Nighthawk R7000 - admin interface never reports firmware update available

[Martin_AH]

In the several years I've owned my Nighthawk R7000, the web admin interface and the Ios Nighthawk app ALWAYS respond to Check for update with "No firmware update available". Repeatedly when this happens, I have gone to the Netgear site, found a new firmware update, and then installed it (usually when I've seen an online story about an important update being available).

Can someone please explain to me why Check for update does not work?

Thank you.

[FURRYe38]

What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

[Martin_AH]

R7000 firmware is V1.0.11.126_10.2.112.

Connected to Actiontec MI424WR-GEN3I with firmware 40.21.24.

Thanks.

[FURRYe38]

This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT

This maybe blocking the update services that the router is trying to reach. 

Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the NG router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the NG router gets from the modem.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the NG router to the modem, LAN to LAN configure AP mode on the NG router.
https://kb.netgear.com/24104/How-do-I-change-my-Nighthawk-router-to-AP-mode-after-I-ve-already-run-s...

[Martin_AH]

I am set up with your option 3. Radio is off on router, and NG is set to AP mode.

Is it because r7000 is in AP mode that it fails to recognize when firmware updates are available?

Thanks.

[FURRYe38]

Possible. Though if your using the WAN port for AP mode on the router, depending upon whats avaialbe up on NG services, may or may not see anything or trigger anything. Not sure if the R7000 is on NGs lists to be auto checked for updates. They may have removed it. Don't know for sure. 

What happens if it's in router mode? 

You'd have to down grade to a older version then try checking.