NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

fbeinfo's avatar
fbeinfo
Guide
Nov 20, 2024

NETGEAR RS200 - NETGEAR PROTECTION ENGINE authentication problems

HI all   I'm encountering another PROB with my RS200. There seems to be a problem with the "protection engine"   as soon as this box is checked means the protection engine "turned on" it always...
FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Jan 02, 2025

What FW is loaded on your RS? 

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-with-WiFi-7-BE/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Protection-Engine-Feature-FAQ/td-p/2407633/jump-to/first-unread-message

 

How are your devices connected, ethernet, wirelss or both? 
Brand and model# of devices.

 

Something NG may need to look into to help ensure PE doesn't affect connected devices and getting full internet access. 

So you may need to leave it OFF if your experiencing problems until NG can check into it.

BH_C 

 

AJinReno's avatar
AJinReno
Aspirant
Jan 02, 2025

The firmware version shows as follows. Router Firmware Version V1.0.1.60

I did run the check for updates on the firmware and it said I was up to date.

 

This is my first Netgear product and honestly, my old router was a Linksys and it was/is 7 years old so I'm in uncharted waters here without a map or knowledge. 

Both of the computers that will not connect to the internet via wifi with the "protection engine" running are HP laptops one is a Specter the other is just a regular old HP - both were trying to use wifi.  With the protection engine on, they simply won't connect and with it off they do.  Simple as that.

I'm really not all that knowledgeable regarding routers and stuff. I'm just an old retired accountant who'd really rather not have to fight with this thing.  Thanks for any insight you can offer. If needed I'll contact Netgear support after the holiday rush has passed but I'd rather know that I haven't disabled something important in order to get online with my laptop.

 

 

  • BH_C's avatar
    BH_C
    NETGEAR Expert
    Jan 02, 2025

     

    Hi fbeinfo AJinReno 

    Please see the description below for the Router Protection function. When the router detects some malicous behaviors from a connected device, it blocks the traffic from the connected device destined to the router. If a device cannot access the internet because of this, there are two ways to work around the problem:
    (1) disable the Router Proteciton function from the router's Web GUI.

    (2) on the connected device, set its DNS (Domain Name System) servers to static ones, by default it's set to the router. For Windows devices, you can refer to the article below to change the settings.

    https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-change-the-dns-settings-on-your-windows-pc-and-why-youd-want-to/

    you can use the DNS servers provided from your internet service provider, or you can set to some well-known public DNS servers, for example, 8.8.8.8 from Google as described in the article below (free ones are good enough):

    https://www.techradar.com/news/best-dns-server

     

    If a connected device is determined to be a malicious device by the router, it's basically because the connected device is doing someting that looks malicious. We still work to get to the bottom of this.

    fbeinfo, I'm not sure about the symnptoms you mentioned: "doesn't get an IP" or "looses his IP". I will send you a PM to understand more on this.

     

     

    ==================

    Router Protection

    It protects the router itself from the attacks from the WAN (Internet) side as well as from the LAN side. It blocks malicious probes like port scans  (to the router) and the attacks specifically targeting known vulnerabilities, if there is any, on the router. When a new volnuerability discovered on the router, we will update the protection engine automatically and quickly to prevent the vulnerability from being explored.

  • DarrenM's avatar
    DarrenM
    Sr. NETGEAR Moderator
    Jan 20, 2025

    The updated Protection Engine has been pushed to all routers in the field, it should fix the internet access issue.

    If your Protection Engine version is still below 1.0.0.2112 or you still experience internet access issues with the new engine, please let me know. Thanks.

     

    DarrenM

    • AJinReno's avatar
      AJinReno
      Aspirant
      Jan 20, 2025

      Where do I look to see if the Protection Engine on my router (RS500) has been updated. I'm new to this router and don't know where the version number for the protection engine is going to be. I don't see it where the setting for it is.

       

      Thanks in advance for any help, guidance..  Found it!!! And I have the latest version so I'll see if this solved my problem - Thank you for your help. It is appreciated.