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RAX50 seems to startup normally but no internet
I could really use a hand if anyone is able to help!
I have a Netgear router I picked up a few years ago that mostly stopped working about a week ago. We lost internet on all devices wired and wireless. I could still see the 2.5ghz and 5ghz SSIDs, but that was all. Power cycled first just the router and then modem and router in order, but no change. No response from the web ui on the router, but the leds light up in order and it detects when a cable is plugged in.
I tried a factory reset a few times, but there doesn't seem to be any response from the reset button, and the same SSIDs are broadcasting, so I know it's not doing the reset. I tried re-flashing the firmware through Windows with tftp and nmrpflash, but no luck there.
I was able to get a serial connection and successfully re-flashed the latest firmware through CFE, but nothing changed. I noticed after a power cycle that the router broke out to the CFE> prompt without any interaction from me. I didn't think it was supposed to do that but I'm not too familiar with it, I've only used it a couple of times, but it makes me wonder if the startup sequence is completing.
I'm not sure where to go from here. Should I worry that the reset button doesn't seem to be working, or could that also be due to the device maybe not starting up all the way? I do have a capture of the serial output from the last time I started it if that might help. It's a little long so I don't want to just slap it in here, but I do have it.
Got it fixed. The bootloader was getting stuck and not finishing startup, but it's working now.
7 Replies
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Does a 30-30-30 reset process change anything for the RAX?
If that fails, the RAX may need to be replaced.
It's currently not connected to the modem at all, I have it on the bench in pieces. It was connected to a Netgear modem, I think it's the CM1000.
I did try both the regular 7 second reset and the 30-30-30 before flashing the new firmware via CFE. The regular reset definitely didn't work, and I'm questioning now if my paperclip actually held the button down for the full 90 seconds. The reset button is much easier to access with the board out of the case, so I'll try it again.
Replacement is an absolute last option. It is booting at least far enough to broadcast wireless, and the serial output shows it initializing the switch. I can ping the router when it's running, so it's not completely dead.
I'm pretty sure it's a software/firmware issue, I'm just not sure how to go about isolating it so I can fix it.
Might try NMRPFlash app to load up the first initial FW version and see if that will take.
If not, then if a 30-30-30 reset doesn't recover the unit, will need to be replaced.
kmbagpipes wrote:
Power cycled first just the router and then modem and router in order, but no change.
The correct order is:
- 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.
What do the router's LEDs look like after a reboot, especially the power LED?
I tried re-flashing the firmware through Windows with tftp and nmrpflash, but no luck there.That is a boilperplate response that is no real help if the firmware is not corrupt, which the power LED would show.
I tried a factory reset a few times, but there doesn't seem to be any response from the reset button, and the same SSIDs are broadcasting, so I know it's not doing the reset.So these are the SSIDs that you set?
Can you connect a browser to the router with these SSIDs and the password you set.
Another thing to check is the power supply, the mains adapter. These can also go bad.
Just another user with time on their hands.
Got it fixed. The bootloader was getting stuck and not finishing startup, but it's working now.
Glad you got it working. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-router
Enjoy. 📡
