R7000 WIFI drops often on V1.0.11.126_10.2.112, sometimes cannot connect

Question

I have not upgraded my R7000 firmware for maybe a couple of years but decided recently to upgrade to V1.0.11.126_10.2.112

Ever since, my wifi has issues (cannot connect due to authenticaion errors, constant drops, etc) almost if not daily.

I see something like the following, but it mentions downgrading firmware that are several versions back. What seems to be the most recent firmware version that is stable ?

Thanks !

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-WiFi-Routers/R7000-Dropping-WIFI-Daily/m-p/1994286

plemans · Answer

The argreed up most stable version is the 1.0.9.42 version.&nbsp;
But prior to trying it, try a factory reset and new install. don't use a backup configuration.&nbsp;
I'd start with that first before downgrading as sometimes old settings can cause issues.&nbsp;

winger13 · Answer

Three questions&nbsp;I have seen a couple of references to factory reset before upgrading.&nbsp; &nbsp;I upgraded to&nbsp;V1.0.11.126_10.2.112 straight from the previous version.&nbsp; Is the reason it is recommended to factory reset first to clear out any old settings that could cause conflicts?&nbsp;plemans&nbsp;Are you suggesting I factory reset, then reinstall&nbsp;V1.0.11.126_10.2.112&nbsp; or install&nbsp;1.0.9.42 ?-If&nbsp;1.0.9.42, will I be missing any critical security upgrades (vs&nbsp;V1.0.11.126_10.2.112) ?&nbsp;If I do a factory reset and turn on VPN, would the current OpenVPN key file no longer work?&nbsp; &nbsp;I have a family member away at school who uses the R7000's VPN to access his files at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Portwey84 · Answer

Firstly, I personally wouldn't downgrade to v.42. It's a four year old + firmware that will undoubtedly lay you wide open to potential security issues. Some will shrug and say 'Maybe, maybe not, don't worry about it' but you makes your choice and you takes your chances.

I'm assuming as you mention VPN that you've had your router chipped? I use a VPN myself, but it's a standalone app, not something I've added to the firmware. If I have any misunderstanding of your set up, please accept my ignorance. I certainly wouldn't try to upgrade/downgrade your firmware with your VPN connected. If I have my VPN connected and I try to access my R7000 browser GUI, it just won't let me log in.

I have to admit, I still struggle to understand why some people have issues upgrading firmware. I've upgraded six times since I bought my router from new, never had an issue with the actual upgrade. I never do a factory reset and the router auto reboots anyway once the firmware has uploaded. I suppose though you could just do a proper factory reset and then start afresh, but what that will do for your VPN, I have no idea.

I highly advise you don't attempt to upgrade the firmware over WiFi, use a stable wired connection. I also disable WiFi in the router prior to upgrading the firmware, but that's a personal quirk for me.

Make sure your MTU packet size is set for your particular ISP. It should auto detect, but sometimes it doesn't get it right. Also, if your country allows it, transmit power on both 2.4 and 5ghz can be altered in the browser GUI, mine is set at 100 percent on both. Also make sure your using the rest of correct settings for your ISP, PPPoE/PPPoA etc.

Other stuff. I have disabled UPnP and auto update. I've also enabled HTTPS only. I've also changed my ISP DNS to opendns servers. Check your NTP server too and set if for your locale.

winger13 · Answer

Portwey84&nbsp;The reason for my post is I am also thinking what security am I missing downgrading to v42.&nbsp;The VPN I am using is the built-in OpenVPN server that came with the R7000.&nbsp;I always upgrade my firmware from a PC connected to the R7000 through a switch (hardwired)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;I am in the US, I transmit both 2.4 and 5ghz but I transmit at 75% b/c I live in a small home.&nbsp; Also, I am experiencing authenticaion issues and drops for devices within 5 feet of the router, so distance and transmit power is likely NOT an issue here.&nbsp;And, why does matching MTU, etc w/ my ISP matter for the WIFI setting to my devices?&nbsp; For example, this morning, I had to rebott the router to allow two devices to get past the "cannot authenticate" connection error (WIFI) to the router&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Portwey84 · Answer

I suspect there have been numerous security fixes/enhancements since v.42. At the end of the day, you want your router to be as secure as possible.&nbsp;I too live in a small home, but I still run my WiFi power at 100 percent. I don't get any interference issues from elsewhere.&nbsp;MTU packet size. I genuinely can't answer your question. I just assumed that those areas of settings would need to be set as your ISP intended.&nbsp;Are all of your WiFi devices using the latest drivers etc? Ok, I get it you can't check some stuff. My dishwasher got an over the air update just the other day lol! Also, I use a Windows laptop, but the WiFi drivers are all Intel and they are updated regularly from the Intel update service.&nbsp;It's a tough one I think, process of trial and error. What firmware were you using before you upgraded the firmware?

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R7000 WIFI drops often on V1.0.11.126_10.2.112, sometimes cannot connect

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