<vent>I only have issues with this device. Previous issues are in the forums, so I won't digress. </vent>
What happens now: my R8000P stops assigning IPs, so I guess it must be a DHCP issue. Because if a device is connected, it can be used to access the internet. If it's not connected, it won't connect to any wireless network (2.4/5 Ghz) and the error is that the WiFi password is invalid.
There's a 1TB USB portable HDD attached to the USB3 port, if it matters.
This happens every Saturday, in the morning.
The firmware version is V1.4.3.88_1.3.50 (I am afraid to upgrade, only issues with the firmwares here, at Netgear). Worked for a while and it started to malfunction a few months ago. Nothing changed (config, physical environment, etc...).
What should I do? Where should I look?
A quick reboot fixes the issue, but I'm tired of having to go to the attic to press a button. Especially on Saturday (sad sleepy father noises).
The firmware version is V1.4.3.88_1.3.50 (I am afraid to upgrade, only issues with the firmwares here, at Netgear). Worked for a while and it started to malfunction a few months ago. Nothing changed (config, physical environment, etc...).
Netgear is likely to say "try the latest firmware". After all, it is possible to roll back if the issue doesn't go away.
If there is one it might also help if you told people the make and model number of the modem/gateway/ONT that sits between this router and the Internet. Is it, by any chance, also a router, with a set of LAN ports on the back?
I ask because a lot of people turn up here trying to put a router behind a modem that is also a router. That can complicate troubleshooting.
Re: R8000P - Clockwork failure of DHCP (I assume?)
In front of my R8000P sits a Huawei EchoLife HG8247H ONT (installed by the ISP years ago - https://support.huawei.com/enterprise/en/access-network/echolife-hg8247h-pid-8952137 ). It's only purpose is to provide internet access and DHCP services via the only LAN port that is in use, to and via the cable that goes into the R8000P. Everything else is disabled on the ONT (including WiFi).
The R8000P has been added (in this exact configuration) 2...3 years ago (can't remember exactly). The issues started quite recently (a few months ago). The HDD has been there since when I bought the R8000P and is used via DLNA on various devices.
"Try the latest firmware" - might work, but as an engineer I feel I should know the cause before attempting a fix.
Thank you and please let me know what other additional details might help.
In front of my R8000P sits a Huawei EchoLife HG8247H ONT (installed by the ISP years ago - https://support.huawei.com/enterprise/en/access-network/echolife-hg8247h-pid-8952137 ). It's only purpose is to provide internet access and DHCP services via the only LAN port that is in use, to and via the cable that goes into the R8000P. Everything else is disabled on the ONT (including WiFi).
The link goes to device that claims to provide "4 GE+2 POTS+1 USB+1 RF+2.4G WiFi(4 GE Ethernet ports,2 POTS ports, 1 USB port, 1 RF port and 1 2.4G WiFi port)"
That looks suspiciously like a router.
I assume that "disabled" is not the same as turned off. Too many people turn up here with things turned off, leaving the router component active.
"Try the latest firmware" - might work, but as an engineer I feel I should know the cause before attempting a fix.
Maybe the new firmware is what would fix it.
I spend my life writing about engineers. Sadly, most of them are experts on domains like helicopter design, water managements, bridge building and so on, well removed from IT. But they would certainly try to understand technologies they are playing with.
The issues started quite recently (a few months ago).
Given the predictable timing, it does smell suspiciously like an ISP issue. Routers do get involved in things like "lease time", but there too starting with the ISP is usually a good idea.
Re: R8000P - Clockwork failure of DHCP (I assume?)
As a software engineer for more than 20 years, the DHCP lease renewes when it expires. If it's the Huawei, that should not affect the R8000P since it has its own DHCP server. If it's the R8000P, then there's a fault somewhere in the device (hardware or software).
As much as I know the OSI and TCP/IP stack, I don't have the time to diagnose a rather expensive device that has proven time and again full of problems. I would venture to say that the best device is the one you forget about because it works. Well, it's not my Netgear. (it was one built by a company of Taiwanese immigrants to the United States; but that device has aged a lot).
I am very willing to entertain other more technical approaches. I have other things to do in life, and, as my clients say, I don't care, I just want it to work properly, as I have paid the asking price. Otherwise, a Chinese or Taiwanese competitor will take its place so that I can enjoy life/family/kids instead of doing the job of Netgear engineers (both R&D and QA).
So, what would cause a R8000P to suddenly not allow other devices to obtain a DHCP lease with the "Invalid password" error message on said devices ? Any way to get access to detailed logs (other than the ones in "Advanced"->"Administration"->"Logs") ?
