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DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
|  How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge
Why make the MI424-WR a bridge?
•New FiOS installations now connect you using the MoCA system from the ONT, not ethernet, thus preventing you from directly connecting a router of your choice to the ONT (some of you may say that the ethernet jack at the ONT is still there and you could run an ethernet cable to it, but it will NOT work because the ONT was not configured for ethernet connectivity during initial install by verizon).
•As part of the new FiOS installations, you are given an ActionTec MI424-WR router
•The MI424-WR is a pretty decent router (is powerful, has lots of features, and is quite flexible), however the major issue with it at the moment is the puny NAT table (only 1kb in size). The NAT table is easily overflowed just by running a single bittorrent or in some cases, playing games. When the NAT table is overflowed, you will get the "No IP for NAT - connections may fail" error logged in your MI424-WR's security log. During this time, you will unable to browse, ping, or connect to anything until you wait about 3 minutes. This problem seems to be widespread with this router, regardless of which firmware release is used. No one has been able to produce a workaround for this issue and neither Actiontec or Verizon has acknowledged this issue officially. This problem makes your FiOS connection next to useless. While your overall throughput may drop when using a store bought consumer grade router, your actual usability may increase. I personally would take this trade off over NAT errors any day.
•Instead of paying at least $100 to fix something that's not your fault (buying a MoCA to ethernet bridge), make the MI424-WR as a bridge and use a router of your choice!
This is what you will need to do:
1) Connect your computer to the MI424-WR using an ethernet connection if you have not done so
2) Open your web browser and type in 192.168.1.1 in the URL and press "enter"
3) The default username and password for the MI424-WR is "admin" and "password, however verizon techs tend to change the password to "password1". If neither works, you will need to do a hard reset on the router (hold down the reset pinhole with a paperclip for about 10 seconds). If you did a hard reset, you may not be able to reconnect to the ONT due to a configuration issue with the default router settings (I will explain how to get it working as you keep reading).
4) Once you are logged in, go ahead and reset the router to the default settings if you have done numerous customizations in the past, otherwise don't worry about it. To reset the config to defaults, click on "Advanced" at the top, then click yes in the confirmation box. You will then see "Restore Defaults" at the lower left side of the screen (under the red toolbox icon). The router will now reboot itself. Remember that the username and password resets itself to the ActionTec default of "admin" and "password". It's a good idea to change the password after this is all done of course. 
5) Go ahead and log back into the router if you have "Restore Defaults", otherwise just click on "My Network" at the top of the screen. Once you are there, click on "Network Connections" at the menu on the left.
6) You should now see a list of interfaces that exist in the router. To see them all, click on the "Advanced" button below that list.
7) Now you will need to do this very important step. you will need to release your MI424-WR's IP from the ONT or you will NOT be able to have your new router DHCP an IP for itself!. To do this, click on the "Broadband Connection (Coax)" from the connection list. Then click on the "Settings" button at the bottom. You will now see a bunch of settings for this interface. Make sure the "Privacy" option is enabled (if you have reset your MI424-WR to defaults earlier, it maybe disabled. Not having this setting enabled will cause the connection to the ONT to fail!). You can click on the "Release" button if an IP address is currently assigned to the MI424-WR. Click the "Release" button and immediately change the "Internet Protocol" option to "No IP Address" (default setting is "Obtain an IP Address Automatically"). Click on "Apply" afterwards, then "Yes" (if there's a confirmation message), then "Apply" again.
8) Now you will need to turn the MI424-WR into a bridge. In the connection list, click on "Network (Home/Office)", then click on the "Settings" button. You will see a list of interfaces under "Bridge". Check the box next to the "Broadband Connection (Coax)", then check the box under the STP column. Click on "Apply" afterwards, then "Yew" (if there's a confirmation message), then "Apply" again.
9) Since the MI424-WR will no longer be used for routing, go ahead and disable its wireless interface also. Click on "Wireless Access Point" in the interface list and then click on "Disable". You can also disable this in the "Wireless Settings" section.
10) Just in case the MI424-WR will do something wacky, I disabled the built-in firewall also. Click on "Firewall Settings" and then select "Minimum", then click on "Apply".
11) Verify that the MI424-WR 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.
12) Next, disconnect all computers from the MI424-WR. Setup the router of your choice (for me, I'm using a Linksys WRT54G v4 running dd-wrt). Make sure your new router's IP address is something different from 192.168.1.1 or it will conflict! Your new router should now DHCP an IP from verizon without any problems.
The only way to access the MI424-WR after this setup is to directly connect a computer to it (via ethernet) and using a static 192.168.1.* IP address. It will no longer DHCP an IP to you. You will also notice that the "Internet" light (may look like a map globe) on the router will now be lit orange and blink red. This is normal. The MI424-WR control panel will also perpetually say you're not connected to the internet. That too is normal.
You will know everything is working when you see your new router getting an IP from verizon. | |
|  
nycdave
Premium,MVM
join:1999-11-16
Melville, NY
 ·Verizon FIOS
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge "New FiOS installations now connect you using the MoCA system from the ONT, not ethernet, thus preventing you from directly connecting a router of your choice to the ONT (some of you may say that the ethernet jack at the ONT is still there and you could run an ethernet cable to it, but it will NOT work because the ONT was not configured for ethernet connectivity during initial install by verizon)."
Not quite true. The customer can always ask the installer to switch the ONT to use the ethernet jack instead of MoCA. MoCA over coax (WAN coax on the Actiontec) would only be required if there is no way to run CAT5 from the ONT to the router... | |
| | 
Lee GWB
Yaco
Premium
join:2001-10-13
Allendale, NJ
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Hi,
I need clarification. U had FIOS for over a year with the Older ONT. I ALWAYS had CAT5 hooked up and STILL DO. I am using the Actiontec also.
If you check the Screen shot it is a Bridge over Wan.
Lee | |
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Lee GWB
Yaco
Premium
join:2001-10-13
Allendale, NJ | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge BTW I have my Linksys DOUBLE NAT WRT54GS and use it for Wireless. ActionTec Wireless is disabled.
This is completely untouched from VZ EXCEPT the wireless being turned OFF on the AT unit | |
| | | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
| said by Lee GWB  :Hi, I need clarification. U had FIOS for over a year with the Older ONT. I ALWAYS had CAT5 hooked up and STILL DO. I am using the Actiontec also. If you check the Screen shot it is a Bridge over Wan. Lee I actually got my fios installed a few days ago, so I'm using the newest ONT. It still has an ethernet jack but it's unused (I was told that you can't use both coax and ethernet at the same time or it gets screwy, which makes sense). The difference with my install than yours is mine is a true DHCP connection, it does not use PPPOE.
On another note, I did not have to clone the MAC address on my linksys either
On the 3rd screenshot, it will always say "bridge" under the "Network (Home/Office)" column because it is bridging the ethernet, coax (not broadband coax), and wireless interfaces... it does not indicate on that particular screen which interfaces are being bridged, you have to actually go into the "Network (Home/Office)" settings to actually find out which interfaces are bridged | |
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Lee GWB
Yaco
Premium
join:2001-10-13
Allendale, NJ
1 edit | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Hi,
So there isn't a Cat 5 cable plugged INTO your Actiontec ETHERNET WAN? | |
| | | | | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by Lee GWB :Hi, So there isn't a Cat 5 cable plugged INTO your Actiontec ETHERNET WAN? correct | |
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smajchrz
join:2003-10-11
Chantilly, VA
| said by DaDrgon :I was going to have them put my install on ethernet but the techs told me that they will put me on coax anyway when I decide to get fios TV (which I plan to do so in the next few years) hence why I had them just put me on coax. Little did I know at the time that I'd run into this problem. This makes no sense at all.
said by DaDrgon :[I actually got my fios installed a few days ago, so I'm using the newest ONT. It still has an ethernet jack but it's unused (I was told that you can't use both coax and ethernet at the same time or it gets screwy, which makes sense). Ok, someone is feeding you some bad information and really does not know what they are talking about. Al TV/data installs up until now have had TV coming in over the coax port and data/guide/VOD coming in over the ethernet port. If you are suggesting that the newer ONTs have issues utilizing both ports at the same time it is either a bug or, huge design flaw or misinformation. My money is on misinformation. | |
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nycdave
Premium,MVM
join:1999-11-16
Melville, NY
·Verizon FIOS
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge The 612 ONT has MoCA (on the CATV f-connector) and ethernet interfaces. The installer can choose which port to send the data across, but the ONT CANNOT support both interfaces at the same time - it is MoCA or ethernet..That is the way the ONT is designed, it is not a flaw. | |
| | | | | | rmrper
join:2006-06-13
Garland, TX
 ·AT&T CallVantage
·Verizon FIOS
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge nycdave, are you saying the new 612 cannot have ethernet just for data, and coax only for tv? Meaning, if my normal ONT died and I was given a 612 to replace it, I'd be forced to use coax only since I have TV service? If so, that's a major strike against FIOS in my opinion. I have the Actiontec just as a switch with my WRT54G in front right now. The Actiontec will not play nice with ATT CallVantage, and I had issues getting my Xbox 360 to work as well. I would hate to be forced to use the Actiontec as the primary router, so much so that I would consider dropping TV service if it meant I could keep Ethernet to the ONT. | |
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nycdave
Premium,MVM
join:1999-11-16
Melville, NY
·Verizon FIOS
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by rmrper :nycdave, are you saying the new 612 cannot have ethernet just for data, and coax only for tv? Meaning, if my normal ONT died and I was given a 612 to replace it, I'd be forced to use coax only since I have TV service? If so, that's a major strike against FIOS in my opinion. I have the Actiontec just as a switch with my WRT54G in front right now. The Actiontec will not play nice with ATT CallVantage, and I had issues getting my Xbox 360 to work as well. I would hate to be forced to use the Actiontec as the primary router, so much so that I would consider dropping TV service if it meant I could keep Ethernet to the ONT. No, that is not what I am saying. I am trying to explain that the 612 is designed for more flexibility. If a customer only has existing coax, then FiOS data can be sent through the coax along with FiOS TV (CAT5 would not have to be run). If CAT5 is already present, then FiOS data can be sent through the ethernet jack on the ONT (and FiOS TV would still use the coax). But, the ONT's MoCA and the ONT's ethernet cannot be used at the same time to send data to the router. The ONT only supports 1 WAN data 'path' at a time. If a customer wants to use their own router, then the ethernet output would have to be used on the 612. If that customer also has FiOS TV, the video is still using the coax (but the MoCA LAN network would have to be generated either by the Actiontec, or a Moto NIM100 inside the home). | |
| | | | | | | | rmrper
join:2006-06-13
Garland, TX | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge nycdave, Thanks for the clarification! | |
| | | | | | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
| said by nycdave :The 612 ONT has MoCA (on the CATV f-connector) and ethernet interfaces. The installer can choose which port to send the data across, but the ONT CANNOT support both interfaces at the same time - it is MoCA or ethernet..That is the way the ONT is designed, it is not a flaw. that's pretty much what I've found out | |
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smajchrz
join:2003-10-11
Chantilly, VA
| said by nycdave :The 612 ONT has MoCA (on the CATV f-connector) and ethernet interfaces. The installer can choose which port to send the data across, but the ONT CANNOT support both interfaces at the same time - it is MoCA or ethernet..That is the way the ONT is designed, it is not a flaw. If you are truly indicating that if one has a 612 with data and TV service they must use the f-connector, then I see that as quite inflexible and a step backwards. It may have been designed that way intentionally, but that is still a glaring design flaw as far as I am concerned. | |
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nycdave
Premium,MVM
join:1999-11-16
Melville, NY
·Verizon FIOS
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by smajchrz :said by nycdave :The 612 ONT has MoCA (on the CATV f-connector) and ethernet interfaces. The installer can choose which port to send the data across, but the ONT CANNOT support both interfaces at the same time - it is MoCA or ethernet..That is the way the ONT is designed, it is not a flaw. If you are truly indicating that if one has a 612 with data and TV service they must use the f-connector, then I see that as quite inflexible and a step backwards. It may have been designed that way intentionally, but that is still a glaring design flaw as far as I am concerned. How do you figure? I never said they must use the coax for both data and video. Please re-read the previous posts. | |
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smajchrz
join:2003-10-11
Chantilly, VA
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by nycdave : ...the ONT CANNOT support both interfaces at the same time... When I read this bit it appeared that you were suggesting that only one port could be active at a time, period. It did not appear that you were referring only to MOCA.
Your reply to rmrper clarified this statement and we are now on the same page. | |
| | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
1 edit | said by nycdave :"New FiOS installations now connect you using the MoCA system from the ONT, not ethernet, thus preventing you from directly connecting a router of your choice to the ONT (some of you may say that the ethernet jack at the ONT is still there and you could run an ethernet cable to it, but it will NOT work because the ONT was not configured for ethernet connectivity during initial install by verizon)." Not quite true. The customer can always ask the installer to switch the ONT to use the ethernet jack instead of MoCA. MoCA over coax (WAN coax on the Actiontec) would only be required if there is no way to run CAT5 from the ONT to the router... yes you can request ethernet be used, however at the time of order placement and provisioning, they automatically put you on coax regardless of whether you're getting TV or not. However, since there's quite a few people out there like me who are on coax, they will have to turn the actiontec into a bridge. I was going to have them put my install on ethernet but the techs told me that they will put me on coax anyway when I decide to get fios TV (which I plan to do so in the next few years) hence why I had them just put me on coax. Little did I know at the time that I'd run into this problem.
For those who have ethernet setups, just be glad you have it like that! | |
| | | fred_p
join:2003-12-26
Plano, TX
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge If you get FiOS TV, the STBs will need a MoCA data path through the router for Guide / VOD; your suggested configuration will prevent that. 
Bottom line: If you don't want to use the Actiontec, you really should have Verizon enable ethernet to the router. | |
| | | | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge oh well... it's not like either way will let me have fios tv at this point... only downside with this setup now is just an extra box wasting space rather than a direct ethernet connection to the linksys had I made them set me up using ethernet
NOW, if sometime in the future they fix the actiontec NAT problem, I won't hessitate to go back to it so that I can get TV... but right now I don't care about the TV service... I'm perfectly indulged by the stupid fast speeds right now  | |
| ctbarker32
join:2002-08-18
Kensington, MD
| said by DaDrgon :•The MI424-WR is a pretty decent router (is powerful, has lots of features, and is quite flexible), however the major issue with it at the moment is the puny NAT table (only 1kb in size). The NAT table is easily overflowed just by running a single bittorrent or in some cases, playing games. When the NAT table is overflowed, you will get the " No IP for NAT - connections may fail" error logged in your MI424-WR's security log. During this time, you will unable to browse, ping, or connect to anything until you wait about 3 minutes. I'm a pretty heavy bittorrent user and have never experienced this log entry or behavior before? I have had a few questions about the Actiontec's behavior but mostly related to its Wi-Fi perfomance which I have largely correct ed by purchasing a Hawking HSB-2 antenna booster.
As I read many posts, it would appear the Actiontec Router is a bit of black hole when it comes to understanding its behavior and performance. It's unfortunate that there is no single entity that can be a resource for resolving problems. Right now one seems to get shuttled back and forth between Verizon and Actiontec tech support with no one really taking responsibility. That would be okay if the Actiontec Router was non-essential and you could just use your own router but if go for the "full monty" Fios package including TV then your stuck with the Actiontec. For the moment, I've made peace with the product but I wish support could be more proactive.
-CB | |
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LimoMan
Premium
join:2005-07-23
Eatontown, NJ | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge cb, where did you purchase your HSB-2? I am having a tough time trying to locate it. thanks! | |
| warlockd
join:2002-07-08
Arlington, TX
| Just had the installer set up this last Friday in Plano, TX. He told me point blank that they were not allowed to enable the Ethernet jack as well as telling me that you can't have TV and the Ethernet port on at the same time.
He seemed knowledgeable about the install, but he might of not known about the underlying technologies.
This also could be more because of Auction Tech's contract with Verison. Maybe it’s more political than technical.
PS - Thanks for the FAQ! My bridge is set up and MonoWall is working much better than the AuctionTech:) | |
| | 
FiOStech
Premium
join:2004-09-09
Kennett Square, PA
·Verizon FIOS
1 edit | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by warlockd :Just had the installer set up this last Friday in Plano, TX. He told me point blank that they were not allowed to enable the Ethernet jack as well as telling me that you can't have TV and the Ethernet port on at the same time. He seemed knowledgeable about the install, but he might of not known about the underlying technologies. This also could be more because of Auction Tech's contract with Verison. Maybe it’s more political than technical. PS - Thanks for the FAQ! My bridge is set up and MonoWall is working much better than the AuctionTech:) Not true. As a tech, when I install a 612 ONT, I always have the choice to use MoCA (coax) or Ethernet (cat5e).
If tv is being installed as well as data, and the customer wants ethernet, you simply run coax and cat5e to the actiontec.
 | |
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FiOStech
Premium
join:2004-09-09
Kennett Square, PA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge The cat5e feeds the wan side of the router, and the coax feeds the MoCA LAN, so the STB's can get VOD and program guide.
(just to be clear) | |
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FiOStech
Premium
join:2004-09-09
Kennett Square, PA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge 612 ONT using ethernet for data and providing TV via coax
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Lee GWB
Yaco
Premium
join:2001-10-13
Allendale, NJ | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Hi,
I have the 610. I Have TV and Ethernet setup.. Both are hooked up and run to my Office to a Actiontec six feet away.
Lee | |
| | | | | | Aloof
join:2007-02-26
Gresham, OR
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge My router isn't using the Coax set-up as you originally state, does this mean it does not need to be bridged and I can just plug the Cat5 directly into my own router?
Verizon said "no, because we need the actiontec available for diagnostic purposes" but I am unsure if that is true.
I would try it myself, but since I am a little ill-knowledged about this new ActionTec router; I don't want to screw something up. | |
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Lee GWB
Yaco
Premium
join:2001-10-13
Allendale, NJ
·Verizon Online DSL
1 edit | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Hi,
I would talk to "VZTECH" I'm almost positive you can use any router.Some use their own router and a "NIM".
So if your NOT using "FIOSTV" I think you can get away with it. If you are using "TV" you could still use your router but with a NIM.
Any other want to chime in..My brain is fried today.
Lee
--
"I Don't feel Tardy"
www.gwbmcfund.org
"When Clinton Lied , All that was left was a stained dress.
When Bush lied ,all that was left was 3000 + less US Soldiers.. | |
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nycdave
Premium,MVM
join:1999-11-16
Melville, NY
·Verizon FIOS
| said by warlockd :Just had the installer set up this last Friday in Plano, TX. He told me point blank that they were not allowed to enable the Ethernet jack as well as telling me that you can't have TV and the Ethernet port on at the same time. He seemed knowledgeable about the install, but he might of not known about the underlying technologies. This also could be more because of Auction Tech's contract with Verison. Maybe it’s more political than technical. PS - Thanks for the FAQ! My bridge is set up and MonoWall is working much better than the AuctionTech:) That tech is obviously misinformed. That 'rule' is non-existent...MoCA-enabled ONT's are being rolled out to allow more efficient installs, depending on the customer's specific wiring requirements. | |
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FiOStech
Premium
join:2004-09-09
Kennett Square, PA
·Verizon FIOS
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by nycdave
[/bquote :That tech is obviously misinformed. That 'rule' is non-existent...MoCA-enabled ONT's are being rolled out to allow more efficient installs, depending on the customer's specific wiring requirements. Exactly... | |
| dumbness
join:2002-11-20
Freeport, NY
| Is the actiontec really that bad? I just had fios installed yesterday and my roomate and I are both running multiple BT downloads at remarkably high speeds with no noticeable effect on speeds of normal browsing or even other downloading.
Is it possible this has been fixed with newer firmware? I'm also curious if maybe the problem is only on the wireless side of the router? I'm using a netgear 824 router with very solid wireless solely as a switch and an access point, and it was much easier to just hang it off of the actiontec as opposed to trying to shoehorn it in between the ONT and the actiontec, or use the actiontec as a MoCA bridge. This also is the only option for us poor chaps who didn't have the foresight to ask our techs to run an ethernet cable from the ont at the install time.
I guess it's all a matter of personal preference, but so far I've actually been impressed with the actiontec router for being so solid. I guess it had better be solid as a cinder block for being the size of one. Maybe in a while i'll find out I hate it but for now the ugly bugger seems to be performing admirably.
In a related question: Does anyone know if it would be possible, and how much verizon would charge for turning on the ethernet on the ONT if I ran cat6 to it myself? | |
| | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge the actiontec itself is a decent router, it's just that the firmware is buggy (NAT tables too small like I said).... you were probably lucky with your setup, but it wasn't for me
I'm using the latest release firmware (.120), tried all sorts of settings on my PC and settings on the actiontec and it just kept flaking out on me... my research have found that gamers on a different forum had problems maintaining a connection to "steam"... it's not the issue of data/bandwidth overloading the router, it's an issue of too many TCP/IP connections which happens on intensive applications such as p2p downloads, gaming, etc
I do not use wireless for any of my computers but I seriously doubt it plays any role in making the actiontec flake out or not because it should all get routed through the same NAT table, especially since you have a netgear behind the actiontec which means the actiontec will think that its passing data through the ethernet interfaces and not the wireless (on the actiontec) | |
| | | 
rtcy
FACTS only please
Premium
join:1999-10-16
Beverly Hills, CA
·Verizon west (ex G..
·Verizon FIOS
1 edit | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge said by DaDrgon :the actiontec itself is a decent router, it's just that the firmware is buggy (NAT tables too small like I said).... you were probably lucky with your setup, but it wasn't for me I'm using the latest release firmware (.120), tried all sorts of settings on my PC and settings on the actiontec and it just kept flaking out on me... my research have found that gamers on a different forum had problems maintaining a connection to "steam"... it's not the issue of data/bandwidth overloading the router, it's an issue of too many TCP/IP connections which happens on intensive applications such as p2p downloads, gaming, etc I do not use wireless for any of my computers but I seriously doubt it plays any role in making the actiontec flake out or not because it should all get routed through the same NAT table, especially since you have a netgear behind the actiontec which means the actiontec will think that its passing data through the ethernet interfaces and not the wireless (on the actiontec) I'm wondering, can you call Verizon back to the house and have them set up the ONT to feed you Ethernet? From What 2 techs say in here, you should be able to.
second question, since i like to tweak routers(sveasoft on all 3) and have a gnatbox.com box too, can you set the experition times to a lower number on the Actiontech NAT tables? you can do this in some firewalls like the Gnatbox for example (they used to have a freebe that would limit exactly that, the nat tables, of course all you have to do is bring the expiration time down to 3 seconds or so and that will keep all traffic alive) I've since bought the real deal, so i can leave the times set to 30 seconds or so for xtreemly slow sites
one last thing beware the cheapie routers like the Linksys and Netgears taht you see for around a 100.00 can't handle the newer 50mbits connections Verizon is offering, even with some of the more optimized (low overhead) replacement firmwares. down the road we are all going to have to move newer gigabit/ faster cpu routers, and it seems Cisco is making the Linksys V5 routers less usable to make their high end stuff be worth what they ask for them
I've been looking around the net for descriptions of the speed of the cpu's on the newer ones but they keep that top secret so we can't make a sound decision on what to spend our money on | |
| dumbness
join:2002-11-20
Freeport, NY | I'm getting a lot of these errors in the log:
NAT Error : connection pool is full. No connection created
Is this related to the tiny nat table you're talking about? | |
| | DaDrgon
join:2007-01-20
Garland, TX | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge that is exactly what I mentioned in my original post | |
| | | sz8
join:2007-03-02
Plano, TX
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Silly question:
After configuring Actiontec into a bridge, you connect
one of the Lan ports of Actiontec to the Wan port of
your own router?
I may need this because I want to get Sunrocket VOIP.
I heard the VOIP adapter may not work (well) with
Actiontec.
Thanks,
SZ | |
| | Stresspuppy
join:2007-02-24
Glen Allen, VA
| Sorry to bring this thread back, but just read it and it is great information!!
My installer hooked my ActionTec up via Ethernet so sounds like I don't have the issue some of you have. BUT, I have my own linux box that does my DHCP, firewall and NAT so I would like to take the ActionTec out of the mix. I tried this today but got nowhere. Then I read this post.
My question is do I still need to have it running in line as a bridge, or can I do like Nafets, run up to step 8 and then take the ethernet from the ONT and put it right into my firewall?
(If it makes any difference, my box is running IPCop - see »www.ipcop.org - and has two NICs, one for outside and one for inside.) | |
| |
smajchrz
join:2003-10-11
Chantilly, VA
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Release the ip address on the actiontec, remove it, then stick your ipcop box in its place. It should pull an ip address at this point. If you happen to have TV service as well, you will want to reconnect the actiontec behind your ipcop box so that you will still get the guide and vod data. | |
| | | Stresspuppy
join:2007-02-24
Glen Allen, VA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge I'll give that a shot, thanks!
On the IPCop setup, it asks for a DCHP Hostname. What should this be? fios.verizon.net? | |
| | | |
smajchrz
join:2003-10-11
Chantilly, VA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge No it would be whatever you want to name the computer without the domain info.
So something like "firewall", "ipcop", "Bob" or anything else that strikes your fancy. | |
| Stresspuppy
join:2007-02-24
Glen Allen, VA | Did it and it worked great!!! Thanks again for this great info! | |
| 
draven
Premium,Mod
join:2002-02-20
my bunker
Host:
General Questions
No, I Will Not Fix..
1 edit | Hello,
Dragging this one out from under the bed.
I got my FIOS install yesterday. It's an MI424-WR coax run. For the life of me I can't make it cooperate with my Linksys WRT54G v4 with DDWRT v23 SP2 VPN. Which seems to be exactly for what these instructions were written out for.
I need the Linksys for VPN capabilities, not necessarily because I hate the Actiontec or what not. The general familiarity with DDWRT is also a factor.
A couple questions just to double check my work:
1) When putting the Actiontec into bridge mode, what ports on the Actiontec and the Linksys should be used to connect the two?
2) PPPoE is NOT at all a factor in this configuration, correct? In other words, no need to change anything on the Linksys in this regard.
3) Is it possible that even these instructions are somehow no longer useable due to firmware upgrades or something? I followed them about 5 times to a T, and at one point I did seem to get an IP address on the Linksys, but I still didn't seem to have internet connectivity. The other 4 times, it just plain didn't seem to work. I must be missing something.
Thanks! | |
| |
See 7 replies to this post | |
Hooper
Premium
join:2001-10-22
Villanova, PA | Does the Actiontec DHCP need to be enabled for the TV STB's? Or does it do that behind the scenes and we can't monkey with it? | |
| |
See 8 replies to this post | |
problems
@lci.net
| All,
the problem that I have trouble understand is that if the actiontec is a bridge, then the new router behind it would have to be able to ppoe with VZ. Right? What about the username and passwd for the new router to connect to vz?
you see what I mean? | |
| |
See 12 replies to this post | |
neftv
join:2000-10-01
Broomall, PA
·Broadvox Direct
| Thought I was going to be on to something but here is my story. I just got Fios on Monday coming from Verizon DSL. I have my Broadvoxdirect adapter connected to the Actiontec LAN port. All my incoming calls would go to voicemail. Outgoing is fine. I was trying different port forwarding for the adapter without any luck. In my DSL setup I had the DSL Modem in Bridge then my Voip adapter doing PPPOE and my Microsoft MN100 router in DHCP mode. Well now my Voip adapter is in dhcp on Fios. SO I put my Voip behind my MN100 so I am double Nat my Voip Now it works. Then I saw your procedure and I thought it was going to work. Tried the Bridge mode the Actiontec put the Voip next in DCHP then my MN100. Internet worked but my incoming calls had a problem this time it would right though but the calls still go to voicemail. ok so I reversed it the MN100 is in the Actiontec and my Voip in the MN100. My MN100 could not get the verizon address. So I am back to double nat my voip adapter. Anyone have ideas I would welcome them. | |
| cstmstyle
join:2004-06-15
Clay, NY
| Ok so after learning of this post from the DDWRT forums I'm still a bit confused. Lack of knowledge mostly but I followed the instructions in the original post but my difference is My ethernet port is enabled but I'm not using PPPOE. I still was unable to get my Linksys to obtain my external WAN IP as it would just obtain my LAN IP from the Actiontec. I understand how to set the actiontec to bridge mode but do I also turn off the DHCP so everything will be passed on to my Linksys router? Sorry for my lack of knowledge but I'm trying to learn as I go. I don't want to disconnect the actiontec if It will work as a bridge to pass everything to the Linksys. | |
| | druber
join:2000-04-11
Marlborough, MA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge in bridge mode on the LAN enet, the actiontec will pass thru to the WAN side, so it won't affect anything your linksys is doing. t | |
| jfalcon503
join:2005-12-09
Portland, OR
| I've gotten the Actiontec to bridge just fine. But the problem I'm having is getting a remote DHCP address from Verizon. Is it a DHCP connection? If so, do I have to spoof/clone the MAC address? When I do try to pull DHCP off that connection, it responds once with a DHCPNAK from Verizon then it will timeout unresponding to further DHCPREQUEST(s).
Is it PPPoE? I noticed that part of the actiontec's negotiation is PPPoE during startup but I'm not sure how this would affect anything (possibly pulling PPPoE to get base configuration then restarting DHCP - but it doesn't make much sense). | |
| |
draven
Premium,Mod
join:2002-02-20
my bunker | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Did you release your IP address from the Actiontec before putting it into bridge mode?
DHCP should work fine, it worked fine for me with my Linksys. As long as you aren't currently leasing an IP with any other hardware. | |
| | | jfalcon503
join:2005-12-09
Portland, OR
2 edits | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Yup... released and waited then restarted the network interface inside linux. I'll try again once the daily internet fix is met. I should note I'm not removing the Actiontec out of the chain, I need it for MoCA/Coax which is tied to the ONT. I'm not worried about FIOSTV (it's not available here yet)...
---
From earlier
---
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient: Internet Software Consortium DHCP Client 2.0pl5
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient: Copyright 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 The Int$
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient: All rights reserved.
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient:
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient: Please contribute if you find this software us$
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient: For info, please visit »www.isc.org/dhcp$
Apr 13 06:31:32 mabell dhclient:
Apr 13 06:31:33 mabell dhclient: Listening on LPF/eth0/00:10:5a:84:8c:35
Apr 13 06:31:33 mabell dhclient: Sending on LPF/eth0/00:10:5a:84:8c:35
Apr 13 06:31:33 mabell dhclient: Sending on Socket/fallback/fallback-net
Apr 13 06:31:33 mabell dhclient: DHCPREQUEST on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 67
Apr 13 06:31:33 mabell dhclient: DHCPNAK from 72.87.39.1
Apr 13 06:31:33 mabell dhclient: DHCPDISCOVER on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 6$
Apr 13 06:31:36 mabell dhclient: DHCPDISCOVER on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 6$
Apr 13 06:31:41 mabell dhclient: DHCPDISCOVER on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 6$
Apr 13 06:31:52 mabell dhclient: DHCPDISCOVER on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 6$
Apr 13 06:32:07 mabell dhclient: DHCPDISCOVER on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 6$
Apr 13 06:32:25 mabell dhclient: DHCPDISCOVER on eth0 to 255.255.255.255 port 6$
Apr 13 06:32:34 mabell dhclient: No DHCPOFFERS received.
Apr 13 06:32:34 mabell dhclient: No working leases in persistent database.
Apr 13 06:32:35 mabell dhclient: Exiting. | |
| | | | 
jeff
join:2002-05-05
Ashburn, VA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Yea - I was able to DHCP from Verizon just fine thru the ActionTec as a bridge, but I had to set the bridged interface to DHCP-relay.
J | |
| | | | | jfalcon503
join:2005-12-09
Portland, OR | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Maybe that's the solution. I turned off the DHCP server all together on the Actiontec.... will try that and report.. | |
| Jeromie17
join:2007-04-15
Elmont, NY
1 edit | Thanks DaDragon! Really helpful and detailed guide I've just got my fios installed today and wanted to keep my linksys wrt54gl with thibor firmware this guide helped that happen. I'm having a bit of trouble with UPNP though utorrent is being stubborn I'm just wondering if this setup might be causing this?
I'd just like to point out to anybody else curious as to how to connect the wiring it's Actiontec LAN to Linksys WAN. | |
| |
See 9 replies to this post | |
StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH
1 edit | Well, I can't get this to work, and I tried all night!
Seriously, it just wasn't working. I followed the directions to a T, and then tried to get my Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 running Tomato 1.06 to lease an IP. It couldn't get one. It was just stuck on renewing.
I tried setting the Broadband Coax "IP Address Distribution" to DHCP-Relay and that didn't work either. I just noticed though, should I have actually done that under the Network(Home/Office) settings, and not the Broadband (Coax) entry? Makes sense now if I should have, although, I want to say that I didn't see it when I was poking around. But does this DHCP-relay setting need to be made? It's not in the first post, but a few have mentioned it. And if you do chose it, do you enter anything in the IP address field that pops up (or that you click to add the IP)?
Any ideas? One thing too, I had a heck of time getting the Actiontec to renew the IP too, when I put everything back. It was a pain. And what I noticed, odd as it sounds, is that when I reloaded my system file, the Internet Protocol field stayed at "No IP Address" vs the "Obtain IP Automatically" which should have been saved in my file. Not sure if this is a bug, but it caused some grief (not all of it, it still wouldn't renew for a while after I fixed this).
Thanks | |
| |
jeff
join:2002-05-05
Ashburn, VA
1 edit | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge I'm running 4.0.16.1.45.160 firmware on my ActionTec MI424-WR.
I followed the guide at the top of this thread and it worked for me. Like I said, the only thing I did differently is set the IP Address Distribution for my Network (Home/Office) to DHCP Relay. My router is a Linux box with dual ethernet cards running Clarkconnect (eth0 being wan, eth1 being inside network at 192.168.100.2/24).
I have eth0 on the linux box set to acquire its IP via DHCP.
Digging into the ActionTec, on the Network (Home/Office) link, it's set to Bridge and IP Address Distribution is set to DHCP Relay. For ALL the Underlying Devices, IP Address Distribution is set to Disabled.
I just rebooted the ActionTec (first time since the day I got it), and my firewall/router/linux box, and the linux box's WAN interface (eth0) got its IP within 30 seconds of the ActionTec coming up.
Let me know if you want me to snap any screenshots of my ActionTec while in use.
J | |
| | | StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Jeff, thanks for replying. I think I found the error of my ways. I changed the IP setting to Relay in the Broadband Coax connection, not the Network(Home/Office) connection. Oops. I bet that does it for me. I had such a hard time getting the 424 to lease an IP from VZ afterward though, that it made me apprehensive.
Can I ask a few more questions before I try this again?
1. Do you have your Actiontec and Linksys in a different subnet, or the same? I had my Actiontec as 192.168.1.1 and I use 192.168.5.x for the Buffalo stuff and my IPs for the other PCs. Is this ok or could it cause a problem? Should I have the Actiontec in the same subnet (making sure the IP I use doesn't conflict of course).
2. When you set the IP Distribution to DHCP-Relay, you can input an IP address by clicking (New IP). Does this need to be done? If so, what IP goes there?
3. Lastly, when working in the settings for Broadband Coax, there is a checkbox in v160 of the firmware that allows you to uncheck "Firwall Enabled". Did you uncheck this, or just set the Firewall to minimum, or both?
Thanks! | |
| | | |
jeff
join:2002-05-05
Ashburn, VA
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Yea, all my IP devices reside on 192.168.100/24. It's simpler to keep everything on one network, but not a requirement.
I only enabled the dhcp-relay on the Network (Home/Office) Rule. Underneath it, ethernet, coax, wireless, broadband(coax) all have it disabled. I've actually disabled wireless entirely as I don't want it.
In the Network (Home/Office) section the ActionTec is in fact set to 192.168.1.1/24 for me.
As for the firewall setting for broadband coax, I unchecked it, as I don't want this unit filtering my packets in any way.
J | |
| | abulaski
join:2007-04-17
Virginia Beach, VA
| I think this questions has been answered, but if you have verizon multi room setup that using stb to pull recordings off you dvr, will this still work if you change the actiontec router to a bridge. I also use the clarkconnect linux box to handle content filtering.
Thanks,
Arnie | |
| StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH | Thanks again. You've answered my questions.
I'll try it again tonight. If it all works, it should only take about 5 minutes! | |
| |
whattodo
@verizon.net
| Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Per the original instructions about enabling the "private" option under settings, I don't see that option. But mine is ethernet. So I'm not looking to bridge, just wanted to see if I could use a buffalo router to replace the actiontec.
I released the IP from the actiontec. Hooked up the buffalo. And it worked. Then I put the actiontec back in place and took out the buffalo. Actiontec wouldn't connect because it was waiting for DHCP lease to expire. Releasing on buffalo and renewing on actiontec did not work. Called Verizon and they fixed it so I didn't have to wait for DHCP to kick in. Is there a way I could've manually forced this (I see no private option in my ethernet settings)?
I'm just wondering if the buffalo router will successfully get a new IP once DHCP lease expires, or how to set it up so it does. It seems like the router gets an IP using some kind of pppoe authentication, but I don't know. | |
| | | 
PoloDude
Premium,VIP
join:2006-03-29
East Northport, NY | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Any router will pull a new ip if the old one has been released properly from the old one first. I ahve swapped out and in just about every router out there. never had a problem. | |
| StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH
| Well, my saga continues. I tried this again tonight, trying to set the Network(Home/Office) to DHCP-Relay. This didn't do it. The Buffalo could not pick up an IP. I then tried to go back to the actiontec and I too couldn't get it to grab a new IP. I had the same problem last night, but it came back after about 30 min of trying.
I called VZ and after an hr on the phone, they set up a tech to come out tomorrow. But as you can tell, I'm back online. It just took the actiontec about an hr of going back and forth trying to lease an IP. It finally got it. I knew it wasn't a hardware failure as the tech said. So I really wonder if for some reason, the IP leases are taking a while where I am, or if it's just the actiontec, as whattodo had the same issue. I wonder if I should leave the Buffalo hooked up for a while and see if it finally gets one. I only waited about 5 minutes and gave up. I can't wait to move my office downstairs and go to cat5 over coax. | |
| | Hooper
Premium
join:2001-10-22
Villanova, PA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge You can unplug the ONT for about 5 minutes to force a DHCP renewal. Save you a call to tech support or waiting around for who knows how long. | |
| | | StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Is that the trick? I wonder if this is needed to get the Buffalo to grab the IP too.
But wouldn't a release command do it as well? | |
| | | | Hooper
Premium
join:2001-10-22
Villanova, PA | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge Unplugging the ONT helps the situation where the actiontec can't get an IP, because it is associated to the mac of another piece of equipment.
You can always try cloning the MAC of the actiontec to see that gets you anywhere. | |
| | | | | whatodo
join:2007-04-17
New York, NY | Re: How-to: make ActionTec MI424-WR a network bridge StevenG: I have the same router as you, the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 running Tomato 1.06. I wonder if that has anything to do with this. Anyway, I'll try the buffalo in bridge mode to see if I get the same results you do (except for using ethernet). | |
| StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH
1 edit | Oops. I thought it would be helpful to post the DHCP discover lines from the log of my Buffalo, the router I tried getting an IP through after turning the actiontec into a bridge. Here it is from the first line on to when it starts repeating the discover. It looks like it did get an IP, but it didn't stick. Notice the "wrong network" thing too, I have no idea what that is referring to, meaning my network or theirs. That MAC is my desktop PC's NIC.
Jan 1 00:00:08 Buffalo local0.debug udhcpc[71]: Sending discover...
Jan 1 00:00:08 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 71.xxx.xxx.xxx xx:xx:xx:xx:09:99
Jan 1 00:00:08 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPNAK(br0) 71.xxx.xxx.xxx xx:xx:xx:xx:09:99 wrong network
Jan 1 00:00:11 Buffalo local0.debug udhcpc[71]: Sending discover...
Jan 1 00:00:12 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPDISCOVER(br0) xx:xx:xx:xx:09:99
Jan 1 00:00:12 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPOFFER(br0) 192.168.5.2 xx:xx:xx:xx:09:99
Jan 1 00:00:12 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.5.2 xx:xx:xx:xx:09:99
Jan 1 00:00:12 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.5.2 xx:xx:xx:xx:09:99 d8200
Jan 1 00:00:17 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.5.3 xx:xx:xx:xx:74:81
Jan 1 00:00:17 Buffalo daemon.info dnsmasq[93]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.5.3 xx:xx:xx:xx:74:81 latcs
Jan 1 00:00:34 Buffalo local0.debug udhcpc[71]: Sending discover...
Jan 1 00:00:37 Buffalo local0.debug udhcpc[71]: Sending discover... | |
| StevenG
Premium
join:2003-10-14
Atkinson, NH
| Actually, I don't know what changed, but I got it to work. Since I got the IP leased to the actiontec, I power cycled it and it came back up fine. I figured I'd redo the setup and let the Buffalo try to lease all night, thinking it may just take as long as the actiontec due to something on VZ's network.
I switched over the actiontec and did a renew on the Buffalo and BAMN! Within seconds, new IP. I'm all set, and loving it!
Just make sure you release the IP in the Actiontec under Broadband (coax), plug in your Buffalo and do a release/renew and you should be good. | |
| | | (topic locked) | |
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