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Netgear Nighthawk R7100LG Terrible 4G Connection (Semi-Solved).
This thread lead me to this forum.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Mobile-Routers-Hotspots-Modems/R7100LG-Internet-via-LTE-drops-out-every-hour-precisely/td-p/1373172
I too have had numerous problems with my R7100LG specifically purchased at £300 to solve the useless phoneline 'Fibre' offer by my previous provider.
Knowing my 4G connectivety on my phone hits speeds of 70Mb, I opted for the 4G offerings of unlimited data from a mobile provider. Enter the R7100LG.
I thought, in all my wisdon to upgrade to the latest firmware, pop in a SIM card and away we go... WRONG! Very Wrong!
After hours of messing around, I have FOUND and 100% CONCLUDED, changes made in the Firmware between versions R7100LG_V1.0.0.40_1.0.6 and R7100LG_V1.0.0.52_1.0.6 have messed things up SERIOUSLY. To the point it seems a limit for the Data connection is introduced.
Downgrading to an early version of the Firmware solves the problem and this is something that is quite serious that Netgear needs to look at and revert the 'speed' changes and reintroduce the 'Security Patches' they feel are essential.
I am happy now my router now works as it should on the older Firmware and although my router constantly reminds me to upgrade, I will not be touching that button until Netgear admit they made a mistake, rectify the rubbish firmware update made between those versions and release a brand new version.
In my opinion, at the price this Modem/Router retails for, with such a badly messed up firmware, this Router should have been recalled or at least the issue resolved by now. I have seen loads of problems reported for this all over the internet, but no-one recommends downgrading... well I am!
Netgear... Fix this EXPENSIVE router's problem. NOW!
3 Replies
Spoke too soon with this. It is NOT falling over to 4G or 3G. It's flakey at best. Begin troubleshooting...
I've started from the lowest available Firmware for this router and upgraded through all versions and not one of the Firmwares has addressed this problem.
As the LTE Module appears to be installed using a mini-PCIe interface, this would be driver driven.
The driver should be written into the Firmware to enable the Internal LTE Modem. However, this is failing miserably. Driver update required urgently. After a little research, I believe this card to be manufacturer by Sierra. Knowing Netgear products are global, I will assume that the Card chosen to run this magic gadget is an EM7565.
Netgear should do one of the following regarding the situation with the R7100LG -- Release a new firmware with the latest driver upgrade for this internal device to at least get it to work. IMMEDIATELY.
- Recall ALL Nighthawk 4G LTE Modem Router's sold and apologise.
- Allow DD-WRT or Tomato to address the issue via OpenSource (unlikely as it has the word 'Modem' on the box).
For those of you finding this post, I am not alone here and neither are you. Add your 2 pence/cents to the thread... I have crawled the internet for answers to this problem and have come across hundreds of negative comments and reviews about this product and Netgear are ignoring all of them and at the price you paid for this product is absolutely disgusting and they are STILL SELLING IT.
Just some of the places... Amazon / Scan / Box / MyOpenRouter
Even the Netgear Community website is flooded with owners have problems with it.
Do not get me wrong, as a router this thing is fantastic, but why buy a R7100LG over a R7000LG apart from costing twice as much... we NEED LTE/4G Connectivity. It's THAT simple.
4G/LTE is capable of speeds upto 80Mb downloads and I have actually seen this modem acheive that for about an hour. It then drops incredibly to an average of 5Mb on 4G Only. Switch to 3G and I gain a constant and stable 20Mb. 3G is fine, but NOT what I bought this thing for.
Some may be thinking it's my local area... it's not, my Samsung S9 (with great LTE) achieves 70Mb with the same supplier in the exact same location as my R7100LG consistently. I won't be palmed off with 'its the local conditions' or 'reboot the router' or 'its my supplier'.
NO, It's your router running an out of date driver version for a deivce internally. No doubt about it.Try and prove me wrong like you've palmed other consumers off with. Just try.
I couldn't care less that you've updated the Ookla's Speedtest Logo and added some 'security fixes'
I, along with hundreds if not thousands of upset customers want this promising, yet shockingly unsupported product, updated and the firmware fixed.Delete this thread. This place is pointless. My posts get deleted.
- Have the same issues.. have to use an old firmware just ta have it semi-stable.
Still waiting for an updated firmware with a fix!?