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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBR750 not finding new firmware
My Orbi RBR750 is running V4.6.8.2, but the support website says V4.6.8.5 is available. Whenever I tell it to check for new firmware, either through the iOS app or the router webpage, it says No New...
pumpichank wrote:
Why doesn't the Orbi find the new firmware and is it safe to update it manually?
"Why" is a good question. Orbi routers "check in" with Netgear's firmware update site at least two times each day (in addition to occasions when the user uses the Firmware Update menu <or Orbi 'app'> to look for firmware.) Netgear has several options:
- Force the router to update firmware. Last May Netgear did this with the 750 and 850 models with disastrous results.
- Inform the user that new firmware is available so that it can be installed if the user chooses to.
- Remain silent about the new firmware. Only users who specifically search the support website for new firmware will become aware that it exists.
My sense is that it is prudent to let Early Adopters install new firmware and see what they report before encouraging customers to "take the plunge". Although Netgear (surely) does Quality Assurance testing on new firmware, such tests cannot possibly anticipate every user scenario. If some time goes by and no serious problems are reported, Netgear can move on to informing people about the new firmware. Once a significant period of time has passed, Netgear may force the upgrade.
This is what happened with my RBR50. Posts appeared on the forum indicating that V2.7.4.24 was now available, but it did not appear on the Firmware Update web page. I decided to see what would happen. Eventually the update appeared on the web page, and I kept waiting. Finally, six weeks later, one morning my Orbi had updated during the night.
Is it safe to update firmware manually? Another very good question. The general feeling appears to be:
- Prudence. "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" If the system is performing as expected, what would be the urgency? Conversely, if there are issues with the system and the update appears to address them, then that argues more for updating.
- Alternatives. Routers offer the ability to manually "go back" to previous firmware. As long as the new firmware does not "brick" the router, then experimenting with new firmware may result in some extra effort to replace the firmware with a previous version. Perhaps the system will have to be set up from scratch.
My own attitude is that I do not fear manually loading firmware, but am not in a tremendous hurry to do so.
Thanks. Mainly I'm concerned about the ZuoRAT vulnerability going around. My Orbis work great, but I always want to stay on top of security releases. It's weird that the Orbi doesn't find any upgrades available, but maybe I'll give it a few days and see if it starts finding it.
FYI,
Orbi app or the routers web page may not report seeing new FW updates. NG may not push this to there auto update services immediately and may activate the newer FW update being seen on there auto update services at a later time. User will have the choice to manually update if you want too.
Historically Auto Update has been problematic and with a recent event in May, NG maybe turning a new leaf in regards to Auto Updates. So if you don't see a FW update in the orbi app or routers web page, check the download page or here in the forums.
NG IS aware and investigating the ZuoRAT vulnerability. If you are a NETGEAR customer with a security-related support concern, you can contact NETGEAR customer support at techsupport.security@netgear.com.
For all other issues, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/securityThanks. I'll keep an eye on things. Hopefully when they fix ZeroRAT they will push out auto update. Also you say they are turning a new leaf on auto update. Does that mean they will improve the reliability of it? Really, for devices like Orbi, auto update should be the default!
No idea. Historically AU has been problematic all along. Been way too many bad experiences over the years. So you'll see others that will disagree with you on AU being the default. I personally prefer that users have the choice on updating or not. NG can give notice that FW is available and post on the download site. But let the users make the choice.
