R7000 Drops WiFi signal every 2-7 days or so. Firmware: V1.0.9.88_10.2.88

[caliskier]

Hi All,

I have loved this router for years, but over the last year it seems the wifi is dropping every 2-7 days or so.  

1. I don't think its traffic, there are 4 houses around my house, however, they are all at least 100 feet away, wall to wall.
2. I know its not Cox Cable (provider), they have come out twice and determined no issue
3. I can get the internet up by resetting the Router only, resetting modem is not required
4. I have the latest Firmware version:  Firmware: V1.0.9.88_10.2.88 which I think is quite old because...
5. I found someone with the same issue 4 years ago on this post:
6. What was recommended there was to roll the router back to firmware version 1.0.9.42_10.2.44

That was 2019, this is 2023, I am nervous about manually updating to a version that is likely more than 5 years old, but that is why I am asking here... What should I do to fix this?  

Thanks for any help...

[plemans]

Might actually try the "latest" firmware at 1.0.11.136. 

You're actually on quite old firmware. 

Nighthawk R7000 | AC1900 Smart WiFi Router | NETGEAR Support

you can manually install it. 

Is it just wifi that drops or do wired devices drop as well

[caliskier]

Thanks for the response...

That is a very good question, "wired or wifi" drops?  I could easily test that and did not.  

Would that make a difference in your response?  I do have a HTPC attached wired, and I could test that next time it drops and see if its still working.

As to version 136, I did see that. I looked through the posts and the last one says this:

"These type of posts keeps me from NOT upgrading beyond V1.0.9.42_10.2.44. Even known this release is old and has security vulnerabilities. But having great hardware with flaky software .... not the route I like go again.
V1.0.9.42_10.2.44 is stable as a rock. Tried and died on several releases after. Unless a majority can confirm that a current release is fine and rock sold. I don't want to go over the pain for flashing and reboot and get so angry family birds picking on me."

Is it a stable version?

[plemans]

I haven't seen much negative reports on the newer versions now. 

I'd give it a try. 

Install the firmware and do a factory reset and clean install (not from backup)

[caliskier]

Thanks, 

About how long will this take?  We have a lan party in less than 5 hours

[plemans]

Depends on your capabilities. I could probably do it in 15 minutes but I regularly re-install my routers. 

[caliskier]

Ok, yes, I can make this dream come true

[caliskier]

Ok, that took, yes about 15 min, had lunch, no worries.  I am clearly successful as I am writing this now.  

Thanks for your help.  

[plemans]

Hope it stays stable