I recently was given an Orbi RBR50 and RBS50 satellite from family as they upgraded to something else. This was great for me as these are way better than what I had before. Naturally, I wanted to make sure the firmware was up to date as I wasn't sure if they were keeping up with that. Currently, the firmware version is showing up as V2.1.4.16_1.0.0.11 . It seems like I had to manually update the firmware to a newer version so I attempted to update to V2.2.1.212; however, was met with this error: "This firmware file is incorrect! Please get the firmware file again and make sure it is the correct firmware for this product." After some googling, it seems like there is a common issue with updating ISP branded Orbi routers with no easily definitive answers (that I could find). Is anyone aware of a surefire way of updating an ISP branded Orbi router to new firmware?

Was able to get the manual firmware update to work on both the Router and the Satellite to REPLACE the lame Verizon firmware. Steps are as follows; 1) Download identical versions of the firmware (example RBR50-V2.5.1.16.img and RBS50-V2.5.1.16.img)2) Get TFTP software ready to upload (put) firmware on the corresponding devices and set laptop / computer ethernet to static IP of 192.168.1.10 with a subnetmask of 255.255.255.0.3) Starting with the Satellite a. Turn off and unplug any ethernet devices b. Using a paperclip, press and hold the reset button c. Turn on while holding in reset button d. After 30 seconds and while the LED is blinking Red, release the reset button e. Plug ethernet from laptop/computer to Satellite e. Upload (aka put) the RBS50-Vx.x.x.x.img to 192.168.1.250 Macbook example --> tftp 192.168.1.250 <enter> bin <enter> put RBS50-V2.5.1.16.img <enter> 4) After about 20 seconds, the upload should complete. DO NOT POWER OFF ANYTHING. 5) Within 5 minutes, the Satellite should reconnect to the Router 6) Once the Satellite settles down and the top ring LED turns off, repeat the steps above for the Router. DON'T FORGET TO USE THE CORRESPONDING FIRMWARE. The router uses RBR50-Vx.x.x.x.img. Notice the only difference is the second "R". :)7) The Router, once restarted, will want to run through the ORBI mobile app setup. Or you can connect to http://192.168.1.1.

How did you conclude that this Orbi was supplied by Verizon?(Something on the product label? Previous owner comments?) There is no problem with manually loading the same firmware as is already on an Orbi.You might try to manually install v2.1.4.16 and see if it gives the same error.

Thanks for the response. Verizon shows up in the top of the Web UI. As for loading the same firmware, I also tried this to the same result. I've linked pictures if that helps: Satellite VersionUpdating Satellite Satellite Update Failed with error Top panel of Web UI

Well, (duh) that pretty much takes care of that question. Thanks. One customer got satisfaction from Verizon, although his solution may not apply in your specific case:https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Verizon-FIOS-sold-Orbi-firmware-replacement/m-p/1772268 On balance, my guess is that you are "stuck". We have a mantra here, "If it ain't broke, please don't try to fix it."So, if the Verizon firmware works as well as you need, maybe better to give up on the issue. There is a Chinese hacker who found a way to turn an Orbi router into a satellite. Maybe (just maybe) that technique could be used to convert it from a Verizon firmware to Netgear firmware. But, that's a pretty big gamble when the family wants the "internet to work."

Thanks - that seemed to be my conclusion as well.

Upgrading ISP branded (Verizon) Orbi RBR50 and Orbi RBS50 to new firmware

16 Replies

CrimpOn
Guru
Aug 06, 2020
How did you conclude that this Orbi was supplied by Verizon?
(Something on the product label? Previous owner comments?)

There is no problem with manually loading the same firmware as is already on an Orbi.
You might try to manually install v2.1.4.16 and see if it gives the same error.
- schmattieboi
  Guide
  Aug 06, 2020
  Thanks for the response. Verizon shows up in the top of the Web UI. As for loading the same firmware, I also tried this to the same result.
  
  I've linked pictures if that helps:
  
  Satellite Version
  Updating Satellite
  Satellite Update Failed with error
  Top panel of Web UI
  - CrimpOn
    Guru
    Aug 06, 2020
    Well, (duh) that pretty much takes care of that question. Thanks.
    
    One customer got satisfaction from Verizon, although his solution may not apply in your specific case:
    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Verizon-FIOS-sold-Orbi-firmware-replacement/m-p/1772268
    
    On balance, my guess is that you are "stuck". We have a mantra here, "If it ain't broke, please don't try to fix it."
    So, if the Verizon firmware works as well as you need, maybe better to give up on the issue.
    
    There is a Chinese hacker who found a way to turn an Orbi router into a satellite. Maybe (just maybe) that technique could be used to convert it from a Verizon firmware to Netgear firmware. But, that's a pretty big gamble when the family wants the "internet to work."
schmattieboi
Guide
Feb 23, 2021
Just to follow up from when I made this post, I never did attempt to change the firmware from the Verizon stamped one. I just decided to go with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach and my Orbi is still chugging along. If I ever do change routers I may attempt it; but, until then I’ll be sticking to what’s working :) .

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Upgrading ISP branded (Verizon) Orbi RBR50 and Orbi RBS50 to new firmware