| Actiontec MI424WR Router Revision I - bug/problem ?! I held off on writing this message for a few days to make sure this was not a fluke or some service-related problem. I have experienced it TWICE now, so something must be going on.
Background:
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I am running FIOS Triple Play service since January 6 (10 days). I have the Actiontec MI424WR FIOS N Router REV. I. Connected to it is an Netgear WNDR4500 (via LAN to LAN connection), which serves as Access Point. WiFi is completely turned OFF on the Actiontec.
I had Internet/Phone only package for 18 months without any problems, service downtime or slowdowns. The connection was from the ONT directly to Netgear WNDR3700 router via Ethernet. There was no Actiontec(s) used.
Issue:
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The problem desrcibed below is happening on my HARDWIRED PC (meaning, connected via Ethernet to LAN), so this has nothing to do with WIFI.
On two separate occasions noticed that after running for about 48-72 hours, that the internet pretty much stops working. Some pages stop loading (cannot be found) but some do load (VERY SLOWLY), but do not display graphics, or the text is misalligned and in weird fonts. See two attached screen captures. Note especially that some of the graphic "boxes" don't load at all. In addition, my Outlook 2010 starts getting "stuck" in trying to retrieve email, and PING'ing sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.
Testing:
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Going to 192.168.1.1 (IP of Actiontec) and/or 192.168.1.26 (IP of Netgear WNDR4500) shows that both are connected to the internet. However, those same pages load "slowly".
I initially thought that thep roblem may be within my PC or the Netgear WNDR4500, but I am 99% sure it is not related to either. First of all, I have been running the same build of Windows 7 SP1 for at least 6 months and I never have any problems. Additionally, when these internet issues start, the rest of the computer continues to run just fine. REBOOTING the PC (numerous times) does NOT resolve the issue.
I then went on to see if rebooting the WNDR4500 helps anything. Nada. Same issues remain.
Only when I reboot the Actiontec MI424WR FIOS N Router REV. I (running firmware version: 40.19.22) does the problem get completely resolved. This is done while the the is PC on and without any reboots. After the Actiontec goes back online, I am able to just refresh any of the "defective" webpages, and they re-load fast and looking just fine.
This lasts for about 48-72 hours, and then the same exact problem arises.
Conclusion:
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Something must be happening to the Actiontec that causes this scenario. By the way, the STB's work just fine during this whole ordeal.
I would love to hear opinions from others, or especially if you think you had something like this happen to you.
I just can't imagine what it can be. |
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| Check out this thread:
»WNDR3700 / WNDR4500 with Rev. I |
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| Hi Dagwag,
The thread that you pointed to is one that was started by me and dealt with internal issues of Netgear WNDR3700, WNDR3800 and the WNDR4500.
The issue described above has been "localized" to the Actiontec, and has nothing to do with ther WNDR4500 (please re-read what I wrote about rebooting WNDR4500 and the problem is still there).
So the issue that I am now dealing with and need help on is one of Actiontec. |
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| Gotcha, sorry for the misdirect.
Has the actiontec been crapping out since you got it? I assume, 10 days ago? Could be bad hardware. What happens if you take the AP out of the equation (I know you said hardwired, but maybe some routing is still enabled on the netgear?).
Turn the logging on for the actiontec and see if something in there pops out at you.
You using Verizon's DNS or someone elses - could it be a DNS problem? |
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| said by dagwag77:Gotcha, sorry for the misdirect.
Has the actiontec been crapping out since you got it? I assume, 10 days ago? Could be bad hardware. What happens if you take the AP out of the equation (I know you said hardwired, but maybe some routing is still enabled on the netgear?).
Turn the logging on for the actiontec and see if something in there pops out at you.
You using Verizon's DNS or someone elses - could it be a DNS problem?
Thanks for the suggestions. I have not tried to run this without the Netgear connected in the middle, as my wifi is in daily use. This of course will be my last restort to test.
I will turn on logging on the Actiontec in the meantime.
I am using Verizon DNS, as far as I can tell. It was assigned by the Auctiontec.
I hope to hear from soneone else who may be experiencing this. |
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| said by Mystiky4: I have not tried to run this without the Netgear connected in the middle, as my wifi is in daily use. This of course will be my last restort to test. I know the actiontec's wireless isn't the best, but maybe try that for the day and see if you experience the same problems to rule out any issues with the netgear. |
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| I run this simultaneous on DUAL bands (which I dont think the Actiontec can even do), so it is not that easy for me to just hook it up. Also, it usually takes 2-3 days before the issue starts. |
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| reply to Mystiky4
It can't. But its a good troubleshooting step to figure out where the issue is originating. Yes, it is a small sacrifice, hopefully towards the goal of not having this issue anymore.
You can also attack it from the other end and ask VZ to replace the AT, perhaps you got a dud?
Maybe try using different DNS servers and see if that helps? (You can use namebench to find the fastest for you)
You said that you added TV correct? Is your AT connected to the ONT via ethernet or coax? Either way the tech was in the ONT box, so check to make sure your cabling is connected securely and isn't kinked. |
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| The TV is connected via COAX from the ONT and the Internet is connected via ETHERNET from the ONT.
I will wait for a week or so to see if anyone else has these issues. As far as DNS, why would a DNS make a difference? Remember, my internet doesnt just stop. It just gets extremely slow, and some pages open and some don't. And those that do, have much of the graphic display missing and/or misalligned.
I am not challenging you in your suggestions. Believe me, I am very happy to hear them. Just not sure if DNS could be an issue here.
I will say that, that if this keeps happening, I will ask for my Actiontec to be swiped for a new one.
Thankfully, the solution right now is easy to fix this. Go down to the basement, turn it off and right back on, and everything works! |
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| For the guide, VOD, etc. to work, the Actiontec needs to be connected to the coax as well. It feeds the STBs with this information over MoCA.
Look at your Actiontec - which is lit up, WAN Ethernet or WAN Coax? Is there a coax line plugged into the AT as well as an ethernet into the Ethernet Wan port?
Check your cabling. Reseat connections at the router and the ONT. Make sure its not kinked. |
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| said by dagwag77:For the guide, VOD, etc. to work, the Actiontec needs to be connected to the coax as well. It feeds the STBs with this information over MoCA.
Look at your Actiontec - which is lit up, WAN Ethernet or WAN Coax? Is there a coax line plugged into the AT as well as an ethernet into the Ethernet Wan port?
Check your cabling. Reseat connections at the router and the ONT. Make sure its not kinked.
Thanks for correcting me. Indeed the following lights are lit-up on the Actiontec:
Power, WAN Ethernet, Internet, LAN Ethernet #1 (cable to WNDR4500) and LAN Coax.
I have re-checked all of the cable connections, including the ones on the COAX splitter. Since one of the spots on the splitter is unused, the technician put a cap on it.
Again, appreciate all the help. |
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| reply to Mystiky4
Try a different DNS server. I have had the same issue as you in the past and it was a Verizon owned DNS server that was flaking out and eventually went offline. Changing the DNS server takes seconds and at the same time you rule it out as a problem. |
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 siersema
join:2005-06-16
Huntington Beach, CA | reply to Mystiky4
Interesting. I have an ActionTec E with firmware 20.19.8 and seeing similar problems with the computer locking up as web pages load. Programs that are not connected to the Internet act normal but the rest of my system goes into Non-responding mode. A laptop next the the desktop (both wired connections) also experiences the sluggish Internet loading. I have a Netgear on the network to provide n wireless capabilities. Could it be some interaction between the Netgear and ActionTec? Not sure what could be causing the problems. I did try different DNS servers with no change in performance. |
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| reply to serge87
Can you then please recommend a DNS server? Plus a secondary one? |
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guppy_fishPremium
join:2003-12-09
Lakeland, FL
kudos:1 | 208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
www.opendns.com
As a test, on one of your computers, set the dns manually to the above IP's ( in the network connections ). that will prove disprove if its DNS issue |
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1 edit | said by guppy_fish:208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
www.opendns.com
As a test, on one of your computers, set the dns manually to the above IP's ( in the network connections ). that will prove disprove if its DNS issue
I forgot to post this last night, but for the past 14 hours I have been running using the above-suggested DNS.
I put these DNS #'s into the Actiontec, then rebooted both it and the Netgear WNDR4500.
So far, no probs but again, the issue described at the start of the thread usually ariseses 48-72 hours later. |
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Reviews:
 ·Verizon FiOS
| reply to Mystiky4
I have not experienced this with the same setup you have, but the Netgear forum discussion seems to be reporting that some of the WNDR4500s may have been experiencing a DNS issue. See »forum1.netgear.com/showthread.ph···ight=dns |
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| reply to Mystiky4
Mystiky - any update? Still having issues? |
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| said by dagwag77:Mystiky - any update? Still having issues?
Hi Everyone!
Sorry to have "gone silent" but I was away on a business trip. Good news! It seems like everything is working just fine. Nothing was turned off or reset now for 5+ full days, and it looks like maybe indeed the change in the DNS solved that issue. |
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| reply to rhdcheme
I am not sure if that was the same thing as I described, as reseting the WNDR4500 alone did not fix anything. It was only when I did the reset on the Actiontec that things got back to "normal". But now, since I changed the DNS, no problems for almost 6 days now. |
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