Orbi WiFi 7 RBE973
Reply

Fed up with Netgear ANY router

JimTheGreek
Tutor

Fed up with Netgear ANY router

There was a time, up until the purchase of this router almost a year ago or so, I swear by Netgear, still have the old archaic Netgear wifi, REAL old.

This [RAX80], I had high hopes, and it has been a GREAT disapointment, GREAT!

Once this gets old or tired, I'm switching to Asus, ANYTHING but Netgear, I'm REALY disapointed!

Here are the reasons and all this is even after rebuilding this thing, totaly from scratch!

1. Flaky all the time, losing connection to devices.

2. Refuses to maintain assigned IP to devices.

3. NOT the speed I expected!

4. Assigns duplicate IPs constantly.

I'm fed up, I'm done with Netgear!

Model: RAX80|Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi Router
Message 1 of 13

Accepted Solutions
antinode
Guru

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

> 2. Refuses to maintain assigned IP to devices.

 

   Generally, it's more helpful to describe actual actions/results,
rather than attribute an attitude to an inanimate device.  How, exactly,
does a router "refuse" to do anything?  Does it emit an error message
(some place) like "I refuse to do that!"?  "fail" and "refuse" are
spelled differently for a reason.

 

   Do you mean that devices with Address Reservations get some wrong
addresses?

 

> 4. Assigns duplicate IPs constantly.

 

   "constantly" or "repeatedly"?

 

   The most common reason for either of those DHCP problems is the
presence of another DHCP server on the LAN.  Firmware defects in Netgear
routers are common enough, but problems like those are seldom caused by
the router.


   For example, occasionally, some Internet-of-Junk gizmo with a
"hotspot" mode might leave its built-in DHCP server running after it's
been configured, and has joined your LAN.  A misconfigured Raspberry Pi
computer is another potential culprit.  As usual, many things are
possible.

 

   One test would be to disable the DHCP server in the RAX80, and see if
devices still manage to get IP parameters (from some other DHCP server).


> 1. Flaky all the time, losing connection to devices.

 

   Not a very detailed description of anything.  "connection" between
device and router?  "connection" between device and Internet?

 

> 3. NOT the speed I expected!


   That's fine for a rant, but not a useful description of anything.
The non-psychics in your audience might know very little about "the
speed [you] expected", or the speed you observed, or how you measured
it.

 

   Other basic useful info would include the router's firmware version,
and identification of what's connected to the router's WAN/Internet
port.

 

> I'm fed up, I'm done with Netgear!

 

   This is primarily a _user_ forum.  Tell someone who cares?

View solution in original post

Message 3 of 13

All Replies
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

Today, no dups and all good on address res.

But Here's the flakiness, again, this is new occurance, never seen this before, see attached jpg.

Model: RAX80|Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi Router
Message 2 of 13
antinode
Guru

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

> 2. Refuses to maintain assigned IP to devices.

 

   Generally, it's more helpful to describe actual actions/results,
rather than attribute an attitude to an inanimate device.  How, exactly,
does a router "refuse" to do anything?  Does it emit an error message
(some place) like "I refuse to do that!"?  "fail" and "refuse" are
spelled differently for a reason.

 

   Do you mean that devices with Address Reservations get some wrong
addresses?

 

> 4. Assigns duplicate IPs constantly.

 

   "constantly" or "repeatedly"?

 

   The most common reason for either of those DHCP problems is the
presence of another DHCP server on the LAN.  Firmware defects in Netgear
routers are common enough, but problems like those are seldom caused by
the router.


   For example, occasionally, some Internet-of-Junk gizmo with a
"hotspot" mode might leave its built-in DHCP server running after it's
been configured, and has joined your LAN.  A misconfigured Raspberry Pi
computer is another potential culprit.  As usual, many things are
possible.

 

   One test would be to disable the DHCP server in the RAX80, and see if
devices still manage to get IP parameters (from some other DHCP server).


> 1. Flaky all the time, losing connection to devices.

 

   Not a very detailed description of anything.  "connection" between
device and router?  "connection" between device and Internet?

 

> 3. NOT the speed I expected!


   That's fine for a rant, but not a useful description of anything.
The non-psychics in your audience might know very little about "the
speed [you] expected", or the speed you observed, or how you measured
it.

 

   Other basic useful info would include the router's firmware version,
and identification of what's connected to the router's WAN/Internet
port.

 

> I'm fed up, I'm done with Netgear!

 

   This is primarily a _user_ forum.  Tell someone who cares?

Message 3 of 13
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router


@antinode wrote:

> 2. Refuses to maintain assigned IP to devices.

Well, it's simple, initially when I first (after the rebuilding) I set up a few devices with address res.

It assigned those devices from the DHCP pool, NOT from the reserved IP pool.

Today (not sure how long it has been good) all is good on that.

 

   Generally, it's more helpful to describe actual actions/results,
rather than attribute an attitude to an inanimate device.  How, exactly,
does a router "refuse" to do anything?  Does it emit an error message
(some place) like "I refuse to do that!"?  "fail" and "refuse" are
spelled differently for a reason.

 

   Do you mean that devices with Address Reservations get some wrong
addresses?

 

> 4. Assigns duplicate IPs constantly.

Initially, it would assign two devices w/same IP.

Today (not sure how long it has been good) all is good on that.

Except, if you look at the jpg I provided in a followup post, it has given it's own IP (not really, I don't think so, but... that's what it reports) to a device.

 

   "constantly" or "repeatedly"?

 

   The most common reason for either of those DHCP problems is the
presence of another DHCP server on the LAN.  Firmware defects in Netgear
routers are common enough, but problems like those are seldom caused by
the router.

No other DCHP running. I DO have a small (by necessesity,  not by choice) wifi plugged in but it's in bridge mode.

Also, there are no devices running hotspot. I  know Ring & possibly Wiz have that ability, but have not played w/either for a long while. I really don't want to disable DHCP on the RAX80, unless I can get some quite time for a day or so, to find out if there is another DHCP out there.


   For example, occasionally, some Internet-of-Junk gizmo with a
"hotspot" mode might leave its built-in DHCP server running after it's
been configured, and has joined your LAN.  A misconfigured Raspberry Pi
computer is another potential culprit.  As usual, many things are
possible.

 

   One test would be to disable the DHCP server in the RAX80, and see if
devices still manage to get IP parameters (from some other DHCP server).


> 1. Flaky all the time, losing connection to devices.

Well, various devices; TVs, Firesticks, Google Home... will off & on lose connectivity for a bit, and mind you, these devices are NOT moving around to suggest losing signal or strength of.

 

   Not a very detailed description of anything.  "connection" between
device and router?  "connection" between device and Internet?

 

> 3. NOT the speed I expected!

The speed is not a real issue, but not super happy or perhaps I had high hopes/expectations.


   That's fine for a rant, but not a useful description of anything.
The non-psychics in your audience might know very little about "the
speed [you] expected", or the speed you observed, or how you measured
it.

 

   Other basic useful info would include the router's firmware version,

Firmware Version
V1.0.4.120_1.0.61


and identification of what's connected to the router's WAN/Internet
port.

It's a Spectrum Arris  TG1682 running at 100Mbps (RAX80 reports 83.36Mbps), I'd like to go faster, but, I also like to buy a fast sports car too, but...

> I'm fed up, I'm done with Netgear!

 

   This is primarily a _user_ forum.  Tell someone who cares?

Obiously you don't but, your comments are helpfull for those who DO care and possibly w/my answers to those comments may help resolve my issues. Also, I WAS hoping that it would get to someone who DO care, like Netgear staff.


 

Model: RAX80|Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi Router
Message 4 of 13
antinode
Guru

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

> It assigned those devices [...]

 

   "It"?  How did you decide where "those devices" got their addresses?

 

> No other DCHP running. [...]

 

   You determined this how, exactly?

 

>    One test would be to disable the DHCP server in the RAX80, and see if
> devices still manage to get IP parameters (from some other DHCP server).

 

   Are you reading any of this, or are you just "knowing" things?

 

> [...] I DO have a small (by necessesity, not by choice) wifi plugged
> in but it's in bridge mode. [...]

 

   I don't know what your (unspecified) "a small [...] wifi" might be,
or how it's connected to anything, or how it's configured, or what
"bridge mode" means to you.


> [...] I really don't want to disable DHCP on the RAX80, unless I can
> get some quite time for a day or so, to find out if there is another
> DHCP out there.

 

   I'd expect the whole test to be done in a few minutes.

 

> It's a Spectrum Arris TG1682 [...]

 

   "TG1682G"?  That seems to be a modem+router, not a simple "modem".
Cascading multiple NAT routers can cause multiple problems.

 

> [...] running at 100Mbps (RAX80 reports 83.36Mbps), [...]

 

   You obtained those speeds how, exactly?

 

> Obiously you don't [...]

 

   Many things seem to be obvious to you, which are not obvious to me.


   For example, you seem to have a TG1682G (modem+router), an RAX80
(router), and some mysterious/unspecified "a small [...] wifi" (possibly
a router).  Perhaps _you_ can see how you connected and configured all
those devices, but, with my weak psychic powers, I can't.  With all
those routers, each of which could be running a DHCP server, I have no
idea how many independent DHCP servers you might be running where.

 

   Based on no actual information, I'd guess that you tied all these
devices together in some confused way, and configured them
inappropriately, leading to a bunch of user-caused problems, for which
you blame the RAX80.  Obviously, you know much more about this stuff
than I do, because I couldn't even begin to do blame assignment without
some basic information, including an accurate gizmo inventory, an
accurate and complete description of what's connected to what, and at
least some clues as to how all these gizmos are configured.

 

   Regarding what's connected to what...

 

   Hint: If a device has different types of ports, then "connected to
device" is not enough detail.  IP networking is more complicated than
stringing together multiple sets of Christmas-tree lights, and requires
more care.


> [...] see attached jpg.

 

   Your LAN appears to be badly configured.  Presumably, "192.168.1.1"
is a duplicate, at which point all bets are off.

 

   Rather than try to make any sense of your existing mess, it might be
more productive to power most of it down, disconnect everything, and
build a non-mess, starting with the TG1682G on its own.  I assume that
it provides your ISP connection, and that it's configured as a
modem+router ("gateway").

 

   Then, when that works, you might try adding the RAX80, which, if the
TG1682G is configured as a modem+router, should probably be configured
as a wireless access point.

 

   Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your model number, and look
for Documentation.  Get the User Manual (at least).  Read.  Look for
"Set up the router as a WiFi access point".  (That should disable _its_
DHCP server.)

   Because I know absolutely nothing about your (unspecified) "a small
[...] wifi", or why you want to use it, I wouldn't try to do anything
with it.

Message 5 of 13
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router


@antinode wrote:

> It assigned those devices [...]

 

   "It"?  How did you decide where "those devices" got their addresses?

 

> No other DCHP running. [...]

 

   You determined this how, exactly?

 

Well, I setup my Address res. ON the RAX80 and obviously the RAX80 has given those IPs to those devices.

As far as other DHCPs out there, no I don't know, other than possible remnants from an IoT device and like I said, I don't want to cause havoc, even if only for a few minutes with my family's devices, it's why I said I will try when I have some quite time.

 

>    One test would be to disable the DHCP server in the RAX80, and see if
> devices still manage to get IP parameters (from some other DHCP server).

 

   Are you reading any of this, or are you just "knowing" things?

Perhaps y ou may want to read my answer again and as I said above, I will in due time.

One thing to let you know, my writing is not my best suite, being this is not my native language, but I do my best.

 

> [...] I DO have a small (by necessesity, not by choice) wifi plugged
> in but it's in bridge mode. [...]

 

   I don't know what your (unspecified) "a small [...] wifi" might be,
or how it's connected to anything, or how it's configured, or what
"bridge mode" means to you.

What I mean by small, is that it's a simple, low budget wifi placed there by my alarm company and the only devices on it are the alarm and cameras. For some reason, their stuff would not connect w/the RAX80.

As I understand it, bridge mode has no DHCP, gets it's IPs from the main DHCP server, in this case the RAX80, at least when I got on that wifi I did not see any or an option for one.


> [...] I really don't want to disable DHCP on the RAX80, unless I can
> get some quite time for a day or so, to find out if there is another
> DHCP out there.

 

   I'd expect the whole test to be done in a few minutes.

 

> It's a Spectrum Arris TG1682 [...]

 

   "TG1682G"?  That seems to be a modem+router, not a simple "modem".
Cascading multiple NAT routers can cause multiple problems.

 

Perhaps I did not understand your question of "and identification of what's connected to the router's WAN/Internet
port." I assumed you were asking about the modem.

 

> [...] running at 100Mbps (RAX80 reports 83.36Mbps), [...]

 

   You obtained those speeds how, exactly?

 

Well, for one thing, I'm paying for 100Mbps, usually getting about 120 and when I get on the RAX80 management using my pc via browser, it shows on the top of the device table.

 

> Obiously you don't [...]

 

As I stated above, my english is not the best and obviously you want to help and I really apprciate that, you can ask for more detail.

As far as me being a dummy, I'm not. I am NOT an IP expert, nor a network expert. As I said, I've had Netgear probably close to how long you've been alive. I have managed networks for friends and family since and NEVER anyone or myself had this much trouble.
I am a retired computer engineer, in both hardware and software of over 30 years in the industry.

I worked in design lab, field engineer and in-house engineer and finished as systems analyst.

Worked on both Mac, and PC, I'm a certified (was 100 years ago) Unix admin, worked on Solaris.

Wrote firmware for my Apple ][ and a large lazer system, again all 100 years ago. I  know my brain is all used up all these years, but I'm trying.

 

Again, thank you for your input!

 

PS: Just for fun, see attached photo of that old Netgear wifi I'm talking about.

 

   Many things seem to be obvious to you, which are not obvious to me.


   For example, you seem to have a TG1682G (modem+router), an RAX80
(router), and some mysterious/unspecified "a small [...] wifi" (possibly
a router).  Perhaps _you_ can see how you connected and configured all
those devices, but, with my weak psychic powers, I can't.  With all
those routers, each of which could be running a DHCP server, I have no
idea how many independent DHCP servers you might be running where.

 

   Based on no actual information, I'd guess that you tied all these
devices together in some confused way, and configured them
inappropriately, leading to a bunch of user-caused problems, for which
you blame the RAX80.  Obviously, you know much more about this stuff
than I do, because I couldn't even begin to do blame assignment without
some basic information, including an accurate gizmo inventory, an
accurate and complete description of what's connected to what, and at
least some clues as to how all these gizmos are configured.

 

   Regarding what's connected to what...

 

   Hint: If a device has different types of ports, then "connected to
device" is not enough detail.  IP networking is more complicated than
stringing together multiple sets of Christmas-tree lights, and requires
more care.


> [...] see attached jpg.

 

   Your LAN appears to be badly configured.  Presumably, "192.168.1.1"
is a duplicate, at which point all bets are off.

 

   Rather than try to make any sense of your existing mess, it might be
more productive to power most of it down, disconnect everything, and
build a non-mess, starting with the TG1682G on its own.  I assume that
it provides your ISP connection, and that it's configured as a
modem+router ("gateway").

 

   Then, when that works, you might try adding the RAX80, which, if the
TG1682G is configured as a modem+router, should probably be configured
as a wireless access point.

 

   Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your model number, and look
for Documentation.  Get the User Manual (at least).  Read.  Look for
"Set up the router as a WiFi access point".  (That should disable _its_
DHCP server.)

   Because I know absolutely nothing about your (unspecified) "a small
[...] wifi", or why you want to use it, I wouldn't try to do anything
with it.


 

Model: RAX80|Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi Router
Message 6 of 13
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

Since I sent you the last msg. I'v been trying to find my oooooold Netgear router, but no luck, just the adapter only, bummer. I KNOW it's somewhere LOL But, not important, just having fun!

Model: RAX80|Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi Router
Message 7 of 13
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

Oh, also, I forgot...

The "cheap" wifi I mentioned is a Linksys AC1200.

Message 8 of 13
antinode
Guru

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

> One thing to let you know, my writing is not my best suite, being this
> is not my native language, but I do my best.

 

   Your English is good enough.

 

> Well, I setup my Address res. ON the RAX80 and obviously the RAX80 has
> given those IPs to those devices.

 

   It's not obvious to _me_.  It's especially not obvious if your
devices are getting unexpected or duplicate adresses.  And if you have
as many as three different routers (potential DHCP servers) on your LAN.

 

> As I understand it, bridge mode [...]

 

   "Bridge" is a widely misused/misunderstood term.  "bridge mode" means
different things to different people, and when applied to different
devices.  If you're talking about a router, then you probably mean
configuring it as a wireless access point (WAP).  Which would probably
be a good idea.  Whether it was done, I don't know.


> [...] has no DHCP, gets it's IPs from the main DHCP server, [...]

 

   That sounds like a WAP.

 

> The "cheap" wifi I mentioned is a Linksys AC1200.

 

   Ok, but I don't know how it's configured or how it's connected.  And,
as with Netgear, "AC1200" is a speed, not a model number.  Which makes
it difficult when one of us wants to consult its user manual.

 

   For all I know, this "Linksys AC1200" might still be using
"192.168.1.1" as its LAN IP address, instead of getting some
new/different IP address using DHCP.

 

> [...] I assumed you were asking about the modem.

 

   I was, but a "TG1682G" is more than a modem; it's a modem+router.
Unless you've configured it as a modem-only.  (Which is also known as
"bridge mode", and which is nothing like configuring it as a WAP.  As I
said, "widely misused/misunderstood".)


> [...] I've had Netgear probably close to how long you've been alive.
> [...]

 

   Not likely.  Perhaps you should assume less.  About me, about your
DHCP servers, ...

 

> I am a retired computer engineer, [...]

 

   In these forums, people who write poor problem descriptions often
cite their vast experience or expertise.  I've never seen such claims
improve their problem descriptions.

 

> Rather than try to make any sense of your existing mess, [...]

 

   That's still my advice.

Message 9 of 13
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

Thank you on my english, but I know better!

The only reason I mentioned my experience so that YOU know who you are dealing with and not a total dummy, that's all and not to come across cocky, if I did, not intended, my apologies.

You were right, there WAS another DHCP server running. Even though I had my modem running in bridge mode, it was also running as DHCP.

There is only one device connected to the modem, the RAX80, and does not have wifi enabled. I disable it, not paying for it.

I verified there is no other DHCP running, my PC could not access router untill I turned DHCP back on on the RAX80, via wifi using the app.

I'm open to how to REALLY verify there is no other DHCP server running out there.

As far as the Linksys EA6100 (sorry for incorrect model) has it's own IP, I know since I was able to conect to it via a different IP.

Attached is the settings on the Linksys, on PC browser and iPhone app.

IDK about WAP,  Linksys does not have the option to set it up as a WAP, only bridge, I assume pretty much the same, since it does not do DHCP.

I apologize for insulting you about your age, but almost everytime I deal w/techs online, they are young and I'm ooold! LOL

Well, we'll see how it [RAX80] does from this day forward. If  your next response does not have more checking or a simple Ok, I will mark your initial reply as the solution, since THAT'S what prompted me to check for DHCP servers.

Again, thank you for your help!

 

 

 

 

Message 10 of 13
antinode
Guru

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

> Thank you on my english, but I know better!

 

   I didn't say that it was _perfect_, but many (most?) of the native
English speakers here can't cope with "its"/"it's" or
"there"/"their"/"they're", or sentences, or ...

 

> [...] there WAS another DHCP server running. [...]

 

   As I said, "The most common reason [...]".

 

> [...] Even though I had my modem running in bridge mode, it was also
> running as DHCP. [...]

 

   That's unexpected.  For a modem+router, "bridge mode" normally means
"very stupid", so that nothing like a DHCP server should be active.

 

> There is only one device connected to the modem, the RAX80, and does
> not have wifi enabled. I disable it, not paying for it.


   Disabling the wireless stuff on a modem+router does _not_ disable its
router section (or its DHCP server).  I know nothing about a TG1682G, so
you might need to do more research to learn how to configure it as you'd
like it.

 

   If the TG1682G really is configured as a modem-only ("bridge mode")
then the IP address on your RAX80 WAN/Internet interface would be your
external/public IP address.  On the RAX80 management web site:
ADVANCED > ADVANCED Home : Internet Port : Internet IP Address.  Plug
that address into the form at: https://whois.arin.net/ , and see if it
is a public or private address.

 

   If the TG1682G does not have a modem-only mode, then it's also
possible to leave its router active, and configure the RAX80 as a WAP.
(Look for "access point" in the RAX80 User Manual.)  The important point
is that you almost certainly want _one_ router, not more.

 

> I verified there is no other DHCP running, my PC could not access
> router [...]


   Ok.

 

> I'm open to how to REALLY verify there is no other DHCP server running
> out there.

 

   The best way I know is to run the experiment.  If a computer/device
tries, but can't get a response, then I'd conclude that there's no DHCP
server on its LAN segment.

 

> IDK about WAP, [...]

 

   It looks as if Linksys says "Bridge Mode" where Netgear says
"wireless access point".  The problem with using "Bridge Mode" in this
case is the potential confusion with "Bridge Mode" on a modem+router,
where it means something different.  In both cases, the gizmo gets
stupid, but the exact set of disabled features is different.  (What,
exactly, is getting "bridged" to what is different.)

 

> I apologize for insulting you about your age, [...]


   Don't lose sleep.  I suspect that most of the active participants
around here are geezers with too much free time.  (_I_ should be doing
other things, but this stuff is well suited to a shrinking attention
span.)

 

> [...] we'll see how it [RAX80] does from this day forward. [...]

 

   Sounds good.  My original (implicit) point was that the problem could
be external to the RAX80, so that replacing it with some other router
might do nothing to solve your actual problem.  Blame assignment is Job
One, I always say.  The RAX80 could still be garbage, but that hasn't
yet been proved.

Message 11 of 13
JimTheGreek
Tutor

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

Well, this is the second time I'm writing this, and I'm not sure I'll say anything close to what I had said originally before my kill switch kicked it.

I killed my VPN off & on for this test.

Yes, my IP is visible w/o VPN and  I'm running VPN on some devices, not all.
But my IP is reported as a group of about 10 networks, not exactly MY IP.

I'm also running my DNS thru cloud flare for better speed and control.

I'm puzzled why the RAX80 is reporting my modem as DHCP when I KNOW it's off, see attachment.

Also, if I make my RAX80 to a WAP I may lose some functionality; like parental control, antivirus, etc...

But, I'm gonna look into it see what the pros & cons are for me.

Model: RAX80|Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi Router
Message 12 of 13
antinode
Guru

Re: Fed up with Netgear ANY router

> But my IP is reported as a group of about 10 networks, not exactly MY
> IP.

 

   I don't know what that means, and I can't see any of it.  What,
exactly, are you seeing where, exactly?

 

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Protocol
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address

 

> I'm also running my DNS thru cloud flare [...]

 

   What, exactly, did you set to what, exactly, on what, exactly?

 

> [...] see attachment.

 

   I see it, but I'm not sure what it is.  Especially the blacked-out
parts.  The left side might be consistent with a modem-only mode, but I
don't know.  The right side tells me nothing.

 

> [...] if I make my RAX80 to a WAP I may lose some functionality; [...]


   True.

 

      https://kb.netgear.com/26765
      https://kb.netgear.com/000061880

 

   So, I'd try to find a modem-only mode for the TG1682G.

 

> I killed my VPN off & on for this test.

 

   I know nothing about VPNs, but, even if I knew more, I'd get the
basic modem-and-router stuff to work before I added more complications.

Message 13 of 13
Top Contributors
Discussion stats
  • 12 replies
  • 1401 views
  • 2 kudos
  • 2 in conversation
Announcements

Orbi WiFi 7