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New - RBE970 / RBE971 Firmware Version 9.12.5.3 (All Regions!)
Enhancements: 12/26/2024
- Improved 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity.
Bug Fixes:
- Fixed an issue where the 2.4 GHz channel did not change when using channels 9-13.
- Fixed various minor bugs.
Security Fixes:
- This firmware addresses security vulnerabilities. For more information about security vulnerabilities, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/security
(for NA Region Only)
Download Link:
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rbe972s#download
Firmware Update Instructions:
To update your router’s firmware, follow the instructions in your router’s user manual. To view your router’s user manual, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBE971.aspx#docs.
IF MANUALLY UPDATING THE SYSTEM:
Be sure to update the RBS FIRST, then the RBR lastly.
Please navigate to the link below for step-by-step instructions on how to update your RBR971/RBS970:
Proceedure to Manually Firmware Update Orbi and Nighthawk Mesh systems
I HIGHLY recommend after the FW is loaded on the system and it's back to ready, power OFF all Orbi units and the ISP modem/ONT for 1 minute. Then back ON with the ISP modem/ONT first, then RBR then RBS.
NOTE: Orbi app or the routers web page may not report seeing new FW updates. NG may not push this to there auto update services immediately and may activate the newer FW update being seen on there auto update services at a later time. User will have the choice to manually update if you want too.
FW UPDATE ALL Feature:
If there is a FW updated seen on the RBRs web page and all RBS are online and connected with GOOD STATUS, you can select the UPDATE ALL button option to have the RBR update the RBS and RBR. Update All button is seen on the RBRs Firmware Update WEB page on the Check for Updates FW section of the page. Once FW has been checked for an update and all devices show the FW update is available, select the UPDATE ALL button. Give 5 minutes for the process to take place.
NOTE: If continued problems are seen after a FW update, it's recommended to try a factory reset and setup from scratch with out loading any saved configurations from backup files. Use the ERASE button on the routers web page to factory reset the router:
https://kb.netgear.com/000062081/How-do-I-erase-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
This sends a Factory Reset command to any and all connected RBS as well.
Procedure for Factory Reset of RBE970 series systems
Quick Installation Guide, User Manual and Spec Sheet is here:
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rbe971#docs
This article applies to:
Let us know how it works for you...
91 Replies
- Another NA only? It would be nice if the rest of us could try some of the fixes from the last one.
Eventually NG will get the EU and ROW released. NA is usually the first as we have been beta testing it and helping to check it and find any additional issues. There seems to be differences that EU and ROW has that seems to cause NG to hold on for those regions until more testing has completed. Please be patient.
Mooose wrote:
Another NA only? It would be nice if the rest of us could try some of the fixes from the last one.It appears this update is now available for everyone:
https://kb.netgear.com/000066513/RBE970-RBE971-Firmware-Version-9-12-5-3
It isn’t showing as available in the admin interface, will update manuallly later today.
- Anyone experiencing increased reboots on this new fw? I’ve had 5 random reboots on sat and router in the last 24 hours since loading. I’ve done all the usual troubleshooting above etc.
This combined with the other ongoing latency issues ( working on with ng) - gotta say, it’s frustrating on a £1500 system.
- Works fine in eu just updated
wvkregten wrote:
Works fine in eu just updatedNote that there is now a version of 9.12.5.3 that is not "NA only":
https://kb.netgear.com/000066513/RBE970-RBE971-Firmware-Version-9-12-5-3
Updated this morning so far no issues for me.
Be sure to save off a new back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy. 📡
Garyrh66 wrote:
Updated this morning so far no issues for me.
One thing I have noticed on GRC SheidsUP scanning all ports with the new firmware is most ports are now closed instead of stealth.
Flawless install on two separate RBE971 systems (one of them remotely) and their satellites (satellites done first!).
Both systems are behind pfSense equipped network appliances and are in Access Point mode - one with another mini-computer running piHole for DNS.
Update was seamless and fast.
Systems are very stable.
Good job to the engineers on this update.
(The update to 9.12.5.3 had not yet populated in the "Update Firmware" menu of the systems.)
Thanks for posting this!
Ive been running my Pixel 9 Pro XL since release on this router and havent seen any persisting or repeating issues. Maybe once every 2 weeks or so it will drop connection to the router and I toggle the wifi tile and all is well. I am in the US.
- System was stable and no crashes over the weekend which was great. Today though router has again just rebooted out of the blue for no reason. There’s definitely some serious instability with this fw - I’ve not had this with previous versions. I’ll try downgrading but I think I’m also reaching the end of my patience with this hw. For the price it should just work.
Wanted to chime in here, because this Orbi 970 has been a royal pain and coming from an RBK40 system, I honestly expected way better. 9.2.4.16 was horrible. 9.12.5.3 is slightly better. It fixed random disconnections of my satellites, I’ve done hard resetting everything, hell I’ve even tried nmrpflashes on the satellites, throughput still is degraded on both wired and wireless. Debug logs show things are good with the router itself, but every single satellite reports TR and RX issues . I’m not exaggerating, every single satellite I own reports that in the debugs. Every single satellite I own also reports NVRAM issues, the router does not. None of my satellites after a factory reset of them emit the factory default SSID and password that is labeled on each unit either. They used to, they don’t now. I don’t know if Netgear changed that behavior, they never tell you and talking to support is like talking to a brick wall.
I’m changing all my cabling out to TrueCable Direct Burial Shielded Cat6A as my ISP piped Cat5e cable and did horrific ends, so I want to rule that out this Saturday, but if that doesn’t work I don’t know what else more I can do. I’ve provided logs to Netgear, but it just is a back and forth ping pong game and not a single technician has escalated it to an engineer to at least just review the logs!
My plan is 400down, 50up, yet my Orbi only pushes 120-200 across all devices direct at the router and from satellites.
After the update some of my devices are picking up an SSID called NTGRBH_************. I assume this is the Orbi backhaul. The thing is, I only have one satellite and it is a wired connection classified as "good".
Shouldn't the wireless backhaul be turned off? I certainly don't need any more networks clogging the airwaves, especially if they are entirely unnecessary.
I cannot be entirely sure this network was not around previously, but I did not notice it until after the update.
Mooose wrote:
After the update some of my devices are picking up an SSID called NTGRBH_************. I assume this is the Orbi backhaul. The thing is, I only have one satellite and it is a wired connection classified as "good".
This has been there since the beginning if BE systems. NG is aware of it. Its locked and can't be used. We've asked about it. Not sure if or when NG will hid it on BE systems.
Shouldn't the wireless backhaul be turned off? I certainly don't need any more networks clogging the airwaves, especially if they are entirely unnecessary. No. It's there always, even if RBS are ethernet connected. Should something happen to the ethernet connection, the RBS have wireless to fall back on.
I cannot be entirely sure this network was not around previously, but I did not notice it until after the update.
Enhancements: 01/06/2024
- Improved 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity.
Bug Fixes:
- Fixed an issue where the 2.4 GHz channel did not change when using channels 9-13.
- Fixed various minor bugs.
Security Fixes:
- This firmware addresses security vulnerabilities. For more information about security vulnerabilities, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/security
(for ALL Regions)
Download Link:
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rbe972s#download
Firmware Update Instructions:
To update your router’s firmware, follow the instructions in your router’s user manual. To view your router’s user manual, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBE971.aspx#docs.
IF MANUALLY UPDATING THE SYSTEM:
Be sure to update the RBS FIRST, then the RBR lastly.
Please navigate to the link below for step-by-step instructions on how to update your RBR971/RBS970:
Proceedure to Manually Firmware Update Orbi and Nighthawk Mesh systems
I HIGHLY recommend after the FW is loaded on the system and it's back to ready, power OFF all Orbi units and the ISP modem/ONT for 1 minute. Then back ON with the ISP modem/ONT first, then RBR then RBS.
NOTE: Orbi app or the routers web page may not report seeing new FW updates. NG may not push this to there auto update services immediately and may activate the newer FW update being seen on there auto update services at a later time. User will have the choice to manually update if you want too.
FW UPDATE ALL Feature:
If there is a FW updated seen on the RBRs web page and all RBS are online and connected with GOOD STATUS, you can select the UPDATE ALL button option to have the RBR update the RBS and RBR. Update All button is seen on the RBRs Firmware Update WEB page on the Check for Updates FW section of the page. Once FW has been checked for an update and all devices show the FW update is available, select the UPDATE ALL button. Give 5 minutes for the process to take place.
NOTE: If continued problems are seen after a FW update, it's recommended to try a factory reset and setup from scratch with out loading any saved configurations from backup files. Use the ERASE button on the routers web page to factory reset the router:
https://kb.netgear.com/000062081/How-do-I-erase-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
This sends a Factory Reset command to any and all connected RBS as well.
Procedure for Factory Reset of RBE970 series systems
Quick Installation Guide, User Manual and Spec Sheet is here:
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/rbe971#docs
This article applies to:
Let us know how it works for you...
This firmware has apparently been out for some time, yet my hardware does not see it. Every time I run a firmware check from the web GUI, it tells me no new firmware is available for my router or satellites. I'm fine with doing a manual firmware update but the last time I tried to do that to my RBE971, it bricked it. Fortunately it was still within the warranty period at the time so I was able to exchange it for a new one but warranty is expired now so I'm a bit cautious about doing a manual update. I'm located in South Bend, Indiana — any idea why my router isn't seeing the update?
Your system serials may not be in the Auto Update system. NG rolls updates out in batches as well.
I prefer to manually update and have never had problems manually updating FW. RBS first, then RBR lastly using a wired PC.
Is the system working currently? If so, might just keep what it loaded on it for now.
Works fine here since update
Apologies for the delay in a response regarding the situation you and I were previously discussing
A lot has been done since the last time we chatted, so I’ll bring you up to speed. I ended up replacing all cabling within the network and ensured proper bend radius because my ISP I am finding is highly incompetent when it comes to equipment installations. I also replaced the Ubiquiti Nanostations that were servicing as my PTP to Ubiquitui Wave Picos (much more suitable for the speeds and to eliminate so much 5ghz bands running that were most likely adding interference). After doing so, I do have speeds solidly at 300DL, 50UP (my plan).
However, there seems to be a universal bug in this firmware that applies to all Apple devices or at least the Apple Devices I possess. It doesn’t matter what WiFi channel I choose, also doesn’t matter if I turn off private address and turn off limit up address tracking, but I’ll get the 300mbps for a good duration, and after I leave my house and come back from work, the devices seem to have a partial failure establishing a connection to the Orbi and when it then does, it caps the DL at half, with upload still maxed. However, if I spam turning on and off the Wi-Fi of the device, the device begins to then get 300DL again, 70up. I do want to mention if I reboot the router, it fixes it, but only for a breif moment where apple devices and the Orbi misbehave. I do notice the Orbi app keeps notifying me every so often when an Apple device attempts to reestablish a connection. I don’t know if that’s intentional since it says it’s a “new device”, but if memory serves right, once a device connects and is offline, it should stay in the device list but just display the status as “offline” in the app?
Apple Devices experiencing intermittent caps include (in which the temporary and annoying workaround applies to), but are not limited to:
- Apple TV 4K (2 total, both affected)
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPad Pro (11-inch) (2nd generation)
- 2020 MacBook Pro 13″ w/ Touchbar
Now, one HUGE issue I see with this firmware is that anytime I add in a satellite that is to be on wireless backhaul, THE ENTIRE network gets capped at 100-150DL. This firmware is buggy as hell. Hard resets of Orbi satellites and the router itself do not fix that issue and I’ve even tried hard resetting and starting from scratch.
Netgear has gone long enough with Apple woes and to a point, a lot of it was Apple’s fault, but Apple has since corrected a majority of those problems and for being a $2K Wi-Fi Mesh system, all owners of it should have zero issues with Apple devices moving forward.
As far as my system being compatible with the Tarana, it appears it’s completely fine, but could be worth Netgear taking a look. I am not running a port switch between my ISP’s Tarana and the Orbi Router and speeds have been consistent since I fixed cabling and interference issues, but I do think Netgear may want to examine and confirm complete compatibility by working with Tarana on this. Also, it does output gigabit full, but it’s auto negotiation. To clarify, it’s auto negotiation at gigabit full only. It’s not a hardcode to gigabit full. If one does that, the link will fail. I only know this as I also tried the Orbi in AP mode with a MikroTik Hex as the router and while the router was amazing, the damn Orbi kept dropping the network almost every day, so I went back to router mode. I need a Netgear engineer in here and we need to start working on a firmware fix or a beta firmware at least for me.
Anyway I can get into beta firmware tests and test things out. I do IT for a living and love to troubleshoot and works towards a solution. Let me know if you need any clarification or have some things for me to try.
PS: That RMA was green lighted and I am running the replacement system currently.
Best,
Jaryn
