Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge in Verizon Fiber Optics

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:17:03 EDT

More Fiber : The instructions in this thread are not appropriate if you have FIOS-TV and want to keep guide data and VOD.

Review the trade-offs of the different possible configurations here:
»Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »What are the tradeoffs between the various router configurations
Links to instructions of each of the configurations are in that FAQ. To keep VOD, you will want option 1,2,4,5,6 or 7.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:04:43 EDT

anon : I have had the same exact problems and Verizon tech support has been denying that there are any issues and they refuse to help with Bridge mode configurations. Given the fact that FIOS VOD also goes through the router, what would happen then, once I configure the actiontec for a bridge mode. Will VOD and regular video programming continue to work?

I really appreciate your feedback.

Regards

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:18:46 EDT

anon : aside from all this talk
i just wanted to thank DaDragon for this wonderful tutorial

i followed it exactly and now my Verizon ActionTec MI424-WR is just a modem and i got hooked up with my Dlink DIR-655 perfectly.

dynamicdns service from my router works as well..
all port forwarding rules are controlled by the router

everything is peachy..great tut

though i will add that i did disable the DHCP server on the actiontec..

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:12:08 EDT

More Fiber : Latency on an ethernet connection to the ONT is slightly lower (on the order of about 1ms) with an ethernet connection. MOCA has a theoretically higher transfer rate, but that makes no difference because you are limited by your speed tier, not your connection to the ONT.

If you want transfer speeds higher than the 100Mbps ports on the Actiontec between PCs, get a Gig-E switch and place it behind the Actiontec.

You should also read this FAQ regarding the trade-offs between various coax and ethernet router configurations.
»Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »What are the tradeoffs between the various router configurations

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:21:30 EDT

birdfeedr : Faster, yes, but only marginally. Not enough for you to see the real difference. Cat6 on your LAN if you plan for gigabit ethernet, although cat5e will suffice for that as well. Cat5 or 5e if you want for ONT to router WAN.

You're asking about something different than bridging. Check out the FAQ and post a new topic if you want to explore changing to ethernet. »Verizon Online FiOS FAQ

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:26:41 EDT

anon : I have not had time to go thru all the pages of this thread, so forgive me if these Q's are redundant...

Is an Ethernet connection (cat6) faster than a Coax connection?

If by some means one was able to get their E'net connection working w/o the Fios router, would they be better off? (read: faster)

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:26:11 EDT

calskinsfan : When I go to "Main" I See Router Status STOP! but I dont see that its on PPPOE. It does show that the "Broadband Connection (Coax)" is connected still though.
Any idea what I'm missing?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:40:04 EDT

daved1948 : Why bridge? One answer is...so you can set up a site-to-site IPSEC VPN using a pair of routers!

An IPSEC VPN endpoint requires a public IP. (Some routers can provide VPN over NAT, but there's a fair amount of compatibility issues.) So if you're trying to tie the business owner's office to their residence, you'll need to place the WAN port of the VPN router into the public IP space.

But one disappointment to bridging the MI424-WR's WAN connection using PPPoE is that at first this breaks the remaining functionality of the COAX LAN. i.e., the Set Top Boxes (STBs) cannot obtain an IP address since the DHCP service has been turned off, and (in theory) there is no working route which would allow them to communicate with Verizon's Guide and Info server.

Well whatever you do, don't look at the MI424-WR and simply give up...'cause you'll be short changing it and your installation.

There's no doubt about it, this modem / router / wireless combination is the real-deal and it can easily handle it's designed routing tasks while allowing a bridged connection to draw a public IP - and to still serve DHCP clients normally, all at the same time.

Then you provide a simple route to allow the Ethernet WAN port to "get to" the Internet, and voila...you can have your cake and eat it too.

The STBs will get the Guide, Info and the On Demand will work normally!

:)

You will need a VPN router (i.e., a Linksys RV042 or software router in the OS such as Windows Routing and Remote Access Service) which can draw a public IP on it's WAN port using PPPoE protocol.

The LAN side of the Linksys will be your local LAN.

Your local LAN must have a DHCP server enabled, supplying IPs from any local subnet OTHER than 192.168.1.x.

Step 1 - Set up the MI424-WR according DaDrgon's instructions - except there is NO reason whatsoever to turn the DHCP server off - and in fact it must be ON to service the STBs over the COAX LAN.

Leaving the DHCP server ON allows all internally bridged LAN devices (those connected to the Wireless Access Point, Ethernet LAN and COAX LAN) to draw IPs from the 192.168.1.x subnet, thereby allowing them to communicate with the MI424-WR's router.

Note: You will not be connecting your LAN devices to the MI424-WR's LAN ports.

You may also leave the Wireless Access Point ON, as you will be able to use it normally.

As stated above, turn the Ethernet WAN port ON, and set it to obtain an address via DHCP.

Step 2 - Tie the Linksys' WAN port to one of the MI424-WR's four LAN ports. Your router should draw a public IP address from Verizon, along with the appropriate DNS server IPs.

Step 3 - And here's the part that makes this all work...tie the MI424-WR's Ethernet WAN port back to your local LAN.

This allows the MI424-WR to begin routing traffic from the STBs to the Internet through the Linksys - which just happens to get its WAN IP through the MI424-WR in the first place.

Why does this work? Well all the fooling around with the cabling, Linksys and bridging the LAN ports in the FiOS router is just normal stuff.

The trick is when the MI424-WR's Internet connection is configured for PPPoE, that traffic is "encapsulated", passing only between the ADSL modem and the Linksys.

Finally - there are one or two other ways to configure the MI424-WR to provide this functionality, but this one works and is fairly easy to set up using the guidelines provided by DaDrgon.

Note you can also fix the MI424-WR's Ethernet WAN port's IP if necessary. You can also use fixed DHCP assignments for the STBs and you could in theory, have the router relay DHCP requests to your LAN's server. Wow! This could get really complicated.

But don't be afraid of this box, and don't be afraid to try other interesting configurations.

If I can do it, you can too.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:38:20 EDT

More Fiber :

said by syona :

DO NOT let them tell you this config is not supported.

To imply that VZ supports this configuration is misleading.

VZ will release the DHCP lease when you ask. As you discovered, sometimes you have to be persistent.

However, they will NOT provide technical support with this configuration.
•They will not answer questions about or troubleshoot this configuration.
•If you have any problems with the Actiontec, they will have you do a HARD reset of the Actiontec, restoring it to factory defaults before they will troubleshoot any issues.

Users with FIOS-TV that want to bridge the Actiontec and keep VOD and guide data should follow the instructions here:
»Make your actiontec a bridge with VOD working with REV D

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:25:57 EDT

syona : To all of you having trouble setting this up, trust me, this will work. I have called Verizon about 3 times, DO NOT let them tell you this config is not supported, because it is. Bridging the coax broadband connection and ethernet connection is the key to getting your third party router an external IP address. THE KEY is either unplugging the actiontec router and waiting for the DHCP lease to expire, or calling them to manually break the lease. You also have to be sure the router is no longer trying to grab an IP. I suggest setting this config up while the coax is disconnected, and then plug everything in after you are completely done.

Again, to reiterate, do not let them tell you something cannot be done, this tutorial definitely works if you only have FiOS internet connected to the ONT via coax. For those with TV, I am not sure.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:07:12 EDT

More Fiber :

said by MxChris3 :

Will bridging the Actiontec break any TV features like the menu, onscreen display, VOD etc.?

If you follow this bridging Guide, your VOD and guide data should not be affected:
»/faq/verizonfi···ng#15871

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:25:03 EDT

MxChris3 : Will bridging the Actiontec break any TV features like the menu, onscreen display, VOD etc.?

I've been trying to get this Actiontec router working with my XBOX/Microsoft Wireless adapter for the longest time to no avail, this seems like the best solution if I don't lose those TV functions.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:21:11 EDT

More Fiber :

said by sperk :

where is the RJ45 jack on the ONT? I have a big box called a telephone network adaptor then a smaller white box below that with no name which I guess is the ONT (it has a large black battery in it and has a very thin cord running out of it and into the house where it connects with another nameless box that apparently connects wirelessly to the Actiontec).

The box with the battery is your Battery Backup Unit (BBU). :o

The ONT is usually mounted outside, but can also be mounted inside:
[att=2]
The BBU is on top, the ONT on the bottom. You also have a Power Supply (PS) unit that plugs into your AC.

As JohnA points out, the customer connections to the ONT are inside the outer door (removed in above picture):
[att=1]
VZ uses several different models of ONT, that vary in features and appearance, but they all have the same basic connections:
•POTS
•RJ45 for cat5 WAN (not used with MOCA installs)
•F connector for RG6 coax (TV and MOCA WAN)

In the above picture, the RJ45 jack is on the left, the RJ11 POTS jacks are in the center and the coax connector is on the right.

Tellabs 611 ONT
Inside BBU and ONT

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:52:00 EDT

JohnA :
Open .. the .. door (cover) on it.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:54:35 EDT

sperk : where is the RJ45 jack on the ONT? I have a big box called a telephone network adaptor then a smaller white box below that with no name which I guess is the ONT (it has a large black battery in it and has a very thin cord running out of it and into the house where it connects with another nameless box that apparently connects wirelessly to the Actiontec). Anyway, if this is the ONT it has no visible RJ45 jack, in fact that thin wire connects somewhere behind the unit but it's flush to the wall and I can't see the connection.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:22:31 EDT

jca2050 : I just setup up my Actiontec as a bridge and tried obtaining an IP from Verizon directly to my computer but it didn't work. I plugged in my wired D-Link router to the Actiontec and set it up and the D-Link router can obtain an IP from Verizon. Why can my D-Link router obtain one but I can't?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:28:54 EDT

jca2050 : Using the steps from the OP, would it be possible to obtain my internet IP on my computer through the Actiontec? So MY ip will be 72.* that goes straight to the internet?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:24:37 EDT

More Fiber : You might have better luck following this thread.
»Make your actiontec a bridge with VOD working with REV D

This thread disables DHCP server in the Actiontec, while DaDragon 's post at the start of this thread does not.

Take it one step at a time. Check your work as you go. Do not skip any steps.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:42:29 EDT

anon : I followed the instructions to the letter... .only problem is, my router still pulls a private IP address from the Actiontec.... ie 192.168.1.x

Any suggestions?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:59:29 EDT

More Fiber :

said by drggfish :

Hi = I was wondering why you can't just connect an additional router to one of the Actiontec ethernet ports using a crossover cable- will this not work?

The easiest way to connect another router is to simply install it behind the Actiontec, creating a second subnet. The down-side of this is that you are still going through the Actiontec, and subject to issues in Actiontec, such as the small NAT table. This also creates a situation where devices behind your router are "double NAT-ed" and any port forwarding needs to be down in both routers.

The "cleanest" installation for what you want to do with the Cisco is with a direct ethernet connection from the Optional Network Terminal (ONT) to your router as both birdfeedr and I have already explained.

By the way, you probably don't need a crossover cable. Most recent switches and routers support MDI-X, also called auto-sensing.

Follow the steps in the FAQ I posted above. Verify that everything works where indicated, and you shouldn't have any trouble.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:31:53 EDT

drggfish1 : Birdfeedr - I do have tv and obviously don't want to hose that up (my wife and 6 year old would kill me).
Objective - I am trying to learn some router security fundamentals on my own and want a clean connection to the "Network" without any firewall, etc from a router other than one I configure. I want to have my Cisco as my gateway and be able to work with the Cisco IOS and IPS functionality.
Does this make sense?
Thanks

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:25:14 EDT

birdfeedr :

said by drggfish :

I want to be able to use my own router (Cisco 3640) and am considering trying what is explained in this thread.

Easiest method for you is to bridge and see if that solves your connectivity needs. With bridging, it is only a matter of configuring both routers. With changing your WAN port to ethernet, you also have to run new wire between the ONT and the router.

It sounds like you do not have TV, is that true? If you do have TV, then choose one of the links in More Fiber's post. Otherwise, continue with instructions in this thread.

You *can* connect your Cisco to the Actiontec, either WAN-to-LAN or LAN-to-LAN. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. But unless you bridge, you're still stuck with the limitations of the Actiontec.

I'm curious. Besides using your 3640, what is your objective? Are you having problems with the Actiontec?

I've changed to a non-standard installation because I want to, not because I need to. Hey, it's my network, let me learn something new. At least that's my feeling.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:59:06 EDT

birdfeedr :

said by drggfish :

Also - what is the "WAN" port for on the Actiontec?

In reality, there are two paths that data can take to get into the Actiontec from the Wide Area Network (WAN) geting to the devices on the Local Area Network (LAN).

The Actiontec has a WAN port on the coax, and it has a WAN port on the ethernet. Only one can be used at a time. You indicate your router is only hooked up with coax, so your WAN port is currently on the coax line. Therefore, the other WAN port on your Actiontec is not used.

That said, there is a coax LAN as well, and these signals ride on the same coax wire as the coax WAN signals. The difference is the signals are carried on different RF frequencies so both signals can exist without interference.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:39:52 EDT

anon : Hi = I have been reading this post and was wondering why you can't just connect an additional router to one of the ActionTec ethernet ports using a crossover cable- will this not work?
Also - what is the "WAN" port for on the Actiontec?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:15:51 EDT

More Fiber :

said by drggfish :

I have been reading this thread and was wondering if it was still applicable? I only have coax into the Actiontec.

If I hose it up -can I set the Actiontec back to original configuration by doing these steps in reverse?

If you have FIOS-TV, and want to bridge the Actiontec, you will want to follow this thread:
»Make your actiontec a bridge with VOD working with REV D

There are some downsides to configuring the Actiontec as a bridge. For one, it will lose the configured bridge on a power failure.

If you hose up the Actiontec in trying to bridge it, just do a hard reset on the Actiontec by pressing the reset button for 15 seconds.

said by drggfish :

I want to be able to use my own router (Cisco 3640) and am considering trying what is explained in this thread. Also, what is the WAN link on the Actiontec for?

The Actiontec supports two type of connections to your ONT.
1) Coax, which is what you have, and is VZ's standard install
2) cat5 ethernet.

If you want to run your own router, you would be better off switching to a cat5 ethernet WAN connection to the ONT. Instructions can be found here:
»Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »How do I replace my MoCA-connected Actiontec router and still get VOD

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:30:46 EDT

anon : Hi - I got Fios installed about 6 months ago. I have been reading this thread and was wondering if it was still applicable? I only have coax into the ActionTec - I currently run ethernet from the Actiontec to my PC for one computer and use wireless on my laptop. I want to be able to use my own router (Cisco 3640) and am considering trying what is explained in this thread. If I hose it up -can I set the Actiontec back to original configuration by doing these steps in reverse? Also, what is the WAN link on the Actiontec for? I thought WAN links were serial - this looks like an RZ45 connector to me.
Thanks

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:40:00 EDT

anon : Sxotty, when u lost power both the Actiontec and the Dlink went back to their default WAN IP addresses of 192.168.1.1 and the packets would no longer traverse from the Actiontec to the Dlink. The fix is to change the WAN IP on the Dlink per the instructions by leaving it by itself and powered up and connecting your PC to a lan port and changing the default WAN IP in the Dlink per the instructions.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:17:32 EDT

logmonkey :

said by M509272 :

.... I probably disabled the AT WAN port with my tinkering.

Thanks for the previous instructions M. So does this mean the switch on the Actiontec is autosensing uplink?

I moved my AT "behind" my Dlink, but still had NAT problems because of all my STB's. I did not know that I could have bypass the WAN port and saved hours of research. I ended up TELNETTing to the router and disabling the firewall and NAT from the command line.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 26 May 2008 15:25:50 EDT

More Fiber :

said by logmonkey :

I, however, have both COAX and CAT5 going to the ONT.

That being the case are there any changes to the instructions I've seen posted?

Also this seems to be the only forums (according to Google) on FIOS, MOCA, and the Actiontec router. Any other good forums or sites for info?

The ONT breaks out 3 different "services".
1) Telephone is on POTS.
2) Video (except VOD) is always on coax.
3a) Internet over coax (standard), OR
3b) Internet over cat5 (but not both).

So if you have FIOS-TV and internet, then you have #2 plus 3a or 3b. Only 3b involves both a cat5 and coax connection to the ONT. You can verify that the cat5 connection is the active connection by logging into the Actiontec. The main status page should show "coax status: connected" for (3a) or "ethernet status: connected" (3b).

If the status page shows "ethernet connected", then you don't have to worry about any of the bridging instructions.
If the status page shows "coax connected", then your WAN connection is over the coax, and you need to either switch the WAN connection to cat5, or follow one of set sets of instructions for bridging.

The following post has instructions for connecting your own own router once you have a cat5 connection:
»Re: Smoothwall
Follow the instructions starting with:
At this point, you should you have the Actiontec & STB's working on a cat5 connection. If not, stop and resolve the issue before proceeding.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 26 May 2008 05:01:49 EDT

logmonkey : I've been reading that most, if not all, installations are ONT to COAX to Actiontec. I, however, have both COAX and CAT5 going to the ONT.

That being the case are there any changes to the instructions I've seen posted?

Also this seems to be the only forums (according to Google) on FIOS, MoCa, and the actiontec router. Any other good forums or sites for info?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 25 May 2008 11:20:09 EDT

sxotty : I just wanted to say I followed the directions and they worked perfectly, but then the power went out and I had a very strange problem.

I could no longer log into my dlink router, instead it went to the login page of the Actiontec. I then logged in succesfully to the actiontec, but did not remember what to do to get it working as a bridge and could not access the internet.

Swapped the ethernet cable to actiontec (leaving dlink out) and then got on the internet to get instructions again. I have yet to swap it back over, but it just seemed like a weird issue and I wondered if anyone had an idea why this would occur.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:35:51 EDT

More Fiber : HCNA is not the same as MOCA. HCNA uses the frequency spectrum below 30Mhz and is capable of 16 or 32 Mbps under best conditions. IMHO, HCNA is dead in the water.

MOCA runs above 950Mhz and supports data rates up to 270Mbps.

Used Actiontecs are selling on Ebay for $30, while the less capable, but no longer manufactured, NIM-100s are going for about $50.

The NIM-100 provides a simple MOCA to cat5 bridge. That function is built into the Actiontec. My suggestion is to spend $30 for a used Actiontec and use that as a MOCA to cat5 bridge for your Tivo.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 18 May 2008 23:59:39 EDT

logmonkey : Cool, Thanks MoreFiber.

I've been doing some research and found some HPNA & HCNA products. Are these the same standards or compatible?

My biggest problem is deciding whether I should invest the additional money or just stick with my poor powerline with the logic that some connectivity is better than none.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 18 May 2008 22:27:22 EDT

More Fiber :

said by logmonkey :

Hi I was wondering if anyone has tried to set up a coax to Ethernet bridge near your entertainment center to work with the Actiontec.

This is straight-forward. This post
»Re: Using 2 Actiontec routers on the same network
describes using a second Actiontec at a remote location where only coax is available. Although the post discusses using a second Actiontec, the same thing is possible using a NIM-100 MOCA bridge.

You can usually find used Actiontec and/or NIM-100s on ebay.
»search.ebay.com/search/search.dl···tegory0=
»search.ebay.com/search/search.dl···tegory0=

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 18 May 2008 19:44:57 EDT

logmonkey : Hi I was wondering if anyone has tried to set up a coax to Ethernet bridge near your entertainment center to work with the Actiontec.

I have my theater in a place where I can't use wireless or powerline adapters to get a good enough signal to stream HD. Since I have an Actiontec I was looking into the possibility of connecting a coax to Ethernet bridge in my theater to use to connect my NMT and soon to be purchased Tivo.

Has anyone seen this done? Is it possible?

Thanks!

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 18 May 2008 14:40:14 EDT

anon : As I posted elsewhere (»Re: Just moved, got my FIOS (on ethernet), have questions ...), this is what I did and it works.

1) I released the IP from the ActionTec MI424WR.
2) Unplugged the router and reset it to factory defaults.
3) Plugged it in and it obtained IP from the ONT.
4) Changed the default password.
5) Unplugged the set-top boxes (cord from the back, not from the wall) and replugged after 60 seconds.
6) ActionTec had DHCP server and it got the boxes.
7) Turned off wireless

8) I ran cable from LAN port on ActionTec to WAN port on my D-Link. My D-Link LAN address is 192.168.0.1 while the ActionTec is the default of 192.168.1.1
9) In the WAN settings page on the D-Link, changed it to Static IP address and it obtained 192.168.1.5 from the ActionTec.
10) In the WAN settings page on the D-Link, entered ISP Gateway Address and Primary DNS Address both to 192.168.1.1.
11) D-Link DHCP server assigns IPs to things on my network as before.

My network is online via the D-Link and the set top boxes get their info through the ActionTec. Verizon can do what it wants to the set top boxes via the ActionTec but they won't get into my home network.

I can access me D-link router via 192.168.0.1 in my browser and the ActionTec via 192.168.1.1

Speed before I did this:

Speed after I did this:

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:20:35 EDT

Exothermicus : If you follow the instructions, the ActionTec is placed into double bridge mode. The Coax-WAN is bridged to one of the switch ports, This is connected to the WAN port on your preferred router. The ActionTec's Ethernet-WAN is then bridged to the Coax-LAN, and the Ethernet-WAN connection is connected to a port on the LAN side of your preferred router.

With this configuration your set top boxes will be able to get Widget, program guide, and VOD.

My problem is that I'm still having to reset the actiontec every couple of days, because it still is doing something stupid in it's firmware that clogs my WAN connection to the point I loose connectivity. This is unacceptable when you rely on receiving calls through VoIP. I know I should have the important calls going to a real land line, but VoIP allows me to get receive calls from an outside area-code much cheaper than what forwarding through long distance would cost.

By switching my ONT to use the Ethernet port for data going to the WAN connection on my preferred router. I can still place the Actiontec behind my router to Bridge my LAN to the Coax LAN and keep the STB's happy. This is almost identical to how VZ originally installed some areas using Ethernet to a D-LINK router and a NIM to bridge the LAN to coax LAN for the STB's.

Exo

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:12:13 EDT

More Fiber :

said by Frumpamine :

I don't understand how it is possible for the Actiontec to be both a bridge and to allow for me to keep my On Demand (unless I switch over to Cat5 of course).

The Actiontec has 4 physical interfaces.
•WAN coax
•WAN ethernet
•LAN coax
•LAN ethernet
To avoid any confusion the WAN coax and the LAN coax share the same coax connector, but are on different frequencies on the coax and have separate MAC addresses

Most consumer routers have only the 2 ethernet interfaces. The reason the Actiontec can function as 2 bridges at the same time is because it is possible to create bridges between any of the 4 interfaces.

Therefore, with a coax WAN connection your bridges look like this:

With a cat5 WAN connection:

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:14:53 EDT

anon :

said by More Fiber :
I don't understand why you would want to do this. The first Actiontec is capable of being both a coax WAN bridge to your router AND a MOCA/LAN bridge for the STBs.

I don't understand how it is possible for the ActionTech to be both a bridge and to allow for me to keep my On Demand (unless I switch over to Cat5 of course). With a MOCA only install it is my understanding that I have to make a choice; either use my own router by putting the actiontech into bridge mode OR get verizon to switch my setup to Cat5 and put the Actiontech behind my router so On Demand functions.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 15 May 2008 08:37:31 EDT

More Fiber :

said by Exothermicus :

I will not accept that it could be a problem with my Actiontec, since this is the second one with the same exact behaviour.

What is so hard to accept about the firmware being a POS?

I think you will be much happier with the cat5 connection to the ONT.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 15 May 2008 01:59:14 EDT

Exothermicus : I would have thought using the Actiontec as a double bridge would have been good enough, but after having mine configured to do this for three weeks now, I can say without a doubt that something in the actiontec is still clogging up to the point that no traffic is getting through after about 56 hours. I can try releasing and renewing my Linux router to no avail, nothing will come back until I power cycle the ActionTec and simply renew the interface on my Linux router.

I find it unacceptable that the actiontec still needs to be reset when bridged. I finally got my CAT5 ran to the ONT, and will attempt getting the ONT data connection switched from coax to ethernet when I have a few hours to deal with calling VZ in the next few days.

I will not accept that it could be a problem with my Actiontec, since this is the second one with the same exact behaviour.

Exo

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:40:59 EDT

More Fiber :

said by Frumpamine :

I went ahead and called today to ask if I could change from MOCA to Ethernet and they told me no.

Try calling the FSC again. Unfortunately, you don't always get someone that understands the request. Numerous posters have been successful it getting it switched over with a phone call, although it has taken more than one call for some.

said by Frumpamine :

What about purchasing a second Actiontec and a splitter and setting it up like the diagram below. Would this work?

I don't understand why you would want to do this. The first Actiontec is capable of being both a coax WAN bridge to your router AND a MOCA/LAN bridge for the STBs.

This is best explained in this thread:
»Make your actiontec a bridge with VOD working with REV D

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:04:45 EDT

anon : What about purchasing a second ActionTech and a splitter and setting it up like the diagram below. Would this work?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:29:13 EDT

anon : I went ahead and called today to ask if I could change from MOCA to Ethernet and they told me no. The only way to do that would be to have a second box setup and to upgrade to a business account. I live in Wylie Texas and I see several posters here are from Garland and Plano. Seems like I might end up going back to comcast. This sucks =(

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:45:25 EDT

More Fiber :

said by Frumpamine :

A variation on this is to use a NIM in place of the Actiontec for the MOCA feed to the STBs, but there is no advantage in doing so.
The text bolded in the quote above, does that variation allow me to keep my internet and TV without switching over to cat5?

I'm not sure I understand your question. Why would you lose internet and TV, if you don't switch over to cat5?

#2 above refers only to a cat5 WAN connection to the ONT. With a cat5 WAN connection, you need a LAN to MOCA bridge for the STBs. You can use your existing Actiontec for this, or a NIM-100, but why buy a NIM-100 when you already have that functionality in the Actiontec?

There are several uses for a NIM-100.

1) The NIM-100 provides a bridge between cat5 ethernet and ethernet over coax (MOCA) for the STBs when the connection to the ONT is cat5 only. Your Actiontec is already providing both the WAN coax to router interface and the router to LAN coax interface, so you have no need for a NIM-100.

2) With a cat5 connection to the ONT using your own router, you need a bridge for the STBs to get to your cat5 router from the LAN coax (MOCA). As as I explained above, you can do this by placing the Actiontec behind your cat5 router and using only the LAN to coax bridge function of the Actiontec.

3) The NIM-100 can also be used to provide "a remote ethernet" connection, where the only available connection is coax. Several users have done this to provide a cat5 connection for their Tivos or game consoles (Wii, Xbox) which need a cat5 connection, but had only coax available for the Tivo.

What you can NOT do with a NIM-100 is provide a bridge from the coax WAN (ONT) to a cat5 only router.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:06:29 EDT

anon :

said by More Fiber :
2) Convert your WAN connection to cat5; install your own router and place the Actiontec behind your router for the STBs. A variation on this is to use a NIM in place of the Actiontec for the MOCA feed to the STBs, but there is no advantage in doing so.

At this point I don't think ethernet is an option. I checked the box outside and the ethernet plug is indeed within the box. The coax cable is run through my attic right now. Changing the MOCA over to cat5 isn't something I can do myself. I would have to pay for a tech to come out and do this.

The text bolded in the quote above, does that variation allow me to keep my internet and TV without switching over to cat5?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 18:20:56 EDT

More Fiber : A NIM is a MOCA (coax) to ethernet bridge for the STBs. The Actiontec router functions as a NIM.

As far as using your own router, you have two basic options:

1) Leave the Actiontec on coax and convert the Actiontec to a bridge, placing your router behind the Actiontec.

2) Convert your WAN connection to cat5; install your own router and place the Actiontec behind your router for the STBs. A variation on this is to use a NIM in place of the Actiontec for the MOCA feed to the STBs, but there is no advantage in doing so.

The following post shows
a) Standard coax install with TV
b) cat5 internet only install
c) cat5 internet with TV
»Re: [northeast] New Install coming up - Router access

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:00:50 EDT

Exothermicus : Switching data to ethernet does not preclude still having Fios TV. I plan to leave the actiontec in place to bridge My LAN with the coax LAN. I just want the lousy thing out of the WAN path.

I agree with the re-build source troll comments, I have looked at the source download, and without knowing what cross compiler tools need to be installed on a Linux box, I doubt seriously he was able to build something that could be loaded by normal means.

On the SynFlood settings, I have played with those in the past and managed to get them tuned so that things would not crap out everyday, but I was still having to reset the actiontec at least once a week, even with almost zero traffic going through it.

Thanks,
Exo

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:05:15 EDT

anon : What is a NIM? I have FIOS/TV and would like to keep both if at all possible, while still being able to use my own router. Will purchasing a NIM allow me to keep both?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:26:43 EDT

anon : Please ignore my last post. It is early and I wasn't thinking properly. I know I can use the actiontech as a bridge.

My question is this: Will setting up TV through another carrier that uses coax cause any problems for my Verizon FIOS service? I assume comcast gets ondemand from the internet the same way that FIOS TV does. But since they are different services maybe they won't conflict?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:10:38 EDT

anon : Suppose I were to cancel TV from Verizon, only subscribing to their FIOS internet service, and go through another carrier for my TV. Is the only way I can use another router, getting rid of the small NAT table in the Actiontech, to switch over to switch over to Cat5?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 01:53:21 EDT

More Fiber :

said by mike s :

I ran into this problem. I found the mi424wr source on the Actiontec webpage.

In the package/busybox folder is the busybox.h folder. The the 1k buffer size is defined there....

#define BUF_SIZE 8192
#define EXPAND_ALLOC 1024

Modify accordingly to your requirements, and then run the make config and the make as outlined in the readme.

Viola....

Haven't had any issues since I modified it. Interested to see if this works for others.

I strongly suspect this was posted by a troll.

While the Actionterc code used under the GPL is available for download on the Actiontec site:
»opensource.actiontec.com/
It certainly does not include the Verizon proprietary code used in the Actiontec. So I have to wonder how he could possibly have built a firmware download module.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 13 May 2008 01:24:13 EDT

anon :

said by mike s :
I ran into this problem. I found the mi424wr source on the Actiontec webpage.

In the package/busybox folder is the busybox.h folder. The the 1k buffer size is defined there....

#define BUF_SIZE 8192
#define EXPAND_ALLOC 1024

Modify accordingly to your requirements, and then run the make config and the make as outlined in the readme.

Viola....

Haven't had any issues since I modified it. Interested to see if this works for others.

Has anybody else tried this? I have FIOS and TV over coax and I cannot live without my on demand so switching to cat5 is not an option for me. This seems like the only way to fix the sluggish internet issues I face anytime I'm running a p2p program like uTorrent, mIRC, or DC++.

If this is plausible, what should I change the values too? I have no clue if doubling or trippling the existing values would help with my p2p problem or if raising the values to high would cause similar symptoms, if not outright crash my connection. Any feedback would be most appreciated.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:57:08 EDT

Bamster : Before I took the plunge and replaced my Actiontec for a good chunk of cash, I came across this tip that has solved my Steam disconnection issues!

Changed:

To:

This line is in the configuration file under Advanced >
Configuration File. Just remember to backup your original config file just in case! Just edit the saved config file with Notepad, search for "udpflood" and edit it as shown above. Load it back up and let the router adjust itself, then test it out!

It apparently works, haven't noticed any negative effects yet.

Just thought I'd share!

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 10 May 2008 20:12:13 EDT

Exothermicus : I followed the bridging instructions to connect my Fios to a Linux Router setup. Everything is working, but the ActionTek seems to still get clogged and needs to be reset. When this first occurs I can no longer ping the upstream router's IP address. If I leave it be the Linux Router will fail to renew it's DHCP from upstream. This continues until I power cycle the actiontek.

I'm not double NATed as I'm getting a Verizon IP on my Linux router's WAN interface.

Any Suggestion? At this point, I'm ready to switch my WAN connection to Ethernet so I can bypass that part of the Actiontek.

FYI: My actiontek is one of the older brick rev A with the .160 firmware that fixed VoIP about a year ago. I have the automatic firmware update disabled.

Exo

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Fri, 09 May 2008 09:45:28 EDT

anon : If for some reason you have problem making a bridge, make sure you have the old firmware on the Verizon ActionTec router, that router by default has the old one, go to firmware management interface and chose to restore the old one.

Anyway after doing all the bridging and setup, running test on the bridged ActionTec and my Pix firewall showed many drooped packets and the upload was horrible.

I end up calling Verizon and switching to a Ethernet. When I call them I was very surprised that the tech know what I was talking about and he opened a ticked, they switched me in 20 minutes. Since a switched my network performance just rock and that horrible ActionTec MI424-WR router is finally out of my setup.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 07 May 2008 18:42:03 EDT

More Fiber :

said by Bamster :

I didn't realize that the Actiontec router served a purpose for STB guide data and VOD - I am assuming they are connected via wireless then.

No, they are not connected via wireless. The connection from the STBs to the Actiontec is ethernet over coax, also called MOCA.

There are three diagrams here
»Re: [northeast] New Install coming up - Router access
that show:
1) VZ standard install over coax
2) cat-5 internet only install
3) coax or cat-5 install with TV.

In the first diagram, the single coax connection to the Actiontec provides both your WAN connection from the ONT and your LAN connection to the STBs.

In the third diagram, cat5 provides the WAN connection to the ONT and coax is only used for the LAN connection to the STBs.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:59:25 EDT

afro561 : I have followed the OP's directions and this worked like a charm. Using a D-Link DGL-4100 router. VOD/Guide worked once I unplugged all the units and plugged them back in. Thanks for your help.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:32:18 EDT

Bamster : Thanks More Fiber.

I did read through various posts, but my general lack of understanding the whole process left my head spinning a bit. I didn't realize that the Actiontec router served a purpose for STB guide data and VOD - I am assuming they are connected via wireless then.

2) Not quite what I am experiencing, my connection drops only for a couple of minutes and it happens only when Steam tries to retrieve a large initial server list - though the same thing occurred under the Actiontec. Kind of disappointing to actually have a spare router and to experience the same issue!

I guess I will look into those routers then, just wanted to avoid experiencing the same issue with one of them also.

I really appreciate the help and knowledge, there is a ton of information on these forums but hard to grasp all of it at once.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 06 May 2008 20:16:54 EDT

More Fiber : There have been numerous posts about issues with Steam.

This thread gives links to several other threads and solutions:
»Actiontec Router and Gaming / Steam connection problems?

1) Are you saying you swapped out the Actiontec router with the Netgear? Or connected the netgear behind the Actiontec?

If you swapped out the Actiontec for the Netgear, you will lose guide data and VOD on your set top boxes (STBs) unless you connect the Actiontec behind your router as shown here under option #3:
»Re: Smoothwall
Skip the part about switching from coax to cat5, if you already have a cat5 connection to the ONT.

2) Another user reported the same problem with a NetGear WGR614 (very similar to WGT624, w/o the Super G wireless).
»Problems with Steam - fiberfury
The D-Link DGL-4500 and DIR-655 have gotten numerous positive comments on this forum and have the throughput to handle the faster FIOS speed tiers and a large number of simultaneous connections.

3) Your STBs need a LAN (MOCA) to WAN connection to get guide data and VOD. This has nothing to do with your PC.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:09:40 EDT

Bamster : Hello,

I am going to bypass the Actiontec router since I lose my connection everytime I try to play an online game through Steam, apparently due to the NAT tables becoming overfilled.

I have a few questions if anyone can answer them.

1. Just plugging my Ethernet cable from my Actiontec into my previous Netgear router allowed Internet access when I duplicated the Actiontec's Mac address. Are there any downsides to doing this?

2. When I did use my Netgear WGT624, the same disconnect issues occurred every time a server list was being obtained. Does this router have a small NAT table too? If so, any recommendations?

3. I am unsure as to why I'd need the Actiontec bridged for the COAX hookup, is this for watching channels or VOD on my PC through Verizon software?

Thanks all! :)

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:07:14 EDT

lamsao :

mike s,

I think the source codes you mentioned is located here »opensource.actiontec.com/

How did you upload the new image to the router, via the Firmware Upgrade GUI? Does the image has the same GUI as the stock one?

Thanks,
lamsao

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 04 May 2008 11:09:11 EDT

anon : mike s, does the make config happen on the router within busybox, or does the compile happen outside (in a linux box) and then get tftp up to the actiontec?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:07:10 EDT

anon : I ran into this problem. I found the mi424wr source on the Actiontec webpage.

In the package/busybox folder is the busybox.h folder. The the 1k buffer size is defined there....

#define BUF_SIZE 8192
#define EXPAND_ALLOC 1024

Modify accordingly to your requirements, and then run the make config and the make as outlined in the readme.

Viola....

Haven't had any issues since I modified it. Interested to see if this works for others.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:30:02 EDT

birdfeedr :

said by ceyko :

Whoa, this is something I had not picked up on before. Both coax and ethernet can be active at the same time? So would the AT be in place just for the TV portion and then my personal device would connect via ethernet?

Did they start allowing multiple DHCP'ed addresses or am I completely off base?

No. Plain and simple.

The ONT supplies data via either ethernet or coax. It supplies video via coax. It supplies VOD via internet.

Data peacefully coexists on coax with video. They are on separate RF channels. Or, data comes in on ethernet and gets to the STB via coax.

The Actiontec accepts both connections, but there is only one data path in to it.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:50:48 EDT

ceyko :

said by More Fiber :

Good question. My suggestion would be to restore the Actiontec to the original settings. That way, you know everything is working the way it should before you switch to the cat5. After switching to cat5, again verify that everything is working before proceeding to replace the Actiontec with your router.

If you have FIOS-TV (is that even an option in NH with Fairpoint?), then you would not want to disconnect the coax, since it is feeding the STB's.

Whoa, this is something I had not picked up on before. Both coax and ethernet can be active at the same time? So would the AT be in place just for the TV portion and then my personal device would connect via ethernet?

Did they start allowing multiple DHCP'ed addresses or am I completely off base?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:37:20 EDT

StevenG : No TV yet and I'm not holding my breath.

Thanks for responding. Easy enough to do it this way I guess. I would bet we have to go through the 800 number though and not the direct support forum on here. :(

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:27:01 EDT

More Fiber : Good question. My suggestion would be to restore the Actiontec to the original settings. That way, you know everything is working the way it should before you switch to the cat5. After switching to cat5, again verify that everything is working before proceeding to replace the Actiontec with your router.

If you have FIOS-TV (is that even an option in NH with Fairpoint?), then you would not want to disconnect the coax, since it is feeding the STB's.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:48:14 EDT

StevenG : So if you are using the Actiontech as a MOCA bridge to your own router, before you make this call, should you reset the actiontec and get it back online normally? Or does it not matter, as you will just unplug the coax, and start using the ethernet interface of the ONT direct to your router of choice.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:31:21 EDT

birdfeedr :

said by Alan Briggs :

Is there a problem getting Verizon to activate the ONT interface after they have done the installation already? I assume it is on-line reconfigurable so they do not have to come out to do that.

You can call tech support, or post in the Verizon Direct forum to get the switch made with no charge. Some things need to be done in sequence to minimize your outage during changeover.

said by Alan Briggs :

However although the RJ-45 connector should be accessible on the customer side of the interface to allow the customer to make this connection (and test it), as I recall it is inside the box on the Verizon (telco) side of the interface box. Can anyone verify this

All premises connections are available without opening the technician side of the ONT (at least on mine, a 611). The customer can make these changes. Other equipment may vary.

said by Alan Briggs :

or explain why it is so hard to get this resolved with Verizon? The person I talked to at Verizon did not seem to grasp any of this and could bit help me.

Billing won't grasp it at all. Even tech won't get it right away if a couple of key words are missing. Try "I want the data connection for my router to be changed from MoCA or coax to ethernet. This is a configuration that can be done by the FSC that does not require a tech visit, because I have the wiring already completed. Can you make that changeover, or connect me to a technician who can?"

said by Alan Briggs :

I have had nothing but problems with the Verizon supplied equipment (for DSL) in the past so it would be great to get rid of this extra point of likely failure. I have also had ridiculous problems dealing with Verizon returning the defective equipment also.

In my experience, a while ago, Verizon's DSL equipment was trouble-free. The lines needed assistance, and they increased my loop length which limited my service speed. I changed to fiber for a very good reason. The copper wouldn't support what I wanted.

If you are not currently installed with FiOS, do your homework. Be prepared for a non-standard install by running your own cat5e, so you can ask the install tech to provision data via ethernet.

Or, run your own cat5e, change connections and call FSC to switch you over.

Or, pay for a technician to wire you and make the change.

Once you're on ethernet, you can run your own router.

Or, follow the instructions in this topic to bridge your Actiontec to your own chosen router.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:09:58 EDT

anon : Is there a problem getting Verizon to activate the ONT interface after they have done the installation already? I assume it is on-line reconfigurable so they do not have to come out to do that. However although the RJ-45 connector should be accessible on the customer side of the interface to allow the customer to make this connection (and test it), as I recall it is inside the box on the Verizon (telco) side of the interface box. Can anyone verify this or explain why it is so hard to get this resolved with Verizon? The person I talked to at Verizon did not seem to grasp any of this and could bit help me. I have had nothing but problems with the Verizon supplied equipment (for DSL) in the past so it would be great to get rid of this extra point of likely failure. I have also had ridiculous problems dealing with Verizon returning the defective equipment also.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:44:02 EDT

More Fiber :

said by turboz22l :

It seems my D-Link is pulling an IP down as I can release and renew it no problem but I have no connection to the internet cant ping any sites etc..

Also am I connecting the routers wrong ?
AT(wan port cat6e)>Dlink router ( internet port).
Or am I supposed to go LAN to LAN ?

What IP address are you getting? You should be getting an external IP address of 72.x.x.x (or 71.x.x.x or 96.x.x.x) on the D-Link. If you are getting an internal IP address of 192.168.1.x then the Actiontec is not correctly in bridge mode.

You should NOT be connecting to the WAN port on the Actiontec. The WAN port on the Actiontec should be empty. The coax is your WAN connection. Connect your patch cable from a LAN port on the Actiontec to the WAN (internet) port of the D-Link.

said by turboz22l :

Is it just not possible to use another router if your setup with coax ?

Since cat5 from the ONT is not an option for you, you're stuck with the Actiontec for the present time. At least one member of the MOCA Alliance has announced a MOCA router, but nothing is available today.
»www.netgear.com/About/PressRelea···06a.aspx

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:19:39 EDT

anon : Ok ive been reading up on this stuff for 2 days now. with the position of my ONT and me not owning my house, My landlord does not want me running an ethernet wire upstairs and drilling more holes. So im stuck with the coax (moca connection)According the OP his instructions work with this setup ONT>COAX>ACTIONTEK(in bridged mode)>DGL-4500 ?

Is this correct it seems my dlink is pulling an IP down as I can release and renew it no problem but I have no connection to the internet cant ping any sites etc.. DiD I miss something ? Is it just not possible to use another router if your setup with coax ?

Also am I connecting the routers wrong ?
AT(wan port cat6e)>Dlink router ( internet port).
Or am I supposed to go lan to lan ?

Any information would be very helpful thank you.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:11:06 EDT

birdfeedr :

said by Alan B :

Can someone explain why having the Actiontec router handle the internet interface and DHCP/NAT is so undesirable?

A small NAT table makes BitTorrent applications and some game applications lock up or fail because not enough connection space.

Others don't like the Actiontec wireless coverage.

Still others have a decided preference for hardware of their choice, not VZ's.

Verizon, for their part, simply cannot support every possible option, and running ethernet and coax is extra time and resource, so their standard provision is via coax.

Unless the customer is somewhat tech-savvy or ends up here or other places. Then the option space opens up. Especially if they get here before install.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 02:21:17 EDT

anon : Can someone explain why having the Actiontec router handle the internet interface and DHCP/NAT is so undesirable? This is very easy to handle as all you really have to worry about is dropping the NAT in all the other routers that are in bridge mode (wireless and otherwise).

After not seeing how to bridge the Acrtiontec, I let it DHCP/NAT and then use a gigabit ethernet router with wireless draft-n which gives very good performance with concurrent data transfers in the 10 MByte/sec ranges across the remaining network.

I plan to get the ONT CAT5 RJ45 Verizon interface (presumably there is some service cost involved as you can not wire into the telephone company side) to simplify the entire network management problem and perhaps have one less delay and bottleneck. Is that the reason for all this interest?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:34:47 EDT

Franco : My ActionTec MI424-WR router didn't want to fully cooperate with my other router "linksys N router WRTN600". I have several other wireless N devices in my house not connecting well with the actiontec router, not to mention that I had to downgrade all connection to G since actiontec routers don't support N technology yet. I had fios internet installed before the TV connection so I believe that's what makes the whole conversion so easy, I just called Verizon and the tech switched me back to ethernet instead of coax and it was ready in 30 minutes. The actiontec router is now connected to the coax cable only to keep the TV guides and on-demand video running, that's it !!, the ethernet cable goes to my linksys router handling all my home network. Two weeks now and it all woks perfect! :-) at full speed, I have the 15/15 fios plan.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:20:24 EDT

ceyko : Thought it before, but after reading this 20 something page thread - Verizon really needs to figure out a way to allow use of their gear for QoS/VOD...etc and the user's gear for Internet connectivity - and in a manner that keeps everyone happy.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:31:01 EDT

More Fiber :

said by smomer :

Q # 3 : Can the laptop see the SSID of the Linksys?

A # 3 : I see the SSID and can access my local network. ( wired computer plugged into the Linksys ).

Okay. To confirm what is working at this point:
1) The Actiontec is properly in bridge mode.
2) The Linksys is pulling a good WAN IP address.
3) Your wired PC is connected to the Linksys and is able to access the internet.
4) Your laptop can connect wirelessly via the Linksys and access the wired PC.
5) The laptop is not able to access the internet.

If this accurately summarizes what is/is not working, then it seems to me everything is connected correctly and that you have a configuration issue in the Linksys that is preventing the laptop from accessing internet. You might try over in the Linksys forum, or the DD-WRT forum.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:08:06 EDT

smomer :
I'm assuming the wireless section of the Actiontec is disabled at this point.

My response : YES - The wireless section is disabled.

Q # 1 : What OS on the laptop ?

A # 1 : Windows 2000 sp4.

Q # 2 : Double check that the wireless is turned on in the Linksys.

A # 2 : The wireless IS turned on.

Q # 3 : Can the laptop see the SSID of the Linksys?

A # 3 : I see the SSID and can access my local network. ( wired computer plugged into
the Linksys ).

As before, any and all help is appreciated.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:02:50 EDT

anon : This thread has been a great source of information, and the instructions have worked for me, as recent as April 5th when my service was installed.

I tested the instructions by using my macbook connected to one of the LAN ports and had it DHCP an ip from verizon, and it did so without a hitch

I disabled the interface, unhooked everything and let it be until yesterday, when my cable service was deactivated.

At this point I wasnt sure if the macbook had specifically released its address from the ont or not, but nothing would work.. my router box wouldn't get an ip for nothing.. the actiontec wouldnt get an ip..

Call to verzion #1 - "Oh no you can't unplug it, that doesn't work.. you have to call us to release it".. ok the tech does.. and with default settings back, the actiontec gets its IP.. the lights are all green.. Good.

I start over following the OP instructions - release, no IP, add to the bridge, clicked stp, also disabled the dhcp server.

Connected the router box to the actiontec lan port, dhcp timed out.. didnt do nothing!

actiontec wouldnt reconnect
WTF?!

Call to verizon #2:

"Can you tell me the mac address thats bound to the ont?"...
...
... nothing

"Well can you release it?"
.."ok!"
I immediately tried a new dhcp request.. still timing out...

"release it again."

So i'm now where I began on installation day, factory settings factory router.

I loathe the idea of trying this again because that supposed 7 minute wait turned into 45 minutes and those voice prompts make me wish i had a branding iron to press into my face...

QUESTIONS:

By turning off the dhcp server on the home/office network - did that screw with things?

Does the STB try to dhcp even when turned off after you release the broadband coax and bridge it? Does the STB ONLY attempt to dhcp request with 192.168.1.1 or does it DHCP with manual address to 192.168.1.100? I want to rule out the possibility of that thing having grabbed a verizon IP and ruining my party if possible.

MY GOALS:

Connect my openbsd router to the actiontec

Use the bsd for nat, filtering, and as my internal dhcp server.

Thanks very much in advance - hopefully someone can clear up some of these questions because this seems very much out of the ordinary compared to my first experience...

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:29:31 EDT

More Fiber :

said by smomer :

I noticed that during setup (Bridging) for the 2 Rev. A routers at step # 11, the internet light on the front is not amber, but instead is out completely ( dark ). The Rev. C router does, however, light up amber with the "Network connections"; in the full status page and shows up as "still connected"; I don't know if this is any relevance to the problem.

I suspect the later hardware uses a tri-color LED to present an additional "bit" of state information.

said by smomer :

I do not have a problem with pulling an IP address with the linksys router, because I can get IP address ( 72. X. X .X ) and get on the internet with my computer wired to the linksys. My problem is just NO Internet wirelessly with my laptop. Everything else works ( VOD , guides, etc. )

That's good news that you're getting an good WAN IP address on the Linksys; can connect from wired PCs; and that VOD and guides are working. That indicates that the Actiontec is properly in bridge mode and that the Linksys is acting as your primary router.

That leaves only wireless connectivity.

I'm assuming the wireless section of the Actiontec is disabled at this point. The basics steps are turn off encryption in both the laptop and the Linksys temporarily. Double check the SSID and channel of your router.

Q. What OS on the laptop?
Q. Double check that wireless is turned on in the Linksys.
Q. Can the laptop see the SSID of the Linksys?

There are also a number of threads here on that subject. Try a search in this forum on "wireless". I'll check back. If you haven't made any progress, I'll pull some more ideas from the other threads.

said by smomer :

The Actiontec and the Linksys do not have the same MAC addresses. The OP that I followed, in
the other thread - steps 13 & 14.

I think the logic of swapping MAC Addresses was so Vz sees the Actiontec's MAC address on the Linksys router since the Linksys will be doing most of the work. At this point the Actiontec (in bridge mode) is nothing more than a modem. Or am I looking at this wrong?

I did follow your references to both posts, however, I missed that 13 and 14 swapped the MAC addresses between the two interfaces. That was quite clever. It eliminates the concern about whether the same MAC address is visible on two interfaces at the same time.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:19:31 EDT

smomer : Q 1 : When you got to step 11 of the original post, did you verify that the Linksys had an IP address in the 72.x.x.x or 96.x.x.x range? And that the Actiontec had released it's IP address?

A 1 :
My linksys had an IP address in the 72.X.X.X range with the actiontec’s IP address - released.

Remember, the original post I was following was in the other thread " Make your actiontec a bridge with VOD working with Rev D.". However, step # 11 you are referring to pretty much corresponds to step # 12 in the other thread - which I followed. And the answer is YES , the Broadband Connection ( Coax ) was still “connected “ as seen on the full status page for the
network connections. As I mentioned in my original post I have 1 Rev. C , and 2 Rev. A actiontec routers. I noticed that during setup ( Bridging ) for the 2 Rev. A routers at step # 11, the internet light on the front is not amber, but instead is out completely ( dark ). The Rev. C router does, however, light up amber with the” Network connections” in the full status page and shows up as “ still connected “ .I don’t know if this is any relevance to the problem.

I as understand it, I do not have a problem with pulling an IP address with the linksys router, because I can get IP address ( 72. X. X .X ) and get on the internet with my computer wired to the linksys. My problem is just NO Internet wirelessly with my laptop. Everything else works ( VOD , guides, etc. )

The Actiontec and the Linksys do not have the same MAC addresses. The OP that I followed, in
the other thread - steps 13 & 14 as follows :

13) You will now need to go to back to “Advanced” at the top of your screen. Click on the MAC Cloning from the drop down list select "Broadband Connection (Coax)" and on a piece of paper or in Notepad write down the MAC address of the "Broadband Connection (Coax)" that’s currently being used. After you have that information replace the "Broadband Connection (Coax)" MAC with the MAC of the 3rd party router that you’re going to hook up to it or to the MAC of your PC’s NIC. Apply these settings.

14) Next, disconnect all computers from the MI424-WR, then connect Ethernet to & setup your 3rd party router. Change its WAN MAC to the one you wrote down above for the "Broadband Connection (Coax)". Make this router obtain an IP address automatically but for the LAN distribution change it to the 192.168.0.1 network (for simplicity sake). After everything has been setup, connect an Ethernet cable from the WAN port of your 3rd party router to port 1 (again, for simplicity sake) of the MI424-WR’s switch

I think the logic of swapping MAC Addresses was so Vz sees the Actiontec’s MAC address on the Linksys router since the Linksys will be doing most of the work. At this point the Actiontec ( in bridge mode ) is nothing more than a modem. Or am I looking at this wrong?

The NO IP ADDRESS was set and APPLIED.

The MAC ADDRESS was cloned using the address from the BROADBAND CONNECTION
( COAX ) column.

Q 2 : Q. To confirm the test with the NIM100,the configuration looked like this?
ONT-> splitter +-coax-> Actiontec
+-coax-> nim100 +-> Linksys -> PC
-> wireless ->
Laptop
A 2 :
YES - your configuration diagram is the way the NIM 100 test was setup.

You are RIGHT, I was confused with the WAN IP address - LAN IP address designations. The
setup, however, was correct. It was the LAN IP address that I set to 192.168.1.1 ( Actiontec )
and the Linksys to 192.168.0.1 .

Q 3 : In the above NIM100 test, did you confirm the Linksys had a valid WAN IP address (72.x.x.x or 96.x.x.x)?

A 3 :
YES , during the NIM 100 test the Linksys router had a valid IP address of 72.X.X.X.

The original firmware was 4.0.16.1.55.0.10.4.3. I also saved the original configuration file. While on my quest to make the Actiontec work in bridge mode. Anytime I had to restore to original, I would restore firmware ( 4.0.16.1.55.0.10.4.3 ), and then the configuration file to original.

Editing the config. File WAS part of my preventing the Actiontec from “ phoning home “.

Lastly, ran a patch cable from the Linksys to the WAN port of the Actiontec per Yubin’s post.

Again all the help I can get to resolve this is appreciated.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:08:04 EDT

substance12 : ok. I just tried the OP's instructions for the first time. No luck. The directions are actually very simple... I'm not sure why it wasn't working.

1) my status window did not say PPPOE. The OP said that it should.

2) my linksys ddwrt router was displaying 192.168.1.3 as the IP address it was pulling... which was assigned by the AT. is that correct? I did not see any instructions saying to turn off DCHP server... so I did not.

3) the DHCP renewal takes a really long time on the AT. is this normal?

I'm not sure what else I can say... the AT said that home/office connection was in bridge mode. It seemed as if it was working. I did "release" the IP. In fact that was the first thing I did.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:27:37 EDT

More Fiber : Thanks for the clarifications. Now let's see if we can work through this.

Q. When you got to step 11 of the original post, did you verify that the Linksys had an IP address in the 72.x.x.x or 96.x.x.x range? And that the Actiontec had released it's IP address?

Step 11) Verify that the MI424WR no longer has a connection to the internet by looking at the status information in "Main". It should have a red light and say it's on PPPOE right now. The MI424-WR should still have a connection to the ONT. You can check this by going back into "My Network", then "Network Connections", then clicking on the "Full Status" button at the bottom of the list. "Broadband Connection (Coax)". Should say it's connected still.

said by smomer :

I cloned the MAC address of the Actiontec to the Linksys router - if I understood the instructions correctly in the other thread (ref. ITEMS 13, 14, and 15)

There have been some reports of the Actiontec MAC address is paired with the ONT, although it is not clear, under what circumstances. Most users bridging the Actiontec have been able to pull an IP address to the second router by simply releasing the IP address of the Actiontec, or calling the FSC to have it released.

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) uses the MAC address to resolve logical (IP) to physical interfaces. If replacing a router, cloning the MAC address of the old router is not a problem. I¡¦m concerned that having both the Actiontec and the Linksys connected with the same MAC address could possibly cause problems. Having both routers connected, I would make every effort to release the IP address and NOT resort to cloning the MAC address.
Perhaps someone that knows ARP better that I do can clarify this. i.e. If the Actiontec is in bridge mode, are the ONT->Actiontec and the Actiontec->Linksys connections considered different segments?

It's important that on the Configure Broadband Connection (Coax)screen, in the Internet Protocol pull down to select NO IP ADDRESS and click APPLY. If you do not do this, the Actiontec will re-request a WAN IP address.

Also be aware that the Actiontec has six different MAC addresses. Go to MY NETWORK -> NETWORK CONNECTIONS -> FULL STATUS you will see all six MAC addresses. Make sure you are cloning the MAC address under the BROADBAND CONNECTION (COAX) column.

said by smomer :

The NIM100 that I mentioned in my prior posting was simply used to bridge from coax to Ethernet by using a splitter to split off at the back of the Actiontec so that I would have an input source for testing the Linksys wrt350n. To make sure that the Linksys wasn't defective. Once I connected the NIM100, I was able to get to the internet wirelessly from my laptop computer ( which I could NOT do before ), as well as from my other computer wired to the Linksys ( which I could - as before. )

Q. To confirm the test with the NIM100, the configuration looked like this?

said by smomer :

The Actiontec routers WAN IP was left at 192.168.1.1 and the Linksys WAN IP was changed to 192.168.0.1 during this testing.

I think you are confusing the LAN IP addresses with WAN IP addresses. A WAN IP address is assigned by VZ as a result of a DHCP request on the WAN interface. On a residentical account, you get only ONE dynamically assigned WAN IP address (72.x.x.x or 96.x.x.x). In the above diagram, the AT and Linksys can not both have WAN IP addresses. LAN IP addresses are in the range 192.168.x.x.

Q. In the above NIM100 test, did you confirm the Linksys had a valid WAN IP address (72.x.x.x or 96.x.x.x)?

said by smomer :

I can get to the internet wirelessly with the Actiontec reverted back to original for (VOD,guides ,etc. - sake )firmware ver.4.0.16.1.56.0.10.7 with wireless turned off, and NIM100 in place
I placed the Actiontec back to original condition that Verizon delivered the router to me in, so my STB's will be able to get VOD, guides, etc., with the exception of the wireless - which I turned off. I can NOW get to the internet (via the Linksys).

If you restored the original firmware, the router probably also restored the original configuration. The firmware does keep track of configuration versions, along with firmware versions. If the original Actiontec configuration was restored along with the firmware, it would no longer be in bridge mode, and would now be double NAT'ed. You need to confirm that the Action is still in bridge mode after restore firmware.

said by smomer :

Auto updates blocked using the information from the following post... And going into the Actiontec and closing off port 4567.

In the current (10.7) firmware, the router now has a permanent port forward rule for port 4567. See FIREWALL->PORT FORWARDING.

First entry: Verizon FiOS Service; TCP Any -> 4567

Editing the config file, will prevent the "AT phone home" updates on boot up.

Also, for the VOD and Guide data, try running a patch cable from the Linksys back to the WAN port of the Actiontec per Yubin's post here:
»Re: Make your actiontec a bridge with VOD working with REV D

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:15:50 EDT

smomer : First, I'd like to say Sorry for the bad posting.

( REF THREAD : " MAKE YOUR ACTIONTEC A BRIDGE WITH VOD WORKING WITH REV D " )

I have a linksys wrt350n router ( bridged as per instructions referenced in above thread ) and a wpc300n pcmcia wireless adapter for my laptop. The problem is I can access my local network , wired PC, I can even print to a printer hooked to the wired PC. I can ping url's , but I CAN'T get to the internet! When I do an IPCONFIG /ALL on the laptop all looks good. Release IP, then renew IP, and ping url's all looks good!

NOTE: I even had security turned off, and firewall set at "MINMUM " on the linksys.

The BIG question : Is there something in the procedure that I either did or did not do, correctly that would prevent my laptop from connecting wirelessly to the internet?

I am going to try and answer your questions about my posting.

QUESTION?

Is your WAN connection from the ONT coax? (I am presuming that it is, with the Actiontec in FRONT of the Linksys).

ANSWER

1)My WAN connection from the ONT to the Actiontec is Coax. The Actiontec is in front of the Linksys.

QUESTION?

I understanding having a backup in case the Actiontec fails. You say all 3 are bridged, which I take to mean that you have all 3 connected plus the Linksys. If they're spares and not connected, leave them out of the post. Don't confuse the issue. That's extraneous information. If they are connected, why? How?

ANSWER

2)I have a total of 3 actiontec routers, 2 of which are spares. The wireless in the actiontec that is currently in use - is turned off.

QUESTION?

Why are you cloning the MAC address to the piggybacked router? The router that MAY need to clone the MAC address of the failed router is the replacement connected to the ONT. Two routers with the same MAC address will confuse the ARP table in all devices on the LAN.

ANSWER

3) I cloned the MAC address of the actiontec to the linksys router - if I understood the instructions correctly in the other thread ( MAKE YOUR ACTIONTEC A BRIDGE WITH VOD WORKING WITH REV D ) (ref. ITEMS 13, 14, and 15 below )

13) You will now need to go to back to “Advanced” at the top of your screen. Click on the MAC Cloning from the drop down list select "Broadband Connection (Coax)" and on a piece of paper or in Notepad write down the MAC address of the "Broadband Connection (Coax)" that’s currently being used. After you have that information replace the "Broadband Connection (Coax)" MAC with the MAC of the 3rd party router that you’re going to hook up to it or to the MAC of your PC’s NIC. Apply these settings.

14) Next, disconnect all computers from the MI424-WR, then connect Ethernet to & setup your 3rd party router. Change its WAN MAC to the one you wrote down above for the "Broadband Connection (Coax)". Make this router obtain an IP address automatically but for the LAN distribution change it to the 192.168.0.1 network (for simplicity sake). After everything has been setup, connect an Ethernet cable from the WAN port of your 3rd party router to port 1 (again, for simplicity sake) of the MI424-WR’s switch.

15) With any luck your 3rd party router should have pulled an IP form Verizon.

QUESTION?

The NIM100 is a media converter that allows the STBs on the coax to connect to a cat-5 router. I don't see how that makes any difference to the connectivity issues you describe. Please explain how you had the NIM100 connected and what difference that made. If it didn't make any difference, why mention it?
.

ANSWER

4)The nim 100 that I mentioned in my prior posting was simply used to bridge from coax to ethernet by using a splitter to split off at the back of the actiontec so that I would have an input source for testing the linksys wrt350n. To make sure that the linksys wasn't defective. Once I connected the nim 100 , I was able to get to the internet wirelessly from my laptop computer ( which I could NOT do before ), as well as from my other computer wired to the linksys ( which I could - as before. )

The Actiontec routers WAN IP was left at 192.168.1.1 and the Linksys WAN IP was changed to 192.168.0.1 during this testing.

(MY STATEMENT)

I can get to the internet wirelessly with the Actiontec reverted back to original for (VOD,guides ,etc. - sake )firmware ver.4.0.16.1.56.0.10.7 with wireless turned off, and NIM100 in place

(CLARIFICATION)

I placed the Actiontec back to original condition that Verizon delivered the router to me in, so my STB's will be able to get VOD, guides, etc., with the exception of the wireless - which I turned off. I can NOW get to the internet ( via the Linksys ).

(MY STATEMENT)

.....auto updates blocked ( port 4567 )

(YOUR STATEMENT)

BTW, Blocking port 4567 does not prevent the auto-updates. The router checks for firmware updates during boot-up

(CLARIFICATION)

Auto updates blocked using the information from the following post :
And going into the actiontec and closing off port 4567.

( --- START --- )

In either case the port already mentioned should be closed and IF you are ok on editing the config file then change the updates (IE: turn them off) as the web side does not do it:

(cwmp (enabled(1)) (acs_url(»https://cpe-ems1 ---trunicated---- (periodic_inform (enabled(1)) (interval(86400)) change to:

(cwmp (enabled(0)) (acs_url(»https://cpe-ems1 ---trunicated---- (periodic_inform (enabled(0)) (interval(86400))

( --- END --- )

I HOPE this clarifies things. If there is any other information that I can provide ( configuration Settings, Etc. ) that would be helpful, just let me know, and I will get them. Any Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated. Thanks Again

BTW, I don't know how to use the ' AUTO QUOTE ' option, I should learn - I guess. Hope you don't mind.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:09:52 EDT

More Fiber :

said by smomer :

HI,I NEED HELP BADLY. I POSTED THIS IN " MAKE YOUR Actiontec A BRIDGE WITH VOD WORKING WITH REV D " BUT APPARENTLY THAT THREAD IS DEAD- RIGHT NOW!

I saw your post there, but found your post very confusing, which is why I did not reply to it earlier.

p.s. Some hints on getting replies to your posts:
•Put some white-space between subjects. When a long post is all run together, it makes it hard to read.
•Try to avoid posting extraneous information.

said by smomer :

I have 2 Actiontec MI424wr ver. A and 1 ver. C routers. All are bridged, almost plug n' play. If one goes bad all I have to do is release ip and replace bad router with another, and clone MAC to my linksys piggybacked router.

I understanding having a backup in case the Actiontec fails. You say all 3 are bridged, which I take to mean that you have all 3 connected plus the Linksys. If they're spares and not connected, leave them out of the post. Don't confuse the issue. That's extraneous information. If they are connected, why? How?

Why are you cloning the MAC address to the piggybacked router? The router that MAY need to clone the MAC address of the failed router is the replacement connected to the ONT. Two routers with the same MAC address will confuse the ARP table in all devices on the LAN.

said by smomer :

I borrowed a NIM100 from a friend of mine to see if the problem is the laptop, the router , or for what ever reason, the bridging of the Actiontec .

The NIM100 is a media converter that allows the STBs on the coax to connect to a cat-5 router. I don't see how that makes any difference to the connectivity issues you describe. Please explain how you had the NIM100 connected and what difference that made. If it didn't make any difference, why mention it?

With 4 routers (presumably) connected at once, in all probability you have some type of routing issue.

Some questions:
1) Is your WAN connection from the ONT coax? (I am presuming that it is, with the Actiontec in FRONT of the Linksys).

2) How did you connect the NIM100 for that test?

3) What IP addressing scheme are you using for the multiple routers?

4) Which router is supplying DHCP addresses?

5) Is the wireless in the Actiontec(s?) turned off?

6) When you are able to connect to the internet successfully using the wireless, which router were you connected to?

7) Please give specific LAN IP addresses of the routers, laptop, STBs.

When troubleshooting complex issues, try one thing at a time. Get that working before moving on to the next issue.

That sentence contradicts itself. With wireless turned off, how can you be getting to the internet wirelessly unless you're connecting to ANOTHER router, unless you mean the via the Linksys, but that is not clear.

BTW, Blocking port 4567 does not prevent the auto-updates. The router checks for firmware updates during boot-up.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:30:20 EDT

smomer : HI,I NEED HELP BADLY. I POSTED THIS IN " MAKE YOUR ACTIONTEC A BRIDGE WITH VOD WORKING WITH REV D " BUT APPARENTLY THAT THREAD IS DEAD- RIGHT NOW!

OK, Here I go. I hope the smart guys are still around, because I have a baffling problem that I hope you guys can help me with. I followed the OP and all the revisions along the way ( thanks to all that contributed ) and it worked great. I get VOD , guides ,and widgets. I have 2 actiontec MI424wr ver. A and 1 ver. C routers. All are bridged, almost plug n' play. If one goes bad all I have to do is release ip and replace bad router with another, and clone MAC to my linksys piggybacked router. I have a linksys wrt350n router and a wpc300n pcmcia wireless for my laptop. The problem is I can access my local network , wired PC, I can even print to a printer hooked to the wired PC. I can ping url's , but I CAN'T get to the internet! When I do an IPCONFIG /ALL on the laptop all looks good. Release IP, then renew IP, and ping url's all looks good! I borrowed a NIM 100 from a friend of mine to see if the problem is the laptop, the router , or for what ever reason, the bridging of the actiontec. As it turns out, I can get to the internet wirelessly with the actiontec reverted back to original for (VOD,guides ,etc. - sake )firmware ver.4.0.16.1.56.0.10.7 with wireless turned off, and nim 100 in place. But I don't know why the setup worked great, except for the wireless internet connection. The firmware version was @ 4.0.16.1.55.0.10.4.3 with auto updates blocked ( port 4567 ) when bridged.( As soon as I reset the actiontec, the router was updated with the latest update ver. 4.0.16.1.56.0.10.7 ) Can anybody help solve this?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:26:33 EDT

More Fiber :

said by defree :

I followed the instructions here:
»www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Ve···y_router

This works but is this method going to create problems? make things slower?

I made a quick scan of the page in the link and I don't see anything that should cause a problem. If you have problems, post back and we'll try and work through it.

As has been recommended earlier in this thread, backup your working configurations before changing them.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:25:32 EDT

anon : I think I have the same question.

I tried for days to get the methods described in this thread to work. I could never get my home network to drop the IP address. Every time i tried, the router rebooted.

I followed the instructions here:
»www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Ve···y_router

This works but is this method going to create problems? make things slower?

Thanks. Routing is not one of my strengths.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:34:44 EDT

substance12 : if you put the AT on DMZ mode and hook up a secondary router to it... will that, in effect... do the same thing as the OP's instructions?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:51:44 EDT

casonbang : These instructions worked perfectly! Thanks!

I did have trouble switching from one Linksys to another because the IP address wouldn't renew even though I had released it. I was too lazy to call Verizon a second time so I just cloned the MAC on the new router and then it pulled an IP just fine.

Also, I noticed 2 odd private addresses in my DDWRT device list. I think it's related to the Actiontec LAN/Moca bridging that you mentioned.

said by M509272 :

***** THIS IS FOR CAT5 INTERNET SETUPS *****
First the Linksys (WRT54G with Hyperwrt firmware, others should be no issue)

1) Set IP to 192.168.1.3
2) Set to DHCP not PPPoE
3) Turn DHCP server on (my range starts at 150)
4) Turn wireless on
5) NO need to clone MAC from Actiontec

Actiontec (not sure if order matters)

1) Disable DHCP server
2) Disable Wireless
3) Set firewall to minimal
4) Go to Broadband Connection (Ethernet) and under DHCP Lease, select RELEASE, then immediately after select No IP Address under Internet protocol
5) Disable Broadband Connection (Ethernet)????
6) Turn off and unplug set top box (STB) or DVR
7) Turn off Actiontec (AT)

Plug Fios CAT5 into Linksys WAN port, might need to reboot. You should get connected. Confirm your connection via your computer. If you don't connect you probably didn't release the DHCP lease. You can try turning everything off for awhile to lose the lease -OR- you can call to see if it was released and get it released -OR- you can reset the AT and start all over again.

Once the Linksys is connected run a standard CAT5 from any Linksys LAN port to any AT LAN (not WAN) port. Turn on the AT and wait a bit. You should NOT see a connection in your Linksys connection page.

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:32:11 EDT

anon : do I still need the AT to use MediaManger PC software with a Mediamanger STB?

its says i need the verizon router- but is it just talking about getting the content to the stb via coax- which could be achieved by bridging or nim100?

Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:25:56 EDT

anon : Thanks so much for the information. Ever since i had fios internet, it has been troublesome. The connection kept dropping, cannot connect to the internet eventhough the router said "connect". I had the ONT replaced twice and still the same problem. I told the tech support that it's probably the actiontec modem that's faulty and they would not believe me. I finally followed this guide and used my Apple Airport Extreme as a main router and actiontec as bridge. Wow!! my connection havnt drop and the speed really fast. Thanks