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Forum Discussion
FreddieS
Feb 15, 2025Apprentice
Xr1000 V2 having DNS issues and unable to connect to websites
I just bought this router and i am having some series issues. I have updated to the latest firmware and did all the suggested things. Is anyone else having these issues and has anyone fixed it? I ha...
MrGrumpy
Feb 20, 2025Star
I'm having the same issue. Internet is "lost" for thirty seconds to a minute. Error messages often reference "DNS". It then comes back. Interestingly during one of these outages, I could access my NASs, but not the modem (on its "management when in modem mode" address, 192.168.100.1)
The Nighthawk has been in use since June 2024, but these failures started about 10-15 days ago.
Modem is a Virginmedia HUB4 in "modem" mode. It's about a week old (coincidence?). VM decided I needed a new modem/hub, but the issues started before it was installed - indeed it was while on the VM site looking for answers, that they offered a new hub.
Nighthawk firmware is XR1000v2-V1.1.0.22_2.1.34.
Started out with settings for "Internet IP Address" & "DNS Address" as "Get Dynamically/Automatically from ISP"
Router MAC Address is "Default"
Adblocker is not enabled.
Currently using Static addresses for DNS Servers, namely 8.8.8.8 (Google) and 194.168.4.100 (VM's "primary DNS server")
robturpin
Feb 22, 2025Apprentice
Hi folks. I'm glad that I'm not the only one experiencing this frustrating issue.
So I first noticed it about a month ago as well, and that's about when I switched from using my Arris Surfboard cable modem to Xfinity's XB8. SO, naturally I assumed (incorrectly it turns out) that their XB8 had introduced and was the root cause. After much troubleshooting however, that doesn't seem likely. I worked with Xfinity tier 2 internet support and we eliminated my router, switch, etc. and just went coax > modem > ethernet > single computer and poof - the issue was gone and unreproducible.
Then, I began reintroducing the rest of my components into the network one at a time, and as soon as I reconnected my XR1000v2 router - BAM - issue's back! This happens on all pc's and laptops, in all of the major browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), and with almost any website (when it actually happens, which is very random). As the OP stated, I'll open up and/or browse to a website and it instantly starts spinning and ends in a few dns errors, but within 1-2 minutes the website(s) all pop up and everything works fine again.
Next I completely factory reset it and set it up as basic as possible, and it seemed ok for about a day, but sadly the issue popped right back up within 24 hours.
I'm literally at my wit's end trying to figure this thing out. Is there any network troubleshooting software or something that can help up 1) determine exactly what is happening, and 2) which piece of hardware is causing this?
I guess our common devices is our first clue to determining if it actually is an issue with the XR1000v2.
By the way, I'm using a Xfinity XB8 modem/gateway (in bridged mode with custom security settings opened up as wide as possible - every security feature disabled), a NetGear XR1000v2 router, a NetGear GS108 8-port unmanaged gigabit switch, everything including all pc's and laptops connected using CAT6 550MHz cables.
- FreddieSFeb 23, 2025Apprentice
Who is your ISP ?
- Netduma-FraserFeb 23, 2025NetDuma Partnerrobturpin do you have Adblocker enabled? Are the devices having trouble connected to the switch that are connected to the XR? Do they get the same issue direct to the XR?
- robturpinFeb 23, 2025Apprentice
Mine's Xfinity/Comcast cable
- robturpinFeb 23, 2025Apprentice
Nope, I've tried with extra feature like geo filter, qos, traffic controller and ad blocker all turned off. And it happens on devices regardless of how they're connected - some on wi-fi, some hardwired directly to the router and some hardwired to the switch.
I've tried to hardwire a second router directly to the Xfinity modem/gateway, but it won't pull wan ip, dns, etc.. Must be some setting that they have to prevent multiple routers?
I've also tried (myself after letting the Xfinity tech off of the phone) connecting a pc directly to the gateway, but it won't get internet even by manually assigning addresses (probably not using the correct addresses though tbh).
- FreddieSFeb 23, 2025Apprentice
I have spectrum. And it was to both of you. I am getting a new Router to see if i have the same issue. So far connected just to the Modem i am having no problems.
- DennydevitoFeb 24, 2025Aspirant
Yes, I am having this issue too which has completely stopped the show. From out of nowhere maybe a week ago, I have started seeing these slowdowns, errors and DNS issues occur on all browsers for just one PC initially, now on every device in the network.
To dot point what i have carried out/confirmed:
- XR1000v2 Firmware is up to date
- I have tried cold booting everything (Modem first, wait 2 mins, power up the XR1000v2, wait like 5 mins, same issue occurs)
- I don't have adblocker enabled in the XR1000v2, turned it off because it was slowing the hell out of the thing out of the box
- I originally had my DNS set to my ISP's recommended DNS and when these issues started occurring, I changed those to Google's DNS for Pri and Sec (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), cold booted again as above process. No change.
- Rebooted all devices on network, same symptoms, no change.
All I can really say without ability to access any diagnostic logs (apologies if I am able to get to these, but at a glance couldn't see where they live) is that the router was working, and now all of a sudden it had started to freak out. Before i ripped it out, it was displaying a Pink LED on the internet connection which tracks that there was a problem there.
Kind of a bummer as I dropped extra $$$ on this router because I've had Nighthawk products in the past and they have been absolutely bulletproof. this new router was good, but now i cant even connect to it. it is screwed up badly. Looking at previous posts from others it seems like factory reset wont fix it either.
After typing this out on my phone, I have plugged in my last Router (Non-Netgear) instead, and everything has come online perfect. So it ain't any issue with anything external, ISP, settings etc. The issue has to be an issue with the router.
As mentioned, I have been a big fan of Netgear products historically, but this has really soured my opinion of the product.
I will keep an eye out for any updates that might fix the issue, but if i dont see anything soon i might take the router back for a refund. I need something that is reliable and not just going to up and stop working sporadically - MrGrumpyFeb 24, 2025Star
ISP is Virgin Media (VM) in the UK.
To recap.
1. The XR1000V2 was purchased last June (2024) and has been working pretty well, with one exception: I was always unable to log on to the admin pages from my PC (having given it the requisite four minutes waiting time), unless first rebooting the NH. I could then access the admin pages for a couple of days, before it wouldn't load. However, I was always able to access the pages from the NH App on my mobiles). Curious but not a show shopper.
2. About three weeks ago my wife reported that she was getting DNS failures (hence no internet) from her (Ethernetted) Win 11 PC. But her Win 10 laptop was fine when we plugged both into a GS 305 switch sitting on her desk. At this time I had not noticed any outages from my Win 11 PC (ethernet) or iThings (wifi).
3. Our first investigations centred on her PC (which had been working just up to this point). Configuration looked OK. But she reported an increasing frequency of DNS failures, and eventually looked at VM's support pages. They did a test of our connection and decided that we needed a new modem. This duly arrived about a week (and a bit) ago, was duly installed in "modem" mode. This did not solve the issue of the DNS failures and indeed the issue seemed to spread to my PC & iThings! Curiously though, access to the NH admin pages from my PC started working.
4. So it was time for a change. The NH was removed, and the VM Hub4 re-installed in "Modem + router" mode, connecting straight into the Cisco Gigaswitch. And it has been fine ever since. Indeed my wife has reported that "internetting" seems subjectively quicker than before.
5. The next step is to monitor for a few days, then reinstate the Nightwalk (having performed a factory reset).
Was there an automatic update to the NH firmware in the last few weeks? Current version is noted in a previous post
- Netduma-FraserFeb 24, 2025NetDuma PartnerI'm just checking with the team if we've done a cloud update recently that could have potentially caused it. It's unlikely but not impossible.
- robturpinFeb 24, 2025Apprentice
I just noticed on NetGear's website that there's a firmware update for the XR1000v2, but the download link (https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/XR1000/XR1000v2-V1.1.0.22.zip) doesn't work, and like every other mega corporate giant they've completely and effectively eliminated any avenue for their customers to contact them directly!
Seriously, try it yourself - go to the support options and try to reach them... I'll wait
So ridiculous!
- robturpinFeb 24, 2025Apprentice
I still have my previous TP-Link Archer AC1750 that I could swap with the XR1000v2 as well, which would tell us once and for all if it's the XR1000v2.
I'll try that and reply with my findings.
- robturpinFeb 24, 2025Apprentice
- Netduma-FraserFeb 25, 2025NetDuma PartnerBased on what we can see it looks like NG are potentially doing an auto upgrade of units which may have caused the issues so hopefully this will work itself out as the router would download the latest cloud updates as well
- FreddieSFeb 25, 2025Apprentice
Do you think this applies to my situation as well? I am currently working with Tech support. Hopefully i can be of some help. Getting a new router from another brand. Just to see if its issues i am having with my ISP as well. Or possible Windows.
- robturpinFeb 25, 2025Apprentice
Ok, so it's been several hours now and we've not experienced this issue again not once.
With what I'm seeing about the XR1000 and recent security vulnerabilities and failed automatic firmware updates, I'm quite confident that 1) it is indeed an issue not only effecting but actually caused by the XR1000 and it's firmware, and 2) NetGear not only caused this issue which is effecting a great number of people, but is at least up to this moment unable and apparently unwilling to both acknowledge it, let alone fix it.
I and many others have dropped NetGear and switched brands, and it appears NetGear is fine with that. I simply will not support a company who refuses to support their customers.
- xr10000dnsFeb 25, 2025Aspirant
Hi I am also having DNS issues with my XR1000 and I have confirmed it is neither my router settings or ISP. I am about to return the router to microcenter or trash it because I work from home and this is unacceptable.
- robturpinFeb 25, 2025Apprentice
So my next question is, if it is the NetGear routers that are causing the intermittent latency issues, and they can't or won't get it completely resolved, and most of us are past the 1 year warranty period - what should we do? Just trash the $200+ router and buy a better more reliable product?
I don't mind spending money for quality goods, but my use and needs just can't justify spending $400+ for a router.
I bought my XR1000v2 used and I purchased a 2-3 year warranty with it, but I'm sure that they simply fix or replace it with another one of the same brand and model.
- robturpinFeb 26, 2025Apprentice
Hi, I'll bet dollars to donuts that your issue will disappear as soon as the NetGear router is swapped out with the new one. Please test for a day or two and let us know.
One good thing about the XR1000 is that it keeps a log of DoS and other attacks, so someone (in tech support) might be able to see and pinpoint the root cause from those.
- MrGrumpyFeb 27, 2025Star
Well, the network has been running for several days on the Virgin Media Hub 4 modem/router.
There have been non of the DNS issues that I was having with the Nighthawk.
Possible reasons:
(a) NH incompatibility with the VM ecosystem, or modems - modems plural, because the issues occurred both with the old "Superhub" and the new "Hub 4".
(b) a "duff" configuration in the NH. I intend to test this by re-installing the NH (Hub 4 in modem mode), having first done a factory reset. But that wont be until next week - daughter visiting this weekend....and if "Dad has broken the internet", then I will be in the doghouse! 😄
(c) failure of the NH, either hardware or firmware (perhaps after the latest cloud update mentioned above).
Anybody know whether Netgear are aware of this issue?
- Netduma-FraserFeb 27, 2025NetDuma PartnerAfter looking into it personally a bit more I would say it's highly likely to be a cloud update. As far as I can tell NG have auto updated people to the mentioned firmware version there (we originally completed the DumaOS changes for that a very long time ago) but didn't mention they were doing it and so I think it's trying to use a cloud update it can't use or isn't using the one it should now be using. I've given my findings to the team so it should hopefully be a quick update once they identify the specific cause.
- MrGrumpyFeb 27, 2025Star
Ok, thx.
As currently the network is running on the VM router, then I have no probs with waiting for a fix - well for a short time anyway 😄 😄 : D
- robturpinFeb 28, 2025Apprentice
That sounds very plausible and I hope that it does indeed get fixed very soon.
Just fyi, I experienced the issue while still on the older firmware and others above were effected using the latest firmware, in case that matters at all.
If it does turn out to be NetGear's fault, then they really need to take a hard look into how they test and roll out these things as they obviously impact many customers and we've all wasted how many hours and effort troubleshooting something that should have never happened in the first place!
If a CEO of a large corporation brought down or cause their network to lag like they have done, he'd be fired! I've actually seen it happen. They need to be more accountable and for something like this give their customers a direct line to their support even after their products warranty period has expired. Especially if they themselves broke it.
- FreddieSMar 01, 2025Apprentice
So Far new Router Different company, no issues.
- MrGrumpyMar 01, 2025Star
Here also. As the internet is “back up and running” with the Virgin router, I am prepared to wait for a firmware update, before consigning the NH to the recycle bin!
- Netduma-FraserMar 02, 2025NetDuma PartnerThe team did push an update on Friday which may have fixed this if you'd like to try again
- FreddieSMar 02, 2025Apprentice
is the update through the router or through the latest firmware update on the forums? Thanks.