RBR50: Update firmware from 2.7.4.24 not finding newer firmware

[JoeM845]

RBR50's Menu item "Advanced -> Administration -> Firmware update" responds with "No new firmware version available" for both the RBR50 and the RBS50. I expected it to find 2.7.5.4, ask for an OK, and update the firmware on both devices.

Is my expectation correct?

Is there any situation/configuration where this is a correct response from the RBR50?

If the RBR50's routines do not work, is there a safe way to update the firmware?

Thanks,

Joe

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RBK50, fw 2.7.4.24, Windows 10, Edge

[KevinLiT · Accepted solution]

Hello @JoeM845 ,

Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

At this time the most current firmware for the RBK50 systems is an optional update. If you would like to update this firmware please update your firmware manually. Please ensure to update the attached satellites first then update the router last.

Please navigate to the link below for the download file for your RBR50: 
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBK50#download

For step-by-step instructions on how to manually update your RBK50 please navigate to the link below:
https://kb.netgear.com/31573/How-do-I-manually-upgrade-firmware-on-my-Orbi-router-using-orbilogin-co...

Best,

Kevin

Community Team

[CrimpOn]

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@JoeM845 wrote:

Is my expectation correct?

---

This will happen when Netgear "flips a switch" somewhere that informs the router that this new firmware is available to install.

Until that happens, customers who want to update to this firmware can perform a manual update.

https://kb.netgear.com/31573/How-do-I-manually-upgrade-firmware-on-my-Orbi-router-using-orbilogin-co... 

[KevinLiT · Accepted solution]

Hello @JoeM845 ,

Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

At this time the most current firmware for the RBK50 systems is an optional update. If you would like to update this firmware please update your firmware manually. Please ensure to update the attached satellites first then update the router last.

Please navigate to the link below for the download file for your RBR50: 
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBK50#download

For step-by-step instructions on how to manually update your RBK50 please navigate to the link below:
https://kb.netgear.com/31573/How-do-I-manually-upgrade-firmware-on-my-Orbi-router-using-orbilogin-co...

Best,

Kevin

Community Team

[RocketSquirrel]

The very sparse release notes state

• Various Armor bug fixes
• Various SPC bug fixes

I have no idea what Armor and SPC are. What are they?

[FURRYe38]

Armor is router based security app. 

https://community.netgear.com/t5/NETGEAR-Armor/How-to-Protect-All-Your-Devices-from-Cyberthreats-Liv...

SPC is Smart Parental Controls.

https://community.netgear.com/t5/NETGEAR-Smart-Home-Parental/Introducing-Smart-Parental-Controls/td-...

[JoeM845]

Thanks, but since this fw version was released in February, I expect that it is as "generally available" as it is going to get.

[JoeM845]

@KevinLiT,

Thanks. "Optional update" makes sense. I do not know how I -- a basic user -- am supposed to figure this out. Should I expect Netgear's documentation to provide any guidance?

The Release Notes do not say optional. Nor do they provide any recommendations. They list the two features (Armor & SPC), but they do not say the bug fixes are only applicable to setups using those features.

The option to check for updates says no newer firmware and not o newer mandatory firmware

Thanks again,

Joe

[CrimpOn]

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@JoeM845 wrote:

Thanks, but since this fw version was released in February, I expect that it is as "generally available" as it is going to get.

---

So true.  This one of the most frustrating aspects of Netgear product support.  One would think that firmware released in February that includes "bug fixes" and "addresses security vulnerabilities" would be "ready for prime time" by September.

It could be as simple as the person who was tasked to move the firmware status to "searchable" has left the company or been reassigned to another role.  The Orbi AC product line is long in the tooth and one might imagine that significant resources are dedicated to resolving major issues with the AX product line (which inhibit further sales) or to the new WiFi7 products in the pipeline.

Having only Netgear WiFi equipment, I have no idea how often other vendors update firmware or how their update process works in practice.

[FURRYe38]

Why I posts additional information on new updates when they come out. 

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Wi-Fi-5-AC-and-Orbi-with/New-RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-7-...

Up to users if they wanna update or not. 

Good luck.