r6900 dropping internet connection on 2.4, not 5.0

[LewA]

My Router R6900 with Firmware V1.0.1.36 continues to drop Internet on 2.4GHz for Windows 10 PC's, Macs, iPads. I have been using the R6900 for almost 2 years, and in the last few weeks began to have issues.  I updated to Firmware V1.0.1.34 several weeks ago, and I don't recall if the Internet dropping issue started before or after that firmware update.  Last week I updated Firmware to V1.0.1.36 and while I am dropping less often I still drop Internet a couple times a day on 2.4GHz (while wired and 5.0GHz remain connected).  Via another device (connected via 5.0GHz), I can modify the Channel Selection on 2.4GHz (thru Netgear Genie) and restore the Internet connection for 2.4GHz. Each time the Internet connection drops (2-3x per day) I have been repeating that process. 

[michaelkenward · Accepted solution]

New firmware sometimes introduces changes that are not compatible with the old configuration.

So while it isn't guaranteed to fix problems a factory reset is the first thing to try if you have issues with new firmware.

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If I rename identical I am hopeful that most will simply reconnect.

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That's what I do.

[michaelkenward]

Got any Chromecast equipment?

[LewA]

I have a smartTV (4G), and also have a few year old TV with a wifi dongle.  Both are connected via Wifi to the router.

[michaelkenward]

I still don't know if you have anything Chromecast.

I asked because there has been a Google induced meltdown with some routers from a raft of makers.

Google Chromecast and Home devices are causing problems with some Wi-Fi networks – BGR

The symptoms are the same as you flagged up.

The worst hit Netgear products are the X7000X series of modems/routers and routers.  I don't know about the R6900.

Did you factory reset after applying the new firmware last week?

[LewA]

I don't have any Chromecast hardware. I did not do a factory reset after applying the new firmware.  I have been on for 24 hours since my last drop (2.4GHz channel change), which is progress. I can do the factory reset if you think that will help...just need to dust off some brain cells on how some of the devices connect/re-connect to the router (smartTV's, wireless printer, etc.).  If I rename identical I am hopeful that most will simply reconnect.

[michaelkenward · Accepted solution]

New firmware sometimes introduces changes that are not compatible with the old configuration.

So while it isn't guaranteed to fix problems a factory reset is the first thing to try if you have issues with new firmware.

---

If I rename identical I am hopeful that most will simply reconnect.

---

That's what I do.

[LewA]

Thanks, resetting to factory settings worked.  The 5.0GHz side had issues immediately following the reset, but after doing a 2nd router reboot after changing the settings both 2.4 and 5.0  are up and behaving again.  I am on day2 since I did the reset, but am hopeful that the issue is resolved.

[michaelkenward]

Great. Yet more evidence that a reset is not a daft idea.