    is the latest version available to the public , anything after that is within beta and is under NDA
Bing-Stroller
Luminary
May 22, 2017
I don't have a link.

I logged into my router and it said there was an update available

So I updated !
Retired_Member
May 22, 2017
Whoa easy there Flash008, way to blow the NDA by hinting toward the beta number!! :)
- Flash008
  Luminary
  May 22, 2017
  LOL....NDA still good buddy. Calm yourself and go back a read an NDA and a definition of an NDA.
  
  Specific data is NOT allowed.
  
  General (high-level) comments of positive or negative experiences. Like or dislike comments, along with "implying" "something" is different, does not provide specific information.
  
  If it did, then 90 percent of government clearance holders (which I have) along with corporate spokes people who talk about upcoming products releases and generalized comments via Bloomberg and conventions, would all be fired, imprisoned and/or sued.
  
  To say “The weapon used is newer, or older, than a current weapon being used in a government military operation” does not violate an NDA, or Clearance (unless the operation was classified). Providing specific data about the weapon would get you in a lot of trouble.
  
  The existence of a Netgear Beta was made public by Netgear. Sharing with the public that the public release of 10.1.2 is “newer” than the “beta’ does not, in anyway, share specific details of the beta.
  
  Netgear’s purpose for an NDA is to protect intellectual property, and to limit the public knowledge of “specific” details concerning non-released, non-supported, and any changes that may not be permanent, ‘un-finished”. The last thing Netgear wants is to have me sharing incoming features and other details that they may later decide to not release. Or to share the beta code with someone who may call support for an untrained firmware release.
  
  But I am sure you were looking for a laugh, so HA HA HA…..Happy Sunday, or Monday (UK).
  
  Congratulations to all those who graduated school. Too many graduations these days. Do we really need a graduation for every grade level.
  - marshymallow
    Apprentice
    May 22, 2017
    From Singapore
    
    I concur to just receiving official FW Ver. 1.10.1.2 and auto updated.
    Will report back bout the WIFI drop issue upon testing.
    
    Cheers
tubastank
Apprentice
May 22, 2017
From Central Time United States

I too can confirm FW ver. 1.10.1.2 is available for download. Very odd this is being publicly released when I just installed the beta code a couple days ago. No mention from support this new FW ver. was available nor what bugs it fixes. You'd think they'd release it to beta testers first.
- fstockel
  Star
  May 22, 2017
  I was running beta fw too. But installed 1.10.2 as the version number was higher. The beta version seems to have solved my problem with WAN disconnects but the new official (1.10.2) made my issues with disconnects come back again. I really had my hopes for the official as the beta was very promising on my orbi kit. I reverted back to beta this morning and my problems went away again.
- Cafetom
  Star
  May 22, 2017
  Having run this 1.10.1.2 version now for 2 hours, I think the release notes of "Fixed few bugs" is accurate. :D
tubastank
Apprentice
May 22, 2017
My support case hasn't been updated; however I did submit a question on what to do. Stay on beta release or upgrade to new public release.

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Update V1.9.1.12 Netgear officially announcing 'Improvement in wireless connection Stability'