RBR50/RBS50 Firmware 2.5.1.16 Update

Add me to the sucker for punishment list :)

Orbi in Access Point mode

Attached Device List:

I am not seeing any real improvement.  Still seems slow to pull them up.  I can go to my devices and they work fine enough, but are still not listed in the Orbi browser.  I still have those ones that for whatever reason, the Orbi refuses to see them - my router does - and they act as expected.  If you are upgrading for this reason, you may be disappointed.

Satellite Acquisition:

There were some posts that this was faster.  This seems to be the case.  My wifi based backhaul would always go pink for about 10 seconds and finally flip to blue.  Goes right to blue now.  Now ... I am not say blazing fast by any mean; just, a little faster.

I have been running v2.5.1.16 on my RBR50/RBS50 setup for 3 weeks since March 31, 2020 (I received beta copy of it for a separate issue listed below).  It unfortunately did not fix my outstanding tickets against v2.5.1.8, which include:

1. Orbi Android App cannot change device icons
2. Orbi Android App icon is incorrect for "smart locks", shows "network" device instead
3. DHCP logging is inconsistent (logs them until rebooted, then does not log them until rebooted again, toggling between working and not working on each reboot)
4. dnsmasq process for DNS server does not resolve local LAN hostnames

The DNS server issue (#4 above) has a workaround at https://community.netgear.com/t5/Idea-Exchange-For-Home/orbi-add-dns-server/idc-p/1632085#M1731 but it does not survive a reboot of the router.

Is anyone else seeing these issues or other issues?  If so, please report to them to this thread so we have a good idea what is fixed and what is still broken.  All 4 items above are at NG L2 and/or engineering support awaiting fixes.

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larryindublin wrote:

So I attempted the upgrade as well. I've been one of the lucky ones who have had a very stable Orbi setup since day 1.

 

Have about 35 devices connected of all types.

 

Satelites both upgraded fine but getting an "500 Internal Server Error" when I try to upgrade the router. This is the typical order I have done things. Thoughts? Tips? Tricks? Have redownloaded the firmware file and confirmed I am trying to use the RBR firmware...

 

 

 

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I have ask and you can slap me later but why, why did you try to update?

Try a factory reset on the RBR disconnected from the ISP Modem. Skip the setup wizard. Use a wired PC and IE11 or Firefox and try to reload the FW file to the RBR. It should take. Once FW is loaded, reboot and re-connect the modem. I would power OFF the modem for 30 seconds then back ON when you reboot  the RBR. 

Be sure to clear out any and all browser caches before doing the FW update. 

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larryindublin wrote:

So I attempted the upgrade as well. I've been one of the lucky ones who have had a very stable Orbi setup since day 1.

 

Have about 35 devices connected of all types.

 

Satelites both upgraded fine but getting an "500 Internal Server Error" when I try to upgrade the router. This is the typical order I have done things. Thoughts? Tips? Tricks? Have redownloaded the firmware file and confirmed I am trying to use the RBR firmware...

 

 

 

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I got the 500 Internal Server Error when trying to upgrade my RBR50. Rebooting the router, unplugging the modem cable, and of course using an ethernet cable resolved the issue for me. It never completed its "upgading don't unplug me" message in web browser, but after 4-5 mins I could see devices connecting and confirm router had right firmware version from my iPhone.

Yes download manually that is what I had to do

no idea why automatic does not work

worst decision in buying the orbi garbage

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fredricr1 wrote:

Any idea why the latest firmware update doesn't show up? Does this mean my Orbis (all 3) are not compatible with 2.5.1.16?  Do I need to download and manually update instead?  Lastly...any cautionary tips for updating firmware?

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You are right to be frustrated, because the situation with regard to Netgear Orbi firmware updates is a mess.  As a "set up and forget" residential product, Netgear would silently update the Orbi firmware without the user ever being involved.  Then, there were some instances where the invisible firmware update caused massive problems for some users.  Horrendous. Horrible.  Nasty.  The user forum filled up with post demanding that Netgear cease this nefarious practice and let users choose when (and if) to upgrade.  Last Fall Netgear released a significant firmware update,  and once again it played havoc with some users and had to be "withdrawn".   Netgear cannot seem to be consistent.  Netgear sends out emails prompting people to update, and pops notices on the Orbi "app", but the Orbi says there is no update available.  There is one credible report of an Orbi updating satellites when the user decided to update the router only.  It's a mess.

The concensus seems to be, "if it ain't broke, for God's sake don't FIX it."  (Fix as in spay, neuter.)  In other words, unless your Orbi is not performing as you want, be in no hurry to install an update.  And, if you DO decide to update the firmware, realize that YOU CHOSE to do it.

p.s. Your RBS50Y is certainly on the latest available firmware.  It is a hybrid product that has little in common with the other "50" products.

I recommend avoiding the auto update FW section of the router. Many posters have had problems with this feature and is not stable to use. Seems to break systems or causes problems more than anything else. 

First manually download the RBS and RBR FW files from here.

http://kb.netgear.com/en_US/000061838/

Unpack the FW from the .zip files. 

Use a wired PC for this process. Safari(Mac), IE11, Firefox or Opera browsers are recommended.

Log into the RBSs web page and send the FW file there first.

Then send the RBR FW file lastly.

Factory reset the RBS and RBR and setup from scratch. After makeing sure the system works after setting up, be sure to make a backup configuration to file for safe keeping. This saves time if a reset is needed again. 

I recommend keeping this method, as it's a proven method I and others have been using for years to update router FW. 

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fredricr1 wrote:

Definitely new, so be gentle. 

 

My RBR50 is currently using firmware v2.3.5.30, my RBS50 is on 2.5.0.38, and my RBS50Y (outdoor) is on 2.3.5.32.  When I log into the orbi website for remote management and check for firmware updates, it shows none available.  Any idea why the latest firmware update doesn't show up? Does this mean my Orbis (all 3) are not compatible with 2.5.1.16?  Do I need to download and manually update instead?  Lastly...any cautionary tips for updating firmware?

 

Sorry for the basic questions and thanks for the help.

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Thanks for letting us know. Glad all is working well now. Be sure to save off a new backup configuration to file. Saves time if a reset is needed. 

Enjoy. 

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WrathofKon wrote:

So I updated today with no issues to resolve my not seeing connected devices issue.  I was seing 8 devices connected before which i knew was too little.  Now all devices connected are showing up in the device manager list in the web ui and the app.  I did the satellite and then the router.  No issues. 

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Yes the RBS and RBR should be on same version. One can manually load FW on to RBS as well using there web page. 

Thanks for letting us know. Enjoy. :smileywink:

You try a factory reset on the RBR and RBS after the update? 

Sir

I have the same issues

support will not help you 

management will not help you

i have filed in my local county court a lawsuit against netgear for the amount of money I have paid for this Orbi garbage

it is absolute trash

I also have not had any issues with v16 FW. 
Users should try a factory reset and setup from scratch to see if the problem continues. 

There is also newer FW out as well that users can try:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/New-RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-5-2-4-Officially-Released/m-p/1978020/highlight/true#M103124

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/New-RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-7-0-70-Officially-Released/m-p/1978021/highlight/true#M103125

You can try Voxels FW for Orbi:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Voxels-FW-available-for-50-series-Orbi-only-available/m-p/1883615#
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-orbi-a-la-faq.65224/
You can revert back to stock FW if it doesn't work out for you. 

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jeff022889 wrote:

Ever since the Firmware 2.5.1.16 Update my WIFI is cutting off every 5 minutes.  The outage last only 10-15 seconds which is long enought to destroy connectivity to my many IoT devices.  Can someone please give me a work around or solution?

 

I am considering throwing my $600 Netgear WIFI in the trash and starting over.  I work from home and can not tolerate this level of service.

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Why not revert back to the old firmware?