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Forum Discussion
msinex
Jul 27, 2020Apprentice
Intermittent DNS Errors and WiFi Issues
I have had the Orbi AX6000 for a few months now. While there are many things I love about it (great wifi coverage, great speed, looks nice, software, ease of setup, etc.), there are two very frustra...
DNS_PROBE_FAIL
Feb 24, 2021Luminary
It affects all devices that use IPv4. Most devices in the world still use IPv4 and there is no technical requirement to use IPv6.
- Most browsers on PCs will retry on DNS failure so you briefly see an error page, then it refreshes and you get to the site.
- Many devices and apps don't automatically retry on DNS failures, so they stay hung in an error state. This is a huge problem for mobile apps and IoT devices.
None of the following permanently resolve the issue:
- Rebooting Orbi router or satellites
- Updated firmware, including manually installing the latest available
- Changing frequency settings (2.4 / 5Ghz related)
- Using Guest vs Internal network, both affected
- Disabling AX functionality
- Upgrading/replacing or rebooting the internet modem
- Enabling IP6to4 tunnel
- Contacting Netgear support for help
These Temporarily reduce errors, but it only lasts up to 1-2 days at most, then issues return. I believe this is because these clear out DNS cache or some other internal cache on the Orbi system, which I think is related to the problem.
- Firmware upgrade or downgrade
- Factory Reset
Retired_Member
Feb 24, 2021If you are familiar with linux and telneting to the orbi-router you could see what I discovered back in september 2020 and my workaround (no problem with DNS since then in my case)
I also submitted this to the developers for further investigation, but no feedback what so ever.
- DNS_PROBE_FAILFeb 24, 2021Luminary
Thanks arildj!
Were you able to update firmware after this change without any issues?
Does firmware update change the setting back to factory defaults?
- Retired_MemberFeb 24, 2021
The firmware-updates (done 2 or 3 times) goes as normal without problem, but you need to redo the workaround each time.
- DNS_PROBE_FAILMar 05, 2021Luminary
Has anyone had success working with Netgear Support to a resolution? I've been going back and forth with them for 19 DAYS and they keep asking me for more information but nothing progresses. 5 times they've asked for additional info so they can escalate it to level 2 but it still hasn't happened. They've mentioned beta firmware, do this and we will do that, etc. but nothing happens. And every update takes a long time to hear back from them.
I only have a few days left to return the system. Total disappointment.
- SeaRefractorMar 06, 2021Apprentice
I have the RBK753 Orbit sat from Costco. I also have the extended warranty with phone support.
I've yet to have the DNS issues resolved, but I suspect it'll eventually be fixed by firmware, just don't know how long. For the most part, I've implemented a workaround that appears to have resolved the issue temporarily for me.
I am on firmware version V3.2.17.12_1.4.14.
I do use Netgear Armor (1 year with purchase, somewhat annoyed that it's not contiguous with the subscription I had with my former RBR50).
OpenDNS VIP subscription (allows for greater customization and performance over free version).
CenturyLink Fiber.
First off, I'd tried IPv6, but CenturyLink uses 6r (6 rapid deployment) tunneling that frequently has issues with some services, so this wasn't workable. So looking forward to CenturyLink moving to a true dual stack IPv6, but since CenturyLinks supposed tests in certain market locations, I have seen no references of dual stack IPv6 expanding. If the speed and cost wasn't so awesome, I'd be tempted to switch carriers.
I have Orbi configured to use the two OpenDNS servers. And for the most part it's very fast (tested with Gibson Research DNS Benchmark. Look at GRC dot Com / Freeware / Utilities / DNS Benchmark, it can help you determine what is the fastest DNS for your specific connection).
My workaround, as several others have suggested, was to go into each devices setting (where supported, several IoT devices are too limited to set) and change from DHCP assigned DNS to static DNS settings and point to OpenDNS.
I don't know if it's helping because it reduces the number of queries directly on the RBR750 router, but for the most part I don't have DNS issues. Also OpenDNS still controlls my customization with my Public IP address and each device appears as that IP.
Netflix and some services still have occasional pauses, which will resume without interaction, but I suspect that's not DNS related but perhaps streaming support through Netgear Armor or perhaps that specific device? (Roku TV downstairs doesn't have this issue but Samsung Series 8 4K does, so could be shoddy programming on the Samsung?).
At least gaming consoles no longer have issues with multiplayer gaming.
- FURRYe38Mar 06, 2021Guru - Experienced User
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Have you tried the IPv6 6to4 DNS configuration?
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last update?
SeaRefractor wrote:I have the RBK753 Orbit sat from Costco. I also have the extended warranty with phone support.
I've yet to have the DNS issues resolved, but I suspect it'll eventually be fixed by firmware, just don't know how long. For the most part, I've implemented a workaround that appears to have resolved the issue temporarily for me.
I am on firmware version V3.2.17.12_1.4.14.
I do use Netgear Armor (1 year with purchase, somewhat annoyed that it's not contiguous with the subscription I had with my former RBR50).
OpenDNS VIP subscription (allows for greater customization and performance over free version).
CenturyLink Fiber.
First off, I'd tried IPv6, but CenturyLink uses 6r (6 rapid deployment) tunneling that frequently has issues with some services, so this wasn't workable. So looking forward to CenturyLink moving to a true dual stack IPv6, but since CenturyLinks supposed tests in certain market locations, I have seen no references of dual stack IPv6 expanding. If the speed and cost wasn't so awesome, I'd be tempted to switch carriers.
I have Orbi configured to use the two OpenDNS servers. And for the most part it's very fast (tested with Gibson Research DNS Benchmark. Look at GRC dot Com / Freeware / Utilities / DNS Benchmark, it can help you determine what is the fastest DNS for your specific connection).
My workaround, as several others have suggested, was to go into each devices setting (where supported, several IoT devices are too limited to set) and change from DHCP assigned DNS to static DNS settings and point to OpenDNS.
I don't know if it's helping because it reduces the number of queries directly on the RBR750 router, but for the most part I don't have DNS issues. Also OpenDNS still controlls my customization with my Public IP address and each device appears as that IP.
Netflix and some services still have occasional pauses, which will resume without interaction, but I suspect that's not DNS related but perhaps streaming support through Netgear Armor or perhaps that specific device? (Roku TV downstairs doesn't have this issue but Samsung Series 8 4K does, so could be shoddy programming on the Samsung?).
At least gaming consoles no longer have issues with multiplayer gaming.
- SeaRefractorMar 08, 2021Apprentice
My CenturyLink ONT is the Adtran 424 https://adtran.com/web/page/portal/Adtran/product/1287835F1/4488
As for IPv6, CenturyLink currently only supports 6r (6 rapid deployment) tunneling. I see that you suggest configuring a 6to4 setup.
I'll try that and let you know. However, it's not currently a requirement when I set my devices to use my external DNS providers instead of using the Orbi. However, I suspect the protections from Bitdefender are likely circumvented with this approach, other than the anti-virus installed on the workstations.
It's a workable workaround, but looking forward to NetGear resolving the issue in firmware. That way I can go back to the DHCP settings and also possibly receive whatever protections are provided. As for the others that don't find this as an acceptable solution, I understand and support your decision to return the product if still in your window to do so.
I'd also looked at the Amplifi Alien WiFi 6 setup. I didn't go for that originally due to 1 router/ 1 satellite arrangement at this time. But for those that don't need three devices (nor want to pay for an extra router, I understand multiple Aplifi Alien kits can be used together), perhaps that's something to review and consider. Apolgies to NetGear and this community for mentioning that competing device.