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Forum Discussion
RAX80 New Firmware Released 1.0.1.70
I just manually checked for new firmware version and 1.0.1.70 was available. I just updated from 1.0.1.56 which seemed the most stable for me with no lan / wan disconnections. The prior version 1.0.1...
Nighthawk RAX80 with firmware V1.0.1.70_1.0.30
Operation Mode: Access Point
Enviroment: Home Network (Windows, Linux & Android clients).
Since it was new it has become unresponsive and unable to pass network traffic (LAN & WIFI) randomly. Early on it couldn't funtion as a router at all for over a week without dropping all connections (LAN & WIFI) requiring physical reboots.
In order to make use of it at all, I have been forced to set it as just an access point with a static IP (albeit an expensive one). I regularly update it to the latest firmware in hopes of getting it functioning but even with the current firmware V1.0.1.70 it looses LAN and WIFI connections. The only progress I have seen with firmware updates are that it has gone from locking up every few days to once a month.
WIFI connections:
When WIFI connections are lost (all connections are dropped 2.4 & 5GHz with no indication in the logs on why). Devices indicate that they are connected to the RAX80 but are unable to send or recieve any traffic.
LAN connections:
When the LAN connections are dropped the unit is totally dead (no LAN or WIFI and the routers web page is non-existent). The connection LEDs are lit but show no activity. After cycling power "nothing" is shown in the logs to shed any light on why (just that it was powered up and had previously synced the time many hours before). Even being set as just an access point it has always shown Internet 'Not Connected' when it is.
It has 22 to 26 attached devices (6 being wifi) so I know it isnt under any heavy load.
Is there any hope for it or am I the owner of an extremely expensive door stop?
mcfwi19
In the 5 months I've owned the device with the same issues everyone is reporting with Wi-Fi, I've not once had any feedback from Netgear suggesting they have any clue how to fix these issues despite having a support case open & providing multiple logs.
When I said I was trying to return the device, they closed my case.
I don't think we will ever see a working device as there is "nothing wrong" so obviously no-one is working on a solution.
For me, if it requires a daily reboot & had unstable Wi-Fi speeds it's unacceptable given the price especially as out of the box is doesn't work (without changing any settings).
It's also missing basic settings like parental controls, the security features available on lesser nighthawk models & features you'd expect on a TopEnd router like WPA3.
The free router I have from my ISP has never required a reboot or changing any of the settings. It works with one SSID straight out of the box.
The same is true of the Netgear Ex8000 extender which i am now using and this is less than half the cost.
In the 5 months I've owned the device with the same issues everyone is reporting with Wi-Fi, I've not once had any feedback from Netgear suggesting they have any clue how to fix these issues despite having a support case open & providing multiple logs.
When I said I was trying to return the device, they closed my case.
I don't think we will ever see a working device as there is "nothing wrong" so obviously no-one is working on a solution.
For me, if it requires a daily reboot & had unstable Wi-Fi speeds it's unacceptable given the price especially as out of the box is doesn't work (without changing any settings).
It's also missing basic settings like parental controls, the security features available on lesser nighthawk models & features you'd expect on a TopEnd router like WPA3.
The free router I have from my ISP has never required a reboot or changing any of the settings. It works with one SSID straight out of the box.
The same is true of the Netgear Ex8000 extender which i am now using and this is less than half the cost.
Any news about a future firmware release on this garbage? Crickets from Netgear.
- I wouldn't hold your breath...
There have been two firmware updates in the 5 months I've owned the device.
Both were just minor updates for localisation & didn't even attempt to address any of Wi-Fi or LAN issues.
Take it back to the shop if you can is my advice..- Yea, unfortunately for me I bought mine on FB marketplace fairly cheap. They guy whom I purchased it from had no idea about routers, and had spent $400 on something way over his head. I bought it brand new still in plastic, thinking I got a great deal ($100) only to find out this is a total trash router. I think I’m the one who took the biggest loss on this garbage. No way to return, so I’m stuck with it. It’s appearance surely makes it a good conversation piece, but will never meet my needs for what it was intended for.