New - RBE970 / RBE971 Firmware Version 12.1.8.7 Released - NA REGION ONLY

Release Date:

April 13, 2026

Enhancements:

• Enhanced overall system performance and stability
• Improved device roaming behavior
• Optimized steering logic to reduce connectivity issues and improve client experience

Download Link: 

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rbe972s

 

NOTE: Once a 970 series system has been updated to v12 version of FW, you can not revert back to v9.

 

Firmware Update Instructions:

To update your product’s firmware, follow the instructions in your product’s user manual. To find your user manual, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/, enter your model number in the search box, and click the Documentation button on the product page.

 

I HIGHLY recommend after the FW is loaded on the system and it's back to ready, power OFF all Orbi units and the ISP modem/ONT for 1 minute. Then back ON with the ISP modem/ONT first, then RBR then RBS.

 

NOTE: Orbi app or the routers web page may not report seeing new FW updates. NG may not push this to there auto update services immediately and may activate the newer FW update being seen on there auto update services at a later time. User will have the choice to manually update if you want too.

 

FW UPDATE ALL Feature: If there is a FW updated seen on the RBRs web page and all RBS are online and connected with GOOD STATUS, you can select the UPDATE ALL button option to have the RBR update the RBS and RBR. Update All button is seen on the RBRs Firmware Update WEB page on the Check for Updates FW section of the page. Once FW has been checked for an update and all devices show the FW update is available, select the UPDATE ALL button. Give 5 minutes for the process to take place. 

 

NOTE: If continued problems are seen after a FW update, it's recommended to try a factory reset and setup from scratch with out loading any saved configurations from backup files. Use the ERASE button on the routers web page to factory reset the router:

Orbi Systems Manual Factory Reset Process | NETGEAR Communities

 

This sends a Factory Reset command to any and all connected RBS as well.

 

Quick Installation Guide, User Manual and Spec Sheet is here:

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rbe971#docs

This article applies to:

• Orbi (8)
  • RBE970
  • RBE970B
  • RBE971
  • RBE971B
  • RBE972S
  • RBE972SB
  • RBE973S
  • RBE973SB

 

Let us know how it works for you...Please make a new post regarding any problems your seeing in the Orbi BE support forums. Orbi WiFi 7 (BE) Mesh Systems | NETGEAR Communities

 

Thank you.