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Forum Discussion
Spudly
Aug 15, 2016Aspirant
GS724T - Version number and firmware upgrade
Hello, I have a Netgear (duh) GS724T smart switch. I've had it for several/many years and never really had a need to manage it. Now, I do. I am able to change the IP so I can make it accessibl...
- Aug 19, 2016
Hi Spudly,
This is actually a very good question and other users should see this. Yes, there are firmware versions that require you to factory default the switch especially if there are major changes done. Now, you can save a backup of the configuration of the switch and then reload it back. But since it is a major FW upgrade there is a chance that it might not accept a configuration from an older version. Just to make sure, I suggest getting a screenshot of the pages that you have a configuration change.
The updates are essential in a way that they fix bugs from older versions and add new features to the switch. For me, updates are optional unless you are experiencing a bug that needs to be fixed or you are chasing an update that adds more functionality to the switch. If you like the way the device works now and are okay with the features, I'd rather not take the risk.
Thanks,
Spudly
Aug 19, 2016Aspirant
Hello JonRo,
I was going to PM you this but thought I'd make it public in case it is relevant to others.
I downloaded the three newer versions of firmware in anticipation of incrimentally updating. However when I started the first one, the documentation indicates that upon updating the settings would be reset to their defaults. I have some elements configured for port mirroring, etc. and decided (at the time) it wasn't worth it to go through the update and re-applying the settings considering everything is working fine as is.
So I ask, are these firmware updates essential? Is there any significant risk of keeping the stock firmware? Currently the switch works and does what I need it to do, so unless otherwise advised I tend to the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' in this case.
Thoughts?
Thank you,
Glenn
JohnRo
Aug 19, 2016NETGEAR Employee Retired
Hi Spudly,
This is actually a very good question and other users should see this. Yes, there are firmware versions that require you to factory default the switch especially if there are major changes done. Now, you can save a backup of the configuration of the switch and then reload it back. But since it is a major FW upgrade there is a chance that it might not accept a configuration from an older version. Just to make sure, I suggest getting a screenshot of the pages that you have a configuration change.
The updates are essential in a way that they fix bugs from older versions and add new features to the switch. For me, updates are optional unless you are experiencing a bug that needs to be fixed or you are chasing an update that adds more functionality to the switch. If you like the way the device works now and are okay with the features, I'd rather not take the risk.
Thanks,
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