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Forum Discussion
RBE971 - Router MAC Address changes on reboot
I am having an issue that I'm relatively certain is a bug, but I could be wrong.
I have to have a specific Router MAC Address set up (Advanced - Internet Settings) in order for my router to connect properly to my ISP. (I've asked them to update it to the router's default MAC Address, but apparently they can't or won't do that.) During the router setup, I entered that MAC Address in the settings, and everything worked perfectly.
Until the router is rebooted.
When the router reboots, the router's default MAC Address is advertised on the WAN port, so my Internet connection does not work. In order to fix the issue, I have to log back into the router settings, and make a change to the Router MAC Address. Usually, simply removing a colon is enough for it to allow me to submit the change without actually changing the MAC address. Once the settings are applied (45-60 seconds or so) my Internet connection works fine again. While this is a relatively simple solution, it is somewhat of a nuisance.
Has anyone else seen this? I've opened a support case as well, but wanted to ask here. The apartments that I'm at are going through an Internet provider change, so it probably won't be an issue for too long, but it's annoying nonetheless. It also probably explains why my current ISP won't help.
Thanks in advance!
3 Replies
You are following the instructions on page 33 of the User Manual, correct?
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBE973S/RBE971_RBE970_UM.pdf
If the MAC address setting is not preserved over a reboot, that would seem to be a clear bug in the firmware. Since you have opened a case with Netgear, it might be worth asking to have the case escalated to a Level II tech.
(was going to ask, "did you click the Apply button?", but that would be insensitive)
I am indeed following the manual, yes. And yes, I am hitting the Apply button.
The setting is maintained across a reboot, but the MAC Address seen by the upstream device is not the MAC Address entered in the "Use This MAC Address" setting. When going into the settings, the MAC Address I put in is there (formatted as XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX). I had originally been fixing it by changing the radio button to something else, applying the setting, and then setting it back to "User This MAC Address" which worked. I found that I could simply remove the colons from the MAC Address instead, and apply the settings to solve the issue. The device puts the colons back in, but it also applies as if you have made a change to it. Once I do that, the Internet connection is restored.
I have not actually heard from Netgear yet, but I may ask them to escalate as per your suggestion.
So the MAC address for the WAN port seen on the RBRs web page is now different from the one printed on the bottom sticker under the RBR?
This Address should not change at all.
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.
jvanderb wrote:
I am having an issue that I'm relatively certain is a bug, but I could be wrong.
I have to have a specific Router MAC Address set up (Advanced - Internet Settings) in order for my router to connect properly to my ISP. (I've asked them to update it to the router's default MAC Address, but apparently they can't or won't do that.) During the router setup, I entered that MAC Address in the settings, and everything worked perfectly.
Until the router is rebooted.
When the router reboots, the router's default MAC Address is advertised on the WAN port, so my Internet connection does not work. In order to fix the issue, I have to log back into the router settings, and make a change to the Router MAC Address. Usually, simply removing a colon is enough for it to allow me to submit the change without actually changing the MAC address. Once the settings are applied (45-60 seconds or so) my Internet connection works fine again. While this is a relatively simple solution, it is somewhat of a nuisance.
Has anyone else seen this? I've opened a support case as well, but wanted to ask here. The apartments that I'm at are going through an Internet provider change, so it probably won't be an issue for too long, but it's annoying nonetheless. It also probably explains why my current ISP won't help.
Thanks in advance!
