New EX7500. Fully configured fine. No internet access..?

[martindbaker]

Hi guys,

Just got a brand new EX7500 & fully configured it fine. However, only the iPhone 11 I used to set it up has internet access. All other devices (iPhone 8/11, XBOX, iPad etc) connect to the EX7500 fine, but get no internet access. Initially I used the same SSID as my Draytek 2850 router & Smart Connect. 

Anyway, I called Netgear Support. I factory reset the EX7500, then went through the config with them. This time though I setup different SSIDs for the 2.4 & 5GHhz networks (_EXT versions). I then connected to those fine. After going through the entire process with Netgear Support, I still have the same problem. 😞  My iphone 11 used to setup the EX7500 works fine, but no other devices get internet access.

The Support person said the device is faulty, so return/exchange it. However, I see lots of similar problems in the forums and am wondering about the compatibility of the EX7500 with my Draytek 2850 Vigor.

I work in IT BTW, so have done & checked every last aspect of the setup & looked into settings on the 2850 too. I have ensured I am connected to the correct SSIDs etc. I've given the EX7500 a static IP on the 2850, to no avail.

So, do you guys think my EX7500 is faulty, I have a compatibility issue with the 2850, or something else?

[martindbaker]

RESOLVED! Guys, if you have the "no internet" issue same as me, then the issue is firmware. I downgraded from 1.0.0.52 to 1.0.0.50 to no avail. Then down to 1.0.0.46, again to no avail. But, when I downgraded to 1.0.0.42, everything worked fine - instantly.

Netgear Developers: somehow somewhere you've introduced an issue with Apple devices obtaining internet access. It started from 1.0.0.46, so look at the differences between firmware versions 42 and 46. The issue persists in all firmware versions beyond 42.

I don't have any Android devices so couldn't test these. I also didn't get around to testing Windows laptops either, however I did test against multiple Apple devices, 3 iPhones of varying models and 2 iPads. Only the originating iPhone that does the setup can connect. All other Apple devices connect to either the 2.4 or 5G WiFis, but never connect to the internet. The Wifi connection on the device doesn't say "No internet connection", there is simply never any response in apps/browsers.

I've seen multiple posts about EX7500 internet connetivity issues, so around the globe there may be hundreds of disgruntled users & returned/binned units. I've seen quite a few posts saying people are returning them too or confining them to drawers.

Hope this helps!

[martindbaker]

Oh well, I take that back. It worked for 2 hours. Then I moved it to a different socket and,  well, the rest is history... shame. Tried moving back to same room as router, factory reset &... still failing. Another EX7500 heading for a refund..

[BMcGuirt]

After a waste of time (Chat) and (Voice) calls to Netgear.  There really was no resolve.  I never claim to no more, I listen and I try.  

However, you get to the point that you realize you are going in a complete circle with Rebooting the unit after you have told them, you did it.

Anyway after multiple attempts I never could get the internet to come out of the Netgear Extender.  The last thing she wanted me to do was to

to reset and manually add it.  I did and this was connecting thru my ARRIS DG-3450 wireless router.  I saw this the very first time I tried to setup

on delivery date.  The Arris DG-3450 does not have a PHYSICAL WPS button, we have to use the GUI (icon) button in the connected devices.

Anyway, I started the paring process and it finally came back and said my device connected successfully with the 5.0Ghz connection.  I MENTIONED this to the Netgear specialist, as I recalled having to do that twice to get the 2.4Ghz to connect, but NO, she didn't want me to do this.  So, she said, try and connect.  I was able too, but I was in the same room 3 feet from the ARRIS wireless router and DID get on the internet.

BTW, I'm on iPhone 11 too.  (The chat guy had me to the NETWORK Reset on the iPhone, but that didn't work either.) ...So, I took it downstairs.

I should have paid better attention to notice ( I think the 2.4GHhz was on)  I went downstairs to the basement and plugged it up.  Neither of the 2.4Ghz or the 5.0Ghz lights would come one.  Waited and waited and nothing!!!!  She said, Try and connect and I did, but I told her I was connected but to the upstairs.  I mean how can you connect to the extender if the RADIO is not on?  You need the blue lights on.  So, she left to go talk to tier 3 support I guess.  She wanted me to RESET it again, use the software and change the SSID to something different.   Not going to happen.  I have to many devices already setup for MY SSID.   It was at that point I ended the call and plan on returning this for Refund and NOT 

so sure I will choose Netgear on Next go around.   This is very sad,  Life is busy and I don't really have the time to explore the internet on what units work and which ones don't.  Sure wish I had saw your post.  I would have not purchase this one.  I did try to purchase a decent one. (I thought)  I can purchase the most expensive one, but I don't need the overkill for what I really need.  So wastefull, but when you find failure sometimes you do overkill to keep your sanity. Going back for sure.  Not sure if I will check back in...maybe.  What did you end up buying to replace it and how did it work out?