Router Firmware Updates

[#1]

General question regarding update roll-outs.... I have a couple of old Hub One's and a spare Hub 2 tucked away in a cupboard (I can never throw anything away).
During recent WiFi device connectivity issues, I've been juggling routers around between the four I have (my "live" Hub 2, my spare Hub 2 and two spare Hub One's). The issue is now resolved, but my question is, when Plusnet send out a new router, is the Mac address registered to your account and are the Mac addresses of previously assigned routers removed? Will old routers still receive firmware updates if connected on a regular basis and is there a method for forcing an update it that's the case? Would leaving it too long to power up and reconnect a router render it useless as the firmware "jump" between installer and current likely be too great?
Basically wondering if keeping old routers is pointless, much though I do like having them around as spares! Thanks

[#2]

*Would leaving it too long to power up and reconnect a router render it useless as the firmware "jump" between installed and current likely be too great?

[#3]

@Lilo72 What f/w releases are the Hubs on? The Hub1's may have too old a release to be updatable, the Hub2's should be OK, but it is advisable to keep them as up-to-date as possible.

The Hubs remain associated with your account, but if they are unused for a period (I don't know how long), they fall off the maintenance platform and would not be recognised, although they would still work.

[#4]

Moderator's Note

This topic has been moved fromTech Help to My Router

[#5]

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@Lilo72 wrote:
*Would leaving it too long to power up and reconnect a router render it useless as the firmware "jump" between installed and current likely be too great?

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If the hub does update on switch on it will do it during the boot session, so just switch it on and leave it be to do it's thing. They sometimes update during the night so it's best to leave one in circuit for several days before assuming that it won't update. You can't trigger a firmware update.

The latest firmware versions are here: https://community.plus.net/t5/My-Router/PN-Hub-Latest-Firmware-Versions/m-p/1864745#M31353

[#6]

If the Hub is powered up in the factory default state and auto configures to your broadband username then it will be registered on the TR069 system. EDIT: It should also download the latest firmware.

If the broadband username stays at setup@plusdsl.net then it is not.

HTH

[#7]

@Lilo72  The link to the Plusnet management platform is by the router serial number so only one router will be recognised as valid to receive updates. So your older routers will not receive updates. I also believe that only the router actually connected to the phone line receives updates so any being used as wireless access points will not. Doesn't mean they stop working though, just not running the latest firmware.

[#8]

How can I confirm I have the correct one of the two Hub 2's "live"? Would I have to contact Plusnet and ask which serial number they have as such for my connection?

[#9]

Both Hub One's and both Hub 2's are confirmed as being on latest firmware.

[#10]

Thanks John. All routers I have are on latest firmware for their respective types. Was hoping to connect them up once every few months leaving them overnight. Would this work? ...and would they have to be connected to the DSL directly in order to receive the update? I take it they would.

[#11]

If the Hub1's are on the .283.1.3 f/w - which I believe is the latest, they are unlikely to receive any more - unless a major security flaw is discovered.

As to the H2's - note my earlier comments. An unused unit will fall off the management platform after a time.

EDIT: yes they do have to be connected via the DSL cable.