Possible Firmware bug MR6550

JLS02 · ‎2024-03-25

I am in the process of replacing my MR6500 with an MR6550 because of an channel issue with the 5G network for T-Mobile in my primary usage area. The issue is I use this as a backup connection for my home network. I am using this device in Bridging (IP Passthrough) mode so that the cell IP is assigned to my firewall. In this configuration the MR6500 will allow me to set the IP address of 192.168.254.1 for example and will answer that, providing that routing is set up correctly on the firewall, for management of the device. However, when I do this same style configuration on the MR6550 I set the IP address to 192.168.253.1 and then when I enable the IP Passthrough the device reboots and the IP of the device is changed from whatever I have it configured to and goes to 192.168.3.1. I see this as a bug because I see no hardware reason for this limitation. I tried to report this via a support ticket to Netgear and am not able to since I can’t register as I bought the MR6550 second had and am not able to register the device, so I am not able to report this issue without paying the $99 for a support contract. Anyone know the best way to get this limitation reported to see if the firmware can be patched to act like the MR6500.

MR6500
Firmware Version: NTGX65_12.01.48.00
Firmware Build Date: 2023/11/07
Hardware Version: 1.0
PRI Version: 03.07
Web App Version: MR6500-1A1NAS_05.00.96.00

MR6550
Firmware Version: NTGX65_12.01.47.00
Firmware Build Date: 2023/11/04
Hardware Version: 1.0
PRI Version: 04.11
Web App Version: MR6550-GENPAS_05.00.94.00