After updating to the last couple of firmware updates, e.g 1.0.2.64, 2.4 GHz band doesn't accept the channel selection like 1, 6, or 11. Instead, a wifi scan will show it transmitting something random like 4 or 7 as though it was in auto-channel mode, in contradiction to the channel it is set at in the settings. A reset to default settings, and manually inputting the new values, doesn't seem to clear this problem. As a work around, I've been going back to the beta firmware released around Christmas 2015, which has served well. Any thoughts? Anyone else with the same issue?

Discovered a work around recently I wanted to mention. Turning off 20/40 MHz coexistence in the advanced wireless settings while running the 2.4 GHz band in 433 mbps mode will allow the router to broadcast the appropriate selected channel.

Recent firmware for R8500 results in permanent auto channel on 2.4 GHz

14 Replies

Mikey94025
Hero
Jul 10, 2016
@kintpuash wrote:
After updating to the last couple of firmware updates, e.g 1.0.2.64, 2.4 GHz band doesn't accept the channel selection like 1, 6, or 11. Instead, a wifi scan will show it transmitting something random like 4 or 7 as though it was in auto-channel mode, in contradiction to the channel it is set at in the settings. A reset to default settings, and manually inputting the new values, doesn't seem to clear this problem.

As a work around, I've been going back to the beta firmware released around Christmas 2015, which has served well.

Any thoughts? Anyone else with the same issue?
My R8500 is running V1.0.2.64_1.0.62 and I have my 2.4Ghz set to Channel=11 and Mode=Up to 1000 Mbps. inSSIDer 3 (latest free version) shows my R8500 transmitting on channel 11 as expected.

You said you reset to default settings -- Was that a full reset (paper clip in reset hole)? If not, maybe try that. Others have said you really need to do this to prevent prior firmware context from sticking around. I've been lazy and at least restoring from a previous backup after full reset (vs. remembering and re-entering all my settings).
- Retired_Member
  Jul 10, 2016
  I used the 30-30-30 reset procedure with the pin in the back. Did you change your SSID and password from default as well?
  
  Basic procedure went like this:
  
  Install new firmware
  30-30-30 reset
  Manually change 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios to new SSID, passcode and channel and submit apply, no other settings changed
  Check radio broadcast channel with Netgear app, notice it is off channel
  scratch head
  revert to older firmware, no problems
- Retired_Member
  Jul 10, 2016
  for what it is worth, I dial the 2.4 GHz radio back to 433 mbps setting to avoid the 40 MHz bandwith
  - Mikey94025
    Hero
    Jul 10, 2016
    Sorry, then I don't know what might be causing your 2.4Ghz channel issues. I didn't do exactly what you described (30-30-30) because I restored from my previous backup after the 2nd reset. In case it helps, I have these defaults changed for wireless settings:
    Wireless 1 = 2.4Ghz = channel 11, Up to 1000Mbps, WPA2-PSK [AES]
    Wireless 2 = 5Ghz-1 = channel 44, Up to 2165 Mbps, WPA2-PSK [AES]
    Wireless 3 = 5Ghz-2 = channel 153, Up to 2165 Mbps, WPA2-PSK [AES]
    Guest Network = unchecked Enable Guest Network for all 3 wireless radios (don't use my R8500 for guest network)
    Advanced Wireless Settings
    checked Enable 20/40Mhz Coexistence for 2.4Ghz
    unchecked Enable Wireless Router Radio for Wireless 5Ghz-1 (don't use this 5Ghz wireless radio)
    Implicit Beamforming is checked
    Airtime Fairness is checked

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Recent firmware for R8500 results in permanent auto channel on 2.4 GHz