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Firmware update breaks Nighthawk R7000; fixed, but 15+ year customer of Netgear switching to TP-Link
I'm switching router brands to TP-Link (will be using TP-Link Archer AX50). I've used Netgear products for over 15 years, but this latest firmware update experience was the last straw. Summary:...
By the way, another discovery today: I had been having difficulty getting Plex to work properly on my Smart TV via both Wi-Fi and while plugged into a a Wi-Fi extender via ethernet cable. Symptom: On Smart TV, Plex would take about 35 seconds to start streaming (then it would work fine). So rewind/fast forward would be reasonably fast, about 2-3 seconds for each operation. But beginning the stream was taking forever. During this period, for an unknown reason, my Xbox One's Plex app worked great, also connected via ethernet cable to the Wi-Fi extender which is connected to my Netgear Nighthawk R7000's wifi network. It would start playing a stream in under 5 seconds and rewind/ff within 1-2 seconds. A much better level of performance.
I thought if there were an issue with the router or the Wi-Fi extender, that it would equally impact the Plex app on the Smart TV and Xbox One. However, this issue was only impacting the Smart TV, whether it was connected directly to the WiFi network or via ethernet connection to the WiFi extender. Additionally, the Smart TV could play Amazon Prime, YouTube and Netflix media without any issue whatsoever; this was only affecting Plex playback. Another weird part of the puzzle.
Lo and behold, after resetting the Nighthawk and reconfiguring my WiFi/router settings manually, I discovered earlier today to my delight that now Plex works very well not only on the Xbox One, but also my Smart TV as well! So this was another very welcome development. I feel much better about using the Plex app on the Smart TV, as it is a more energy-efficient way to stream, instead of having both the Smart TV and my Xbox One powered on to stream media. It is also a lot quicker to start watching content; I don't have to turn on the TV, switch inputs to the Xbox One, turn on the Xbox One and sign in then start the Plex app. I just turn on the Smart TV, select the Plex app and can start streaming.
I didn't try resetting the router before, as it didn't seem to be the cause. Even though it took about 3 hours to do (and I only had to do this as I had a Zoom meeting for Christmas with family in another state, so it was critically important for my WiFi to be working), I am glad I invested the time as now Plex works well on the Smart TV, and that mystery is finally solved.
Had I not gone through this exercise and just used the TP-Link with Plex on the Smart TV, I would have had no idea why this never worked on the Netgear router. But now I know, and that gives me some additional closure - hah! :)
Sorry, not familiar with Network Connect; are you referring to Smart Connect? This article explains it: https://kb.netgear.com/25346/What-is-Smart-Connect-and-how-do-I-enable-or-disable-it-on-my-Nighthawk-router
I have never used it myself. I always keep my wifi network names separate for 2.4ghz and 5ghz. That way I can control which devices connect to which networks. I think smart connect may only be useful if you have tri-band links on the router, like two 5ghz bands and 1 2.4ghz band. But in my case it hasn't been needed. Basically, if you are seeing performance issues with smart connect, try turning it off and just manually connecting devices to the wifi network (2.4 or 5ghz) you want them to use.
Thanks, you hit the nail on the head and answered all of my questions. It doesn't alter the fact that Netgear's business model sucks and that when and if my present router goes out, I will switch to TP or another company that backs up its product with a better service ethic.