Re: Did anyone get this newer firmware version via the router's http://192.168.1.1?

ant · ‎2023-11-22

Did anyone get this newer firmware version via the router's http://192.168.1.1? My Netgear Orbi RBK753S-100NAS setup (v4.6.14.3) isn't still not showing them. 😞

CrimpOn · ‎2023-11-23

@ant wrote:

Yes the router's web access. Why is it not reliable if it exists?

This is a common observation on the community forum. The Firmware Update option on the web interface does not detect new firmware until Netgear "does something" in the update servers which causes routers to detect new firmware. I have (deliberately, and taking some effort) observed my Orbi router contacting Netgear's update servers twice a day. The conversation is encrypted (https), so what happens is not at all clear. What appears to be happening is:

When a firmware update is not critical (urgent, important, "do this NOW"), the new firmware appears on the support web site where users who watch the site can notice, download, and install it. But, when routers connect to the update site, they do not detect that new firmware is available.
At some point in time, Netgear "does something" that causes router Firmware Update functions to recognize the new firmware. To my knowledge, Netgear has never published an explanation of this process, but the gist seems to be that sometimes new firmware is seen as optional. i.e. There is no urgency. No glaring problem which must be addressed immediately.

I agree that "Check for New Firmware" should actually mean what it says. Annoying as hell.

Be sure that Auto Update is enabled and NOT disabled.

View solution in original post

michaelkenward · ‎2023-11-23

@ant wrote:

Did anyone get this newer firmware version via the router's http://192.168.1.1?

Do you mean via the on-board update check through the graphical user interface (GUI)?

That's not the most reliable way to keep up to date.

RBR750 / RBS750 Firmware Version 7.2.6.21 - NETGEAR Support

Did you read the rest of this discussion?

Do you have some other issue?

ant · ‎2023-11-23

Yes the router's web access. Why is it not reliable if it exists?

CrimpOn · ‎2023-11-23

@ant wrote:

Yes the router's web access. Why is it not reliable if it exists?

This is a common observation on the community forum. The Firmware Update option on the web interface does not detect new firmware until Netgear "does something" in the update servers which causes routers to detect new firmware. I have (deliberately, and taking some effort) observed my Orbi router contacting Netgear's update servers twice a day. The conversation is encrypted (https), so what happens is not at all clear. What appears to be happening is:

When a firmware update is not critical (urgent, important, "do this NOW"), the new firmware appears on the support web site where users who watch the site can notice, download, and install it. But, when routers connect to the update site, they do not detect that new firmware is available.
At some point in time, Netgear "does something" that causes router Firmware Update functions to recognize the new firmware. To my knowledge, Netgear has never published an explanation of this process, but the gist seems to be that sometimes new firmware is seen as optional. i.e. There is no urgency. No glaring problem which must be addressed immediately.

I agree that "Check for New Firmware" should actually mean what it says. Annoying as hell.

Be sure that Auto Update is enabled and NOT disabled.

ant · ‎2023-11-24

Thanks. I saw its changelog say enhancements (are they noticeable? and security fixes (any details on these?). I don't have any IoT devices so I don't need this new feature.

michaelkenward · ‎2023-11-24

@ant wrote:

Thanks. I saw its changelog say enhancements (are they noticeable? and security fixes (any details on these?).

Only you can work that out.

Before you take the plunge, read messages here for feedback from people who have been there, done that.

Netgear, like most IT outfits, won't provide much detail about security fixes. If they listed everything covered, the crooks would home in on the ones that got missed.

To read about Netgear's security stuff, with details of things they have addressed, start here:

NETGEAR Product Security | NETGEAR

The good news is that if you install a firmware update and its does unspeakable things to your system, you can just roll back to the previous version that works for you.

ant · ‎2023-11-27

I couldn't find anything about its security fixes for this firmware update. 😞

CrimpOn · ‎2023-11-27

So true. Netgear never publishes anything more specific than some vague comment like, "addresses security vulnerabilities".

Personally, I find it really annoying when compared to the detailed release notes included with many open source software products. But, c'est la via. Having owned only Netgear routers for over 20 years, I have no idea if other companies release more detailed information.... or not.

michaelkenward · ‎2023-11-28

@ant wrote:

I couldn't find anything about its security fixes for this firmware update. 😞

See above. Telling you what is fixed leaves the door open for evil people to exploit anything that is not on that list.

Netgear does post generic details of the security issues that it knows about and what is does to fix them.

NETGEAR Product Security | NETGEAR

It would be a good idea for release notes to provide those links.

Do you have concerns ab out any specific security issue?