Kitz Forum

Broadband Related => Broadband Hardware => Topic started by: jaydog on January 13, 2008, 03:44:34 PM

Title: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: jaydog on January 13, 2008, 03:44:34 PM
I see there is a latest version out - Version 4.01.28 (for UK)

I currently use Firmware Version  V4.01.20

Anyone upgraded and seen any positive results?
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: graevine1 on January 13, 2008, 07:45:29 PM
  Im using the Netgear DG834G Version 3 Router Firmware Version V4.01.28 ADSL Modem Firmware Version 6.01.00.12 Which you will see all displayed on the first page after an application using 192.168.0.1 and then submitting your user normally "admin" and password "password". Then I have installed the free copy of RouterStats 2.8h, for no other reason than to graph noise etc. i have to praise this program highly as it does an exceptionally good monitor of conditions. If you install it you will soon gain the benefit when attempting to diagnose line faults etc. The only point missing is I have not yet been able to obtain the "line up Counts" from this router, maybe it is still hidden from me, unless someone knows differently but Line ups are extremly valuable when knowing how many times per hour there has been sucgh a count.

There is to be soon I hope an upgrade of the firm ware in this router to overcome the so called odd problems that have been laid at Netgears 'door'.
Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: jaydog on January 13, 2008, 09:25:55 PM
yes its the router firmware i could upgrade as i have a lower version, but dont wanna mess all my settings up by flashing it. i messed up my connection by updating the drivers to my wireless adapter!

firstly, does the modem need to be directly connected to the pc or can the flash be done over the air?

also, is it likely i will see better snr with a new firmware?

thanks
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on January 13, 2008, 10:04:32 PM
does the modem need to be directly connected to the pc or can the flash be done over the air?

Do it via ethernet. 
When upgrading the firmware, the router "reboots" and may temporarily forget any wireless settings etc and you may end up locking yourself out.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: jaydog on January 13, 2008, 10:26:59 PM
what good will flashing it do though? coul dit improve my snr and possibly stop the disconnections once a day?
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on January 14, 2008, 12:24:49 PM
Jaydog, for the moment i wouldn't bother flashing the firmware. there will be a new release within the next week or so directly aimed at stabalising the TI-AR7 code on the modem side.

Once this is released then you should upgrade and yes, you will see definite improvements.

Just to Update:

I have spoken to Netgear and they are going to take the new code and produce a release version. Apparently the new modem code has been released from Infineon to netgear and this is to change the way the TI-AR7 works on DSL max lines. I have not been given a firm release date as yet, however I have been told that it may be released within 2-3 weeks.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on January 14, 2008, 12:51:26 PM
Thats good news - thanks for the update azzaka :)
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: graevine1 on January 14, 2008, 12:52:21 PM
I think we have all forgotten to advise JAYDOG to back up his existing firmware to his hard drive so that in the event there may be any problem with the next Netgear firmware release he can always return to the old version.
I however am finding my version of the firmware is providing me with the best service I have had for years, God I hope that nothing goes wrong now!!!!

My line is not good and the maintainance by BT has been nothing but totally incompetent. I believe I can say this with some authority as I was trained and educated by originally Post Office Research branch then BT. The competence I can state is dismal and the run around they have given me has been a joke beyond words, I now speak as a young pensioner and shareholder, but those are to be sold! The line plant to me is in a serious state of collapse and despite numerous promises, and in writing,  from persons who claim to be assistants to the Chairman of BT the cable feeds have not been replaced. They wonder why we remove contracts from BT, well its because we as customers cannot find enough hours in the day to keep phoning BT and in addituion expect to pay BT for those calls in addition.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: graevine1 on January 14, 2008, 12:55:12 PM
Yes , Thanks KITZ and to AZZAKKA who I know has the information that I to have that we are expecting a firmware upgrade from Netgear sooooon!

Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 04, 2008, 03:41:53 PM
-=UPDATE=-

Netgear will be releasing a new version of the Firmware to Zen this week for internal testing.

Once this has been tested and working properly, Netgear will be finishing the new firmware and releasing the new version.

Leo
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on February 04, 2008, 04:47:22 PM
Good stuff - Thanks for the update.

btw do you know if Netgear will be releasing the update for all (AR7) Netgear routers or is this just specific to the say DG834G v2/v3?
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 06, 2008, 11:29:56 AM
I believe it will be across the Board.

All manufacturers will be urged to change the DSL code on all models. Netgear are specifically doing the version 3 as it is the one I have been testing with them.

Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on February 06, 2008, 07:07:51 PM
>> I believe it will be across the Board.

Good

>> All manufacturers will be urged to change the DSL code on all models.

Excellent - lets hope they do.

Thanks for the update :)

Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: DrTeeth on February 06, 2008, 10:42:54 PM
>> I believe it will be across the Board.

Good

>> All manufacturers will be urged to change the DSL code on all models.

Excellent - lets hope they do.

Thanks for the update :)



Some manufacturers have apparently said that they will no longer be releasing updated firmware for their AR7-based modems - even if they are not even obsolete. Zyxel being a case in point mentioned on these forums.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 07, 2008, 09:29:37 AM
When i had my meeting with BTW i asked them about the other manufacturers, they have said off the record that they can not force them to update the DSL code, however they said they will urge them to do so as there is now a fix for the known issue that shows itself on DSL max lines.

I urge anyone who has a Zyxel to speak with them and ask them to upgrade the DSL code with the new release from Infineon.

L.Goile
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: MikeS on February 07, 2008, 03:27:40 PM
E mailed Solwise asking them if they had any plans to upgrade their AR7 chipset router's firmware - reply shown below

Ok have spoken to our contacts around and this update must be to fix a
problem with netgear routers our routers have no problem with breoadband
max so no we will not be responding to this as we have nothing to fix.


So no problem there then
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: graevine1 on February 07, 2008, 03:39:46 PM
So Solwise have a right hand that doesnt know what their left hand is doing. Do they know that they have used the AR7 chipset I wonder, probably not as if they admit it they maybe concerned they have to pay someone compensation.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 07, 2008, 05:22:02 PM
If the company is not aware of an issue then no they will not release a new firmware. It will be up to infineon to release the code and ask the manufacturers to update it.

The problem is definitely not specific to Netgears, however Netgear has been the only manufacturer to ask us for help and to recognise that there was a problem with the chip. They then worked with Zen, Infineon, and BTW to come up with a new DSL code that does not show the same symptoms as the previous versions.

To go over it again, if the manufacturer does not wish to update the code, we can not make them, nor can BT.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on February 07, 2008, 09:37:31 PM
>> So no problem there then

:(

Surprised really because at one point Solwise used to be really good and have a very good support team and forums... and they really were on the ball.
However, this was at the time of the SAR110...   and they do seem to have gone pretty quiet of late.

I loved my SAR (globespan/connexant chipset) and its still a bleeping damn good router.   I got more info and stuff out of that lil router than I have a lot of newer ones.
It even told you when there were signs of exchange contention eg - WARNING : ATM VC Congested : Interface - aal5-0, PortId=7, Vpi=0, Vci=38
I never knew what portid was - but when I did have problems and got involved with BT SFI etc..  one of the things I found out was on dslam ADSL-101 and line-card 7.  Maybe just a co-incidence?

It was also one of the first routers in the UK to actually receive multi-cast.....   sigh - happy days.
The only reason it was replaced was cause I needed wireless, and I thought that after about 3-4 years of constant connection it deserved a rest.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: DrTeeth on February 07, 2008, 09:45:57 PM
To go over it again, if the manufacturer does not wish to update the code, we can not make them, nor can BT.

Time to name and shame?
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: mr_chris on February 07, 2008, 09:51:02 PM
Good idea. Kitz, it might be worth trying to compile a 'good and bad guys' list actually for the main site?
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 08, 2008, 11:52:55 AM
Yes and No.

Do you really want to start bad mouthing companies? if they wont support it, move on. :police:

(My Zen hat)


(My Personal Hat)
 ;)
The list is a good idea, even if it shows the experience of the customer who has used the modems in the past and how they fet it worked or didn't and the support they received from the Manufacturer.



Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: rbz5416 on February 08, 2008, 09:11:40 PM
Noob alert!   ;)

Does anyone "in the know" have any info as to whether this latest firmware will address known WPA issues such as those with the PS3?

My own issue is with connecting 11b iPaqs to a v3 with WPA. Worked fine on a v2. There seems to be a suggestion on the Netgear forums that they deliberately removed WPA support for 11b devices in the latest firmware?
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 09, 2008, 09:11:10 AM
I've not done any testing with the wpa yet for b, however we should be getting the new firmware soon and then I shall make an effort to test it for you.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: rbz5416 on February 09, 2008, 09:56:31 AM
Thanks.

Netgear's first line "support" is truly dreadful. After numerous exchanges where they completely failed to comprehend the problem, I advised them that it was similar to the widely reported issues with the PS3. I have a shiny new response this morning:

"We really apologize to inform you that this is an issue with the PS3 as from the previous mail exchanges I can see that other computers are able to connect to the router with WPA security enabled so kindly contact your PS3 vendor and configure the device with the router to connect with WPA security."

I don't even own a PS3....  :no:
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Jersey Devil on February 24, 2008, 08:14:00 PM
Hi,
I have uploaded a beta Netgear firmware version 4.01.35_Uk for the DG834GUKv3 which has the fix for the PS3 connectivity issues when using WPA encryption. It has worked perfectly for me on every occasion. Download at http://www.turboupload.com/download/MprNjf8reMvV/DG834V3_4.01.35_UK.img or email me at jerseydevil1971@jerseymail.co.uk if you have problems downloading form the site, and I will reply with the firmware attached.

Regards,
JD

Notice from Admin - (see my post below)
Please note that this is an unconfirmed version of a Netgear firmware upgrade, and this forum has been unable to verify that this is an authentic copy, or its source.   
If you download this -  then you do so entirely at your own risk

Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: roseway on February 24, 2008, 10:25:37 PM
What's the origin of this firmware? Has it been obtained in a legal manner?

Sorry to ask these blunt questions, but we wouldn't want to be propagating something which has been obtained by improper means.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on February 24, 2008, 11:39:16 PM
Hi Jersey Devil and welcome :)

Thank you for your post.

Whilst it is understood that there may be a beta version of a  the Netgear dg834...   I was under the impression that this is still very much in the "under wraps stage" and not yet ready for public release as it hasnt yet been fully tested.

Azzaka (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=702) from Zen Internet is one of those who has been in direct contact with Netgear about this, and who probably has about the most info available on the firmware new release, than anyone else outside of Netgear.

If you have come across this via bonefide channels then I apologise for putting a warning up on your post,    but by the same token I hope you understand that I do have to protect users who could download what is as yet an unconfirmed realease of this firmware... as I have no way of checking its authenticity or where it originated from.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Jersey Devil on February 25, 2008, 09:02:59 PM
Hi,

With referance to my previous post on this thread, I work for an ISP and we had this problem reported by several customers as the PS3's sold in numbers at Christmas. The http link to the firmware version for the Netgear DG834GUKv3, which is version 4.01.35_uk was sent to us to resolve our own installations, but it hasn't yet appeared on the Netgear website. It was sent to us as beta, but for me it has resolved the WPA encryption issues on every occasion.

I fully understand the moderator's need to ensure posts of this nature are authentic, and as such have provided personal contact inforamtion at my work domain to prove authenticity and source for the moderators approval.

Regards,
JD
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: roseway on February 25, 2008, 10:32:46 PM
That's fine JD. Sorry if I was rather abrupt.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Jersey Devil on February 26, 2008, 12:21:05 AM
No probs, I fully understand the need for precaution :-)

Regards,
JD (Dave)
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on February 26, 2008, 12:03:56 PM
JD,

Quick questioin, does the new firmware you have include the new DSL code from infineon?

Leo
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: b4dger on February 29, 2008, 02:50:35 PM
Netgear have released (27th Feb) new firmware for DG834GT http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/D103257.asp

Notes from site below, no mention of improving SNRM stability (AR7 chipset issue) though:

Fixed a problem where WEP wireless security would not work with Automatic selected as Authentication Type. However, if Open System is selected it will not work (see Known Issues).
Fixed a problem where if Allow Broadcast of Name (SSID) was unchecked (so SSID not broadcast) clients could not associate when wireless Access Control was enabled.
Fixed a problem where a LAN web server could not be hosted on Port 80.
Added Help for Disable SIP ALG on Advanced WAN Settings page.
Added WAN IP / sending address to Log entries.
Enabled ITU G.992.5 Annex M which extends the capability of basic ADSL2 by doubling the number of upstream bits.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: roseway on February 29, 2008, 04:22:11 PM
That's a different issue. The DG834GT doesn't use the AR7 chipset.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: b4dger on February 29, 2008, 06:53:13 PM
Guess that's why they didn't need to fix that then  :-[

Just most of the other models to try and sort  :P
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on March 04, 2008, 03:44:42 PM
Still no reply from Netgear. I will keep you all updated.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on March 04, 2008, 05:46:17 PM
Thanks Azzaka - hopefully sometime soon.
You would think that if this fix does work then theyd want to release it asap.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: b4dger on March 04, 2008, 06:08:04 PM
Jan 14th:
...for the moment i wouldn't bother flashing the firmware. there will be a new release within the next week or so directly aimed at stabilising the TI-AR7 code on the modem side.


I did wonder if that statement was a touch optimistic  :graduate:
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on March 04, 2008, 07:17:54 PM
Jan 14th:
...for the moment i wouldn't bother flashing the firmware. there will be a new release within the next week or so directly aimed at stabilising the TI-AR7 code on the modem side.


I did wonder if that statement was a touch optimistic  :graduate:

Ok so yes a touch optimistic.  :-[
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: b4dger on March 26, 2008, 02:20:41 PM
Has this got the fix? http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/d103272.asp (released 24th March) "Updated the DSL driver to improve interoperability".

Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: graevine1 on March 26, 2008, 08:14:20 PM
I am extremly pleased that this is now in the public domain, BUT I have to say I think some of us forgot to raise the issue of prioritizing traffic for use with VOIP to therefore assist in preventing the voip dropouts that do sometimes occur. I hope that Netgear will be sympathetic to this and add a further firmware mod in the near future.
My notes for this router are in London so I hope this request also applies to this router. Any comments greatfully received.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: soms on March 26, 2008, 10:09:13 PM
Quote
I am extremly pleased that this is now in the public domain, BUT I have to say I think some of us forgot to raise the issue of prioritizing traffic for use with VOIP to therefore assist in preventing the voip dropouts that do sometimes occur. I hope that Netgear will be sympathetic to this and add a further firmware mod in the near future

I think it would be nice if this could be implemented easily using optional QoS rules in the router management interface but it would be a bit short sighted and assumptuious to hard code priorities for VOIP given that uptake is still limited, some people may prefer to demote VOIP traffic below other protocols and dispite any rules in the router, VoIP traffic isn't highly prioritised across the internet.
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: graevine1 on March 27, 2008, 01:09:16 AM
Hi SOMS, a very wise comment, YES of course you may prioritize in any direction giving the weight to VOIP if that would be your wish or priotize say for the sake of this message your Email or WEB browsing, or whatever. It is however generallly the case that VOIP takes priority or one tends to suffer in worst case line disconnections.
Thanks
Have a great day. D
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: Azzaka on March 27, 2008, 12:54:24 PM
Yes it is Official:  I have just had the confirmation from Netgear.

The new firmware has been Released!

You get the new firmware from here: http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/d103272.asp (http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/d103272.asp)

The new firmware combines a new DSL code from Infineon which addressees the LOM (Loss of Margin) drops whereby the modem re-syncs when the SNR margin fluctuates. Zen have tested the new firmware at on DSL max lines prior to the release and Netgear have now released it to the public.

Thank you to all who have given feedback to either Zen or Netgear Directly.

Kindest Regards,

L.Goile
Title: Re: Netgear DG834G Firmware Upgrade
Post by: kitz on March 27, 2008, 01:34:15 PM
Excellent

Thanks for letting us know.  :thumbs:

----------------
It should be noted that this firmware version is only for DG834G V3 models ONLY.
You can find out which version of the DG834(G) you have by looking at the sticker on the bottom of your router.