Orbi WiFi 7 RBE973
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Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

I am experiencing the same situation as you are on my RBR853.  I am thinking of downloading 7.2.6.21 as I am out of ideas. (I was originally still on 4.x version, then upgraded a few weeks ago to 7.2.6.31 as I was experiencing some of these issues but not to this extent) 

 

My router is connected to the Modem with a Cat 6 cable.  My router is in the middle of the house on the main floor, 1 satellite in the basement far corner and the other on the second floor opposite corner.  There would be roughly 40 ft distance between router and satellites and in both cases must go through floors, walls, etc.

 

My satellites used to be wired backhaul.  In an effort to spread them more I had to go wireless.  Had issues both wired and wireless.

 

I have done the following to test / try and fix this:

  • Factory reset and reconfigured everything again (it helped, but only a bit).
  • I have powered down all devices, incl modem.. restarted in order, etc. 
  • Tried turning off both satellites, then trying 1 at a time, then back to both since I had equally bad if not worse results with the satellites off.
  • Disabled and re-enabled armor (no impact). 
  • IPv6 is disabled, as is traffic metering.   
  • Adjusted and then restored wifi power levels
  • Disabled the IoT SSID
  • Tried using the IoT for the cameras, etc. 
  • Tried adjusting the CTS/RTS threshold
  • Tried disabling 20/40 coexistence
  • Tried disabling AX mode
  • Tried disabling WMM settings.
  • I have tried both WPA2 and WPA3 security on the wifi connection ... leaving it now at just WPA2 as I can't add another factor into the mix.

 

Lots of wifi neighbors:Survey-Near Router.png

My devices have comments in the alias field.

 

My Google Cameras can barely stay connected despite link speeds being no less than 75Mbps (I assume it can't keep a strong connection!??).  My Chromecasts go offline a lot.  My PS5 constantly disconnects as well despite being directly above of the main router (1 floor up)

 

My family wants me to get rid of Orbi... I insist on getting to the bottom of it... too expensive to abandon... but I am not sure what to do.  As mentioned, I had some issues with the latest v4 firmware, which only got worse with the v7 firmware.

 

@bas303  Did you downgrade back to 21?  Did it help?

@FURRYe38 I have followed your threads and performed each tip in them.. still issues... good list though.  After all my testing, I factory restored once again because I had no idea now what might have made things worse and what better... although for the most part, I tried one at a time.

 

Also interested if anyone has resolved issues with Google hardware.  I will open a thread with google as well.

 

Message 1 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Apparently, I completely replied incorrectly, as it created a new thread.  This should have been a reply to https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/Major-Firmware-7-2-6-31-issues/m-p/...  🙂

Message 2 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

I was watching Netflix when everything stopped working.  I was having Netspot monitoring my connection as I was watching. The monitoring PC is very close to the  router, not to the streaming device.  I observed this massive drop in signal strength where you can see it dropped from -30db to -65db at the time of the issue.  I also see spikes at other moments.  Is this normal?  (in all fairness, I haven't really monitored this long in the past).  I am wondering if these spikes could be what are causing the issues with google cameras, and my streaming services.

 

Netspot-Wifi Drop.png

Message 3 of 29
bas303
Tutor

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Hi @Redlow, I have successfully downgraded to .21 and it does resolve all problems with the intermittent connection drops and transfer speed issues. So I'm running on .21 for now, but I wish Netgear would be properly aware that there are issues with their latest firmware for a subset of their customers. I do want to be able to keep security fixes up to date without rendering the Orbi's totaly useless.

Message 4 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended. 

 

What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
Might bring the RBS a bit close to the the RBR if there in a basement area. Concrete and steel maybe causing issues. Nature of the beast. 

 

Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz. Should not be using channel 3. Try channel 1 for 2.4Ghz. 

 

Are you using the IOT network for anything? Or is it disabled? 

 

What is the debug information seen on the RBRs debug page at 192.168.1.1/debug.htm 


@Redlow wrote:

I am experiencing the same situation as you are on my RBR853.  I am thinking of downloading 7.2.6.21 as I am out of ideas. (I was originally still on 4.x version, then upgraded a few weeks ago to 7.2.6.31 as I was experiencing some of these issues but not to this extent) 

 

My router is connected to the Modem with a Cat 6 cable.  My router is in the middle of the house on the main floor, 1 satellite in the basement far corner and the other on the second floor opposite corner.  There would be roughly 40 ft distance between router and satellites and in both cases must go through floors, walls, etc.

 

My satellites used to be wired backhaul.  In an effort to spread them more I had to go wireless.  Had issues both wired and wireless.

 

I have done the following to test / try and fix this:

  • Factory reset and reconfigured everything again (it helped, but only a bit).
  • I have powered down all devices, incl modem.. restarted in order, etc. 
  • Tried turning off both satellites, then trying 1 at a time, then back to both since I had equally bad if not worse results with the satellites off.
  • Disabled and re-enabled armor (no impact). 
  • IPv6 is disabled, as is traffic metering.   
  • Adjusted and then restored wifi power levels
  • Disabled the IoT SSID
  • Tried using the IoT for the cameras, etc. 
  • Tried adjusting the CTS/RTS threshold
  • Tried disabling 20/40 coexistence
  • Tried disabling AX mode
  • Tried disabling WMM settings.
  • I have tried both WPA2 and WPA3 security on the wifi connection ... leaving it now at just WPA2 as I can't add another factor into the mix.

 

Lots of wifi neighbors:Survey-Near Router.png

My devices have comments in the alias field.

 

My Google Cameras can barely stay connected despite link speeds being no less than 75Mbps (I assume it can't keep a strong connection!??).  My Chromecasts go offline a lot.  My PS5 constantly disconnects as well despite being directly above of the main router (1 floor up)

 

My family wants me to get rid of Orbi... I insist on getting to the bottom of it... too expensive to abandon... but I am not sure what to do.  As mentioned, I had some issues with the latest v4 firmware, which only got worse with the v7 firmware.

 

@bas303  Did you downgrade back to 21?  Did it help?

@FURRYe38 I have followed your threads and performed each tip in them.. still issues... good list though.  After all my testing, I factory restored once again because I had no idea now what might have made things worse and what better... although for the most part, I tried one at a time.

 

Also interested if anyone has resolved issues with Google hardware.  I will open a thread with google as well.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Message 5 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Thanks @FURRYe38 

My provider modem / router is a Bell Homehub 4000, which is really a Sagemcom Gigahub.  As it is a router as well, Orbi is setup to use PPPoE passthrough, and gets it's own external IP address.  I have disabled the 2.4 Ghz channel on the Bell Modem, and left the 5Ghz open for wireless access.  I might change this to leaving only the 6Ghz channel open, as my phone works with it and then this will reduce interference in the 5Ghz space as well.

 

My home is roughly 2400 Sq. Ft over two floors and the basement is another 1200 Sq. Ft.  I have played a bit with the location of the basement Satellite.  It claims to have a good backhaul connection.  I may run an ethernet run to it regardless.

 

Channel 3 was the 'auto' channel.  I'll set it at Channel 1.  I already have moved the 5Ghz channel to 48 as it seemed like a better channel.

 

I have dabbled with the IoT channel, but not currently using it.  I just disabled it.  I will let it run like this for a bit to see if there are any improvements.

Out of curiosity,  The spikes that I saw on the netspot signal graph... is this normal?

Message 6 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

@bas303 I will probably do this if nothing changes in a day or so and wait for 7.2.6.41 😊

Message 7 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues


@Redlow wrote:

Thanks @FURRYe38 

My provider modem / router is a Bell Homehub 4000, which is really a Sagemcom Gigahub.  As it is a router as well, Orbi is setup to use PPPoE passthrough, and gets it's own external IP address.  I have disabled the 2.4 Ghz channel on the Bell Modem, and left the 5Ghz open for wireless access.  I might change this to leaving only the 6Ghz channel open, as my phone works with it and then this will reduce interference in the 5Ghz space as well.

Ok so lets disable ALL wifi radios on this ISP gateway. Leaving wifi enabled on it maybe causing problems. 

 

My home is roughly 2400 Sq. Ft over two floors and the basement is another 1200 Sq. Ft.  I have played a bit with the location of the basement Satellite.  It claims to have a good backhaul connection.  I may run an ethernet run to it regardless.

This size of home, the RBR and just 1 RBS would be and should be enough. IF you have two RBS deployed, try lowering the power on the RBR to 25% first. 

 

Channel 3 was the 'auto' channel.  I'll set it at Channel 1.  I already have moved the 5Ghz channel to 48 as it seemed like a better channel.

👍

I have dabbled with the IoT channel, but not currently using it.  I just disabled it.  I will let it run like this for a bit to see if there are any improvements.
👍
Out of curiosity,  The spikes that I saw on the netspot signal graph... is this normal?

No, however maybe some interferences from the ISP gateway wifi causing some interferences. Can you test that again with just the RBR running? 

I may put my 850 online and help check this. 


 

Message 8 of 29
CrimpOn
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues


@Redlow wrote:

 I might change this to leaving only the 6Ghz channel open, as my phone works with it and then this will reduce interference in the 5Ghz space as well.


An interesting idea, as the Orbi 850 series does not support 6GHz WiFi (WiFi6E)  Would be fascinating to hear how the phone handles roaming between the Bell WiFi and Orbi WiFi.

Message 9 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

@CrimpOn It seems to stick to the Orbi connection unless I manually select the Bell 6Ghz connection.  I haven't seen it jump to Bell, even when I am standing next to the Bell Router.  It could be the adaptive Wifi Selection in Android... maybe if I were spending more time near it, it would change. So far, not a seamless switch.  I suppose that may be a good thing.

Message 10 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Ok.  My Orbi is on Channel 1, and 48.  I have disabled both the 2.4 and 5 Ghz wifi on the Bell Router.  Only the 6Ghz is left on.  I have also disabled the Arlo Camera Basestation so that this 2.4 Ghz network was not in the mix.  Also, which you can see on the image, I moved the PC antenna so it was more line of sight to the Orbi Router.  (regardless, it was only 5 feet from the router)  Now, it's only Orbi, the Bell 6Ghz, and the neighbors networks.  I still see the WIFI constantly spiking between -20 and -40 dBm.  The 20 dBm difference seems to be reflected in the measurements when the antenna was poorly positioned... so there is something going on.

 

Unless something else, my next move may be to try the .21 version.

 

Netspot - Wifi Drop 2.png

Message 11 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues


@FURRYe38 wrote:

@Redlow wrote:

Thanks @FURRYe38 

This size of home, the RBR and just 1 RBS would be and should be enough. IF you have two RBS deployed, try lowering the power on the RBR to 25% first. 

 


 

@FURRYe38 

Am I able to lower the Router separately from the Satellites?  Last time I tried reducing the power I pretty much lost all camera access completely (and I only choose 50%)

 

Also, I just now disabled the 6Hz Wifi on the Bell router as well just to eliminate the possibility this is a factor.  It did seem to have a small effect on the signal -- I am fluctuating now between -20 dBm and -32/-37 dBm... regardless, still experiencing cameras dropping and streaming dropping, so although it improved it, it didn't resolve it  😑

 

Interesting though that the 6Ghz signal caused interference with the 2.4 Ghz signal.

Netspot - Wifi Drop 3.png

Message 12 of 29
CrimpOn
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues


@Redlow wrote:


Am I able to lower the Router separately from the Satellites?  Last time I tried reducing the power I pretty much lost all camera access completely (and I only choose 50%)

No. Lowering the Transmit Power reduces the power of all Orbi units.

 

 

Message 13 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

So is yours taken with just the RBR alone and the RBS turned OFF as well along with ALL wifi disabled on the ISP router? 


I put my 850 online yesterday and took this from just the RBR alone:

Screenshot 2024-05-27 at 4.44.37 PM.png

Message 14 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Hi @FURRYe38 .  I had tried just the RBR alone in the past, and it had made my home network unusable -- the cameras wouldn't connect at all.  However, I just now disabled the satellites, and the signal has definitely improved compared to the last scan (see graphs).  It isn't spiking to the low 40's, but it is still not as smooth as your results - yours have very little variance within the second, unlike mine which varies a lot within the second.  That being said, my google cameras are working... 

 

I will run it like this for a bit, but I am confused and/or bothered by a few things...

 

1) Why did it work on older firmware, but not this firmware.

2) The fact that I have disabled my satellites seems like a waste.  I would want to use them.  I would be unhappy if they just sit idle.  I am concerned that my Orbi 853 isn't working as well as my Orbi 53 system did.  I feel that we shouldn't have to disable the satellites, and every other Wifi signal nearby (including my Arlo cameras)

3) Considering the nature of Orbi, I would think it would be better at managing cross signal and power.  I feel that my old Cisco Aironet access points would adjust power levels to accommodate other friendly signals.  I would expect a similar setup for Orbi.

 

Thanks for all the help... I will leave it like this for now but I do feel that this isn't an ideal setup.  I do feel there is a firmware issue that needs to be fixed as we shouldn't need to do this for such an expensive system -- it should make our network better not worse.

 

I will need to test turning my arlo cameras back on... tomorrow night.  

 

Oh, how did you get Netspot into Dark mode?!?

 

Netspot-wifidrop4.pngNetspot-wifidrop5.png

Message 15 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues


@Redlow wrote:

Hi @FURRYe38 .  I had tried just the RBR alone in the past, and it had made my home network unusable -- the cameras wouldn't connect at all.  However, I just now disabled the satellites, and the signal has definitely improved compared to the last scan (see graphs).  It isn't spiking to the low 40's, but it is still not as smooth as your results - yours have very little variance within the second, unlike mine which varies a lot within the second.  That being said, my google cameras are working... 

 

I will run it like this for a bit, but I am confused and/or bothered by a few things...

 

1) Why did it work on older firmware, but not this firmware. Possible something in the RBS or RBR FW. Would need to see same graph with NetSpot on prior version to compare. How was the RBS and RBR FW updated? Automatic? Manually? Update ALL? 

Possible with the size if your home, placement and RBS deployed, with newer FW, may show that for the size of home, one RBR and just one RBS would be needed here. And you said your RBR is in the basement which will be a factor as well. Would be great if you can get this one the main level of the home and then recheck NetSpot.

 

2) The fact that I have disabled my satellites seems like a waste.  I would want to use them.  I would be unhappy if they just sit idle.  I am concerned that my Orbi 853 isn't working as well as my Orbi 53 system did.  I feel that we shouldn't have to disable the satellites, and every other Wifi signal nearby (including my Arlo cameras)

The disabling of the RBS was only to check NetSpot analysis only with the RBR, you can turn the RBS back ON. Might try just turning ON one RBS for now then run NetSpot again. I checked mine yesterday before I had to take the 850 series offline yesterday, I had one RBS online and connected and NetSpot showed similar graph with the one RBS as with just RBR alone. I didn't see any kind of drops like you have with yours. 

 

3) Considering the nature of Orbi, I would think it would be better at managing cross signal and power.  I feel that my old Cisco Aironet access points would adjust power levels to accommodate other friendly signals.  I would expect a similar setup for Orbi.

Also again, size if home and placement is a factor. The RBR and just one RBS should be enough. And if you can get the RBR up to the main level and out from in the basement. 

 

Thanks for all the help... I will leave it like this for now but I do feel that this isn't an ideal setup.  I do feel there is a firmware issue that needs to be fixed as we shouldn't need to do this for such an expensive system -- it should make our network better not worse.

 

I will need to test turning my arlo cameras back on... tomorrow night.  

 

Oh, how did you get Netspot into Dark mode?!? Mines from Apple Mac OS

 

Are the dlink entries listed in netspot yours or someone else's? 

Netspot-wifidrop4.pngNetspot-wifidrop5.png


 

Message 16 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues


1) Why did it work on older firmware, but not this firmware. Possible something in the RBS or RBR FW. Would need to see same graph with NetSpot on prior version to compare. How was the RBS and RBR FW updated? Automatic? Manually? Update ALL? 

 

I updated Manually.  The update wasn't showing up as an automatic update.

 

And you said your RBR is in the basement which will be a factor as well. Would be great if you can get this one the main level of the home and then recheck NetSpot.

 

It used to be, but I ran a Cat 6 Cable to the basement and moved it to the main floor.  It is now in the very middle of the house.  The netspot charts all reflect the RBR in the middle of the house.

 

I had one RBS online and connected and NetSpot showed similar graph with the one RBS as with just RBR alone. I didn't see any kind of drops like you have with yours. 

 

I wish I knew why this was happening.  Overall, my RBK853 hasn't been as stable as my RBK53 was.  I wonder if this is why..  it just got worse with the latest update. As mentioned, my google cameras are definitely working better now with all the other wifi signals disabled, and the satellites off.  I will try soon to turn at least one satellite back on.  My one second floor satellite is at the front of the house - technically very close to the cameras if you were to ignore the floors and walls.  I wonder if I should move it further away  😐

 

 

Are the dlink entries listed in netspot yours or someone else's? 

 

The d-link entries are my neighbors wifi.  It was strong enough that I felt I would leave it on the graphs.


 


 

Message 17 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

What channels are you using currently on the Orbi system.

What channels are the close neighbors using? 

Message 18 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

@FURRYe38  I am definitely on the good channel right now (Ch 1) and they are over on Ch 11.  Here is the closest neighbor with the dLink router, and then the second has the rest of the wifi signals that show up.Netspot-neighbors.pngNetspot-neighbors2.png

Message 19 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Ok ya I use 1 and 40 on my main home network. While testing the other day the RBR was set for 11 and 48. 

👍

Message 20 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Any progress on this? 

@Redlow 

Message 21 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Well, some.  I have been running with my upstairs satellite unplugged, and my basement satellite in the backyard on my deck protected from the elements. (I do have an awesome signal in my backyard now).   You can still see my main router 2.4Ghz signal spiking once every 3 seconds or so, which I still can't explain as it continued even after shutting down every other wifi signal in my home (including signals from my old Vera Home Automation system and others). 

 

With the upstairs satellite disabled, my cameras seem more stable.  I don't really get it, since the upstairs satellite would have been much closer to the cameras themselves.  Although the cameras are working better, I now get disconnects from the network from my phone since I guess I have a weak signal in some areas upstairs which means the satellite was helping from that perspective.

 

I have pondered trying 7.2.6.21 and seeing if the satellites work better with the older firmware, but as it has been more stable, I haven't touched it yet.  Maybe 7.2.6.41 will come soon 🙂

 

Below is the latest netspot.. you can still see that spike that comes every 3 seconds. 😐

 

e5d7ac82-8016-42c3-b8c5-6dbad744c700.png

Thanks!

Message 22 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

I would revert the RBR back to v.21 and see if that spike still happens there. Factory reset and RBR and setup from scratch, then run NetSpot. 

Message 23 of 29
Redlow
Aspirant

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Hi @FURRYe38 

I reverted to v.21 and the spikes found in the main router are definitely gone.  The satellite that is now in the backyard is fluctuating, but it's outside, so I am not surprised... and even that is relatively stable.   There seems to be a bit of a spike every ~5 min, which is definitely better than every 3 seconds.

 

My assumption is then that there is something with the firmware .31 since I downgraded and ensured to reconfigure everything exactly as it was prior to the downgrade.

 

Netspot-June4-3.png

 

Message 24 of 29
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Major Firmware 7.2.6.31 issues

Ok, thanks for the update. I guess keep v.21 loaded on it for now. 

Have you contacted NG support about this? 

 

 

Message 25 of 29
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