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Forum Discussion
bas303
May 24, 2024Tutor
Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues
A few weeks ago the Orbi system automatically updated to the latest 7.2.6.31 firmware and immediately I started seeing problems. - Devices connected to a router or satellite were continuously dro...
- Jun 12, 2024
For users having problems with there Orbi units after updating to v.31, We recommend that if you have done most troubleshooting efforts to clear the issues seen after loading v.31 and still experience problems, you'll need to downgrade back to v.21 version. RBS first then RBR lastly. It's recommended after downgrading, to perform a Factory Reset and setup from scratch to ensure there no lingering FW from v.31 on the system. Also disable the Auto Update feature on the RBRs web page soon after to avoid the system re-updating back to v.31.
We have made NG aware of the issues with v.31 and have ask them to consider pulling back FW v.31 for all Orbi AX and AXE systems.
Thank you.
FURRYe38
May 24, 2024Guru - Experienced User
Which Orbi model do you have? The 850 series?
Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed since last update?
Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
Turn off and unplug modem.
Turn off router and computers.
Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
Turn on computers and rest of network.
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.
How many RBS are deployed?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite ‌‌🛰
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-message
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6 and Traffic Meter.
- bas303May 27, 2024Tutor
Hi FURRYe38,
I have the 850 series for a little over 2 years now. Your recommendations around powering down, factory reset, etc. have all been done.
Current firmware version is 7.2.6.21. I reverted to it as my system was unusable with 7.2.6.31.
There is no problem with internet for devices connected to the orbi's by ethernet cable, even when these devices are connected to the satellites using the Orbi's wireless backhaul. The problem is in the client side wifi domain and not between Orbi router and ISP uplink.
Current setup involves 2 Orbi satellites with 1 Orbi router. Satellites are more than 30 feet apart in a 5100sq ft. house.
WiFi in the neighborhood is not dense and low signal strength as detached houses are far enough apart.
Radio interference wise there is no major problem as previous firmwares have worked fine and by simply reverting to the previous one, the system is stable and performing again.
No problems exist for the wired devices on the router or satellites.
Turning on/off MAC address randomizers has no impact on performance which would be strange anyway as it is simply affecting device identification and routing tables (which mac's hold which ip's), except for mac allow/deny list behavior if present. Once relationship is established and published, it should not make a difference in ongoing throughput or device registration workflows itself.
To be honest I'm not looking for answers how to magically solve my issues with the 7.2.6.31 firmware as I don't believe it exists or me having the flexibility to change my placement setup as I don't. I simply want Netgear aware that there are subsets of their users having issues with changes provided in the latest firmware so their intended improvements and fixes are not working for all. I want the ability to update to a future firmware to keep up with latest security patches and not render these Orbi's useless. They were way too expensive for that.
- FURRYe38May 27, 2024Guru - Experienced User
Welp, hard to tell. I just had my 750 series online with v.31 loaded and ran well. Same code base.
I see you and one other that has had some issues. Had been alot of others posting about it:
Not sure if this is a FW issue or something related to your systems and devices. With out more sepcifics on what you have and what is going on, can't really help more.
I guess I can put mine online can see if I see anything similar.
I recommend that if you are seeing problems, might conctact NG support and let them know.
Good Luck.
- SuperdeduperguyMay 28, 2024Initiate
Just chiming in that I have been experiencing similar issues since upgrading the firmware to the 7.2.6.31 version. My setup includes an RBR850 and 3- RBS850s -- all updated to the 7.2.6.31 firmware. I have a Verizon router/modem - and using the RBR850 & satellites for the wireless functionality in my home.
I've only noticed the one issue that wifi devices randomly / intermittently are dropping the wifi connection (possibly several times a day I've noticed -- as has my wife and son). The wifi dropping issue began immediately after upgrading the the 7.2.6.31 firmware.
I have gone through the recommended steps of powering down and back up with the prescribed waiting periods -- but still having the problem. I will likely roll back to the ...21 firmware version as it sounds like that has helped others avoid the problem.
I'm not requesting any feedback. I'm just chiming in so that Netgear folks are aware there may be some issue with the .31 firmware version.
Hope this helps.