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njweb's avatar
njweb
Luminary
Apr 15, 2021

Orbi RBK753S -

I have two issues with my Orbi RBK753S: I used the recommended 'online update' (as opposed to 'manual') method to successfully update my RBK753 router's firmware from V3.2.16.22 to V3.2.18.1 success...
njweb's avatar
njweb
Luminary
Apr 15, 2021

Getting really frustrated now:

Speedtest yesterday with fw 3.2.16 (on both Monday and yesterday after a reboot [after that connectivity issue in AM), I was consistently getting 400 - 450 Mbps down); now I am getting 1/3 of that speed on fw 3.2.18.x; this is across various speedtest servers, including my ISP's server which was used for yesterday's speed tests!

This is with the laptop that is less than a foot from the router!

 

I have had my other Orbi (RBK53 AC3000) for 2 1/2 years and it was consistent in terms of connectivity and speed and I almost never rebooted that system!!!

 

Back to my RBK753S, I can try firmware 3.2.16.x again or 3.2.17.x and check my downstream speeds (although the newest fw - 3.2.18.x has additional security fixes according to release notes)...

If rebooting again and / or downgrading firmware does not help get normal speeds back, I may have to consider either replacing this with another one (just in case it is somehow a hardware issue - which I tend to doubt) or return it for refund.

FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 15, 2021

Lets try a factory reset on the RBR and setup from scratch and when you do this, also power OFF the ISP modem/ONT for 30 seconds then back on. Walk thru the setup wizard and don't enable any Traffic Meter, Armor or access controls. Go in and run a quick speed test with a wired PC connected to the RBR.

  • njweb's avatar
    njweb
    Luminary
    Apr 15, 2021
    FURRYe38 wrote:

    Lets try a factory reset on the RBR and setup from scratch and when you do this, also power OFF the ISP modem/ONT for 30 seconds then back on. Walk thru the setup wizard and don't enable any Traffic Meter, Armor or access controls. Go in and run a quick speed test with a wired PC connected to the RBR.

    Yup, thanks, will try all this later when I get a chance.

     

     

    In the meantime (did this before you posted the above reply):

    Update about the firmware and display issues (no update regarding my "1/3 speed issue" yet)

     

    Well, there seems to definitely a display issue (can't believe Netgear code is this sloppy), when I try to upgrade the satellite where the 'model name' is blank which is another issue, as mentioned), it now connects but despite the display showing it is on 3.2.16.x (table I posted in earlier messages above), the manual update tool says I am already on 3.2.18.x (see below):

     

    • Warning! The firmware you are trying to upload is the same as the one you had.
      Do you still want to continue?
    • Current Firmware Version V3.2.18.1_1.4.14
    • New Version V3.2.18.1_1.4.14

     

      • njweb's avatar
        njweb
        Luminary
        Apr 15, 2021
        FURRYe38 wrote:

        Possible the RBRs status web page hasn't updated and either needs time or a reset will resolve it.

        This just in:

        https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/New-Firmware-Version-3-2-18-1-for-RBR750-RBS750-Series-Released/m-p/2084783/highlight/true#M14422

         

        Thanks for all the replies.

        I hope so... Fingers crossed.

        If a factory reset does not do the trick, I will downgrade to 3.2.17.x and if that does not help at least for getting speed back to 440 - 450 Mbps (can live with blank model name and firmware display issues for the time being), I may try swapping it for a replacement unit to rule out bad hardware (although I doubt it is a hardware issue).

         

        Am I the only one with these display issues (note - this was happening even when I was on 3.2.16.x)?

        Recap of display issues for any new readers:

        - blank 'model name' for one satellite

        - 'current firmware version' for the same satellite was blank; it is now displayed but reflects an incorrect version number

         

        Speed frankly is obviously the more concerning issue, but let me try a factory reset and walk through setup again...

        PS: Speaking of initial setup, the mobile app was having issues on final detection step on Sunday; so after about an hour I figured it might be due to the app and not my set up. Sure enough, as soon as I switched to using my laptop via the webpage to set the Orbi up, it quickly worked fine so the app (Android version at least) has issues for setup (app does work once the Obi is configured)...