New - RBE970 Series v12.1.10.12 Firmware - NA Region Only

Released: June 23, 2026

 

Bug Fixes:

• improves system stability.
• improves Wi-Fi client connectivity.
• improves mesh satellite connectivity and stability.

New Feature - Protection Engine - https://community.netgear.com/discussions/en-home-routers-nighthawk-wifi-ax6/netgear-nighthawk---protection-engine-feature-faq/2407634

Known Issues: IPv6 is still under review. If IPv6 is not working correctly, please disable it on the RBRs web page.

 

This is coming down Over The Air via Auto Update first to those who have auto update enabled or see this on the RBRs web page or Orbi app..

 

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

 

NOTE: This is a major version update from v9 to v12. Firmware cannot be downgraded from v12 back to v9. If users are having problems after v12 has been applied, and have exhausted all troubleshooting in support forums, please make contact with NG support for continued help and information.

 

Firmware Update Instructions:

To update your router’s firmware, follow the instructions in your router’s user manual. To view your router’s user manual, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBE971.aspx#docs

 

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. 

 

IF MANUALLY UPDATING THE SYSTEM:

Be sure to update the RBS FIRST, then the RBR lastly. 

Please navigate to the link below for step-by-step instructions on how to update your RBR971/RBS970:

https://community.netgear.com/kb/en-orbi-knowledge-sharing/procedure-to-manually-firmware-update-orbi-and-nighthawk-mesh-systems-/2456254

 

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.