Today, for the first time, I received notification of the availability of Firmware updates (2.7.4.24) to my RBR50 and RBS50s. IThe email notification is much appreciated but I am puzzled why I've never received any notifications previously. Regardless, in reading the Firmware installation instructions I discovered that I've been VERY lucky. I've always checked for the availability of Firmware updates monthly and when they were available I downloaded and installed them. But, not knowing any better, I did so wirelessly from the Netgear Router. Now that I know the correct way to perform the download via Ethernet, I question if I can connect my Mac directly to my Arris cable modem rather than my Orbi50. Seems that would be even less likely to corrupt the Firmware files. The reason I ask is that my Arris modem is easier to access than my Netgear RBR50 that is located on the top of a cabinet. If need be I can get out a ladder and connect to my Netgear Router. But if I can connect directly to the Modem the update would be a great deal easier. Advice/comments please.
I understand that you would like to manually update your RBR50. All that is needed to perform a manual update is the firmware file and access to the RBR50 either wireless or via ethernet. Once the firmware file is downloaded login to your Orbi using your admin credentials then upload the firmware to your RBR50.
Please see the links provided below for the correct firmware download page and step-by-step instructions on how to properly manually update your RBR50.
I appreciate you fast response. However see the following from the Netgear Firmware update instructions:
"Using a computer that is connected to your Orbi router via an Ethernet cable(wired), launch a web browser from a computer.Note: Do not use a computer that is connected wirelessly to the router to uploadthe firmware. A wireless firmware update might corrupt the router’s firmware,rendering it unusable."
It seems to me that connecting to my cable Modem directly would be okay, perhaps even better. Your comment about using a wireless connection seems to be at odds with their instructions. Am I misunderstanding something?
Now that I know the correct way to perform the download via Ethernet,
Most of us prefer to update firmware using an Ethernet connection. There is nothing "incorrect" about updating firmware over a WiFi connection. Both methods work.
I question if I can connect my Mac directly to my Arris cable modem rather than my Orbi50.
Alas, no. The router will not accept a connection through the WAN port which connects the router to the modem. (Although, if there are empty Ethernet ports on the Arris, it is probably a combination modem/router.)
If you do "climb the ladder" to plug in an Ethernet cable, I would leave that cable in place and hide it behind the furniture in case you want it again some day.
Not to be argumentative, but whenever I've complained to my ISP about internet connection problems, the first thing I'm told to do is connect my Modem via ethernet to my Mac. In fact. I leave an ethernet cable strung between my Mac and the modem (but not connected) and easily connect the two when necessary. In one respect the ISP is correct. Using a wired connection between the computer and the modem does increase the internet speed somewhat but I still leave my connections via the Orbi WiFi for all my devices as the standard configuration. Still, ethernet between an ethernet port on the modem and an ethernet port on my Mac works fine.
P.S. The Arris unit I have is strictly a Modem and a VoIP for telephone.
To be absolutely safe and to mitigate the possibilities of corruption during updates then ethernet cable is advised. Even though the Orbi systems can be updated wirelessly best practice is to use an ethernet cable.
