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Forum Discussion
Question regarding Voxel firmware
Hey everyone! Quick question regarding Voxel firmware. I have a RBK53 system (bought from Costco). I'm thinking about installing Voxel firmware only if it prevents Netgear from forcing an update. ...
I should add that I have a tendancy to focus on the question asked, rather than the "bigger picture". So, "yes. My impression is that Voxel's firmware numbering scheme will likely prevent Netgear from automatically updating the firmware unexpectedly."
The "bigger picture" may be that as far as I can tell, Netgear has abandoned the practice of silently performing updates without explicit permission. "Except" (drum roll) in case of a "serious need." So, I am not comfortable taking a position on whether one should fear Netgear firmware updates or not. There are far too many unknowns.
Trying to avoid a Netgear firmware update does not seem like a valid reason to dump the stock firmware for 3rd party versions. Increased efficiency - sure. Ability to use the Orbi as a VPN client for all attached devices - sure. Prefer to use SSH rather than telnet, or SCP for file transfer - sure. There are lots of reasons to be interested in Voxel's firmware. Being afraid of Netgear... I'm not so confident.
Sorry to ramble on. It's late.
Questions about third party firmware are best dealt with over where they support it.
Netgear does not suppress discussion of alternative firmware, but it doesn't support it and will not comment here.
And while there are some people here who use different firmware, you may find that there is limited experience here. For example, there are few, if any, comments here from the people who cook up alternative firmware.