Home Network - Part 2

So that change didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped... turns out the latest firmware for the ASUS RT-AC3200 has a 2.4 GHz bug. It took me a long time to figure out that was the problem.

I noticed the issue on some of my IoT devices and my wife's hand-me-down laptop. I assumed it was a problem with the devices. Basically, I kept getting a bad password error. I ended up trying a lot of different things - laptop driver update, deleting all the network settings, resetting the IoT devices to their default config, changing the SSID, etc.

It wasn't until I realized I was having the problem on my laptop and my iPhone 8 that I started thinking the router was the issue. Originally I had those devices configured to use 5 GHz only, so they never experienced the problem. After a short search, I found this thread: 2.4GHz band issues with RT-AC3200 firmware 3.0.0.4.382_50010. Bingo! That was exactly my problem. I rolled back to an older firmware version and everything has been working like a champ.

On a happier note, I returned my Comcast cable modem, since I had purchased the NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS. I walked in the retail store, they scanned the label on the modem, and printed a receipt. It took less than 30 seconds. Perfect!

For an upcoming post, I may list all the devices I have connected and note which ones were easy to migrate to the new SSID. (Spoiler Alert - the inexpensive Smart Plugs I bought have some horribly written instructions.)

Home Network

I mentioned I was changing my network at home - getting my own cable modem (NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS) and trying to decide what to do for wireless. I ended up ordering the ASUS RT-AC3200.

The specs look great and I'm optimistic that I can move it to a slightly more central location. The combination of the two changes should get me great coverage throughout the house. (And, if that's not perfect, I could look at the ASUS mesh networking - AiMesh.)

Also, I'm a fan the WRT software and like the ASUSWRT version as well. You can play around with an on-line demo of the software here.

Hopefully I can get everything moved to the new setup over the week-end. I already announced a scheduled network maintenance/outage for Sunday. Guess folks may have to read a book or something for a few minutes.

Netgear Orbi

I dropped my Comcast Triple Play down to a Double Play - no more phone. This means I don't need their cable modem any more. I ordered the NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS and it's on it s way. (I figure by the time I need something beyond DOCSIS 3.0, I'll be able to get it cheaply.)

The bigger question is what to do for wireless since I won't be using the Comcast modem/router/wireless device. I very tempted by the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with Tri-band system. Lots of reviews are very positive and I like that both units have Ethernet ports on them.

Hurry Up Future!

I signed on with Comcast for a couple of years to save some money, but when that agreement is up, I'm sure I will be cutting the cord... DirectTV and Sling streaming options.

The article mentions a cloud DVR service that's got me excited, too. Having all my videos in the cloud and being dependent on the network would bother me - except that's basically what my X1 is today.

Comcast Data Cap

Comcast raises the data cap from 300 GB to 1 TB.

Get Cable via Amazon

Is there anything you can't get from Amazon?

"Introducing the Amazon Cable Store, where you can shop for XFINITY internet, TV, and home phone services. We took all of XFINITY's best online offers, added Amazon exclusive promotions and a dedicated customer service experience from XFINITY, and let you place your order online in 3 simple steps."

Via Slashdot.org

Monster Cable Modem

Comcast sent me a new cable modem (XB3) - something about needing it for improved service or new functionality. I thought the old one was big, but the new one (right) is huge.

I did a little before and after testing. No obvious change and I'm clearly not getting 2 Gbps.

Before:


After:



The new cable modem also has 802.11ac support - which is an improvement over my 802.11n ASUS router. I've flipped my TV and phone over to the AC wireless to test and I saw the expected speed improvements.

And, of course, the new cable modem is not configured for bridge mode. I had resigned myself to making another couple of calls, but I noticed the bridge mode button is actually available from the web console. I need to put my phone and TV back on my wireless router before I can test - bridge mode disables the Comcast wi-fi.

Comcast Problem Tweeting Autobot

Genius:

"A Reddit user became so frustrated with paying Comcast for 150 mbps internet but not receiving the prescribed speed, so set up a bot using a Raspberry Pi to tweets complaints at the ISP.

The bot constantly performs speed tests to check if the internet is up to scratch, and if it drops below 50mbps an automatic tweet to Comcast with the speeds is generated."

Via @amyengineer

Comcast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Class Modem

Comcast announces DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit go-live:

"The next-generation technology that will deliver gigabit Internet speeds moved from the laboratory to the living room late last month when we installed what we believe to be the world’s first DOCSIS 3.1 modem on a customer-facing network." 

"The next-generation technology that will deliver gigabit Internet speeds moved from the laboratory to the living room late last month when we installed what we believe to be the world’s first DOCSIS 3.1 modem on a customer-facing network." 

"The beauty of DOCSIS 3.1 is that it is backwards compatible, so no digging up streets or backyards. This technology, when combined with the extensive upgrades we have already completed on our advanced Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial network, will provide more gigabit choices for our customers."

While I'd love to have more bandwidth, I don't really need it. If this helps them hold down their costs AND they pass the savings on to me, then I'd be really excited. (And savings could mean no rate increases.)

Via Business Insider

Cheaper Tech Except...

The trend is for tech to get cheaper over time... with the exception of your cable bill.

I've been thinking about cutting the cable cord and going a la carte - $40 gets me lots of channels including ESPN(s), SEC Network, and HBO.  I should probably pick up an ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and quit renting, too.

2 Gbps

Because my 100 Mbps connection isn't enough... Comcast to bring 2 Gbps to Knoxville.

Xfinity X1

So while my cable was out, I learned that the Xfinity X1 Platform requires the network to view your recordings. I've not researched it, but I assumed the X1 has a hard drive and that this is a design choice. Boo I say. Boo.

Watching some of my recorded programs would have been a nice option to have since I was without cable for 18 hours.

Customer Pulls Gun on Comcast Tech

No, it wasn't me. And for the record, I usually find the on-site techs much easier to deal with.

Customer Pulls Gun on Comcast Tech

Tech Challenge of the Day

I'm trying to learn some Linux, so I've got Ubuntu installed on an old Dell Mini 10v. That seems to be working well.

The problem is trying to get SSH access over the internet to it. I've got a Comcast/Xfinity SMCD3GNV (Cable modem, wireless access point, router, phone) along with the Asus RT-N66U wireless router. The SMCD3GNV has the public IP on the WAN interface and a LAN interface IP of 10.0.0.1. I can login to it and make changes.

My RT-N66U gets a 10.0.0.2 address from the SMCD3GNV on its WAN port. I've got it configured to have the 192.168.1.1 address on the LAN interface. My clients connect to the RT-N66U - including the Ubuntu box.

I've done some research and apparently I want my SMCD3GNV to be in bridge mode. I called Comcast and they said they put it in bridge mode. I'm not convinced it is actually in bridge mode. When they put it in bridge mode, the WiFi light should stay off according to one article I read. Unfortunately, it occasionally blinks and the admin web page has an icon that is green, but the mouse-over says "Status: Not Connected ; 0 computers connected."

I've tried all sorts of tom-foolery with the port forwarding, DMZ, static addresses, etc. I've tried to take the Asus out the mix by plugging the Ubuntu box into the SMCD3GNV and enable port forwarding to it. Still no joy.

Per this post, if you go into debug mode and enter this: $("#pageForm1").show(); at the console, you can see the Bridge Mode button.

I was going to work on it some more last night, but the storms knocked our cable out. It just was not meant to be. Maybe today or tomorrow or the next day...

Bizzaro World

On Slashdot today...

Geeks hate on the new MacBook Pro.

Geeks show love for Comcast.

Somebody must have slipped something into my drink.