This is an informational posting regarding my experience with DIR-625 and DIR-655. I'm posting so hopefully others can benefit from my pain and suffering.
Executive Summary:
D-Link routers DIR-625 and DIR-655 experience limited network connectivity when used in Japan under the NTT ISP // Asahi.net. By this, I mean that I was able to connect to about 2/3's of the websites around the web, but the remaining 1/3 would never respond to my html requests. Additionally, I struggled with my PS3 connecting to the playstation network (PSN) when under either of these routers. I worked directly with D-Link and Sony on several occasion each, had my PS3 DMZ'd, static IP'd, and tried every thing in the book that D-Link and the world wide community recommended. In the end, when I bypassed the D-Link routers, and connected directly to the ISP's modem, the problems went away. In the end, I purchased a 3rd router, a Cisco Linksys router, (forgot its model number-- it hasn't given me any problems, so I forget) and the previously described problems have been non-existent.
A little more detail:
In Japan, NTT // Asahi.net has provided me with a fiber-to-ethernet modem and a PPPoE connection username and password. I mention that because I'm not sure if any of the problems have been related to the PPPoE connection. The login part itself has never been an issue... The modem is non english friendly, (no english written on the unit), so my attempts to identify and/or find a manual was very limited. As far as I can tell, it doesn't perform any kind of firewall functionality.
Both D-Link routers DIR-625 and DIR-655 had up to date firmware as of 2/17/10. I have subsequently returned the DIR-655, and the DIR-625 is boxed up, so I can't tell you exactly which firmware version they had.
I purchased and began using the DIR-625 the summer of 2009 in the US, connected to an ISP in the US, and observed no difference in internet connectivity. I'm not sure if the PS3 connectivity to the PSN was compromised at that point.
I purchased the DIR-655 in feburary 2009 and did a one to one replacement with the 625 in my network. After configuring it for the PPPoE connection, the exact same problem persisted. I immediately called D-Link support again, and they had no idea what the problem could be, and suggested perhaps my ISP had some problem.
Under the 625 and 655, my PS3 also experienced limited network functionality. It was able to connect to the internet, get an IP from the router, download system updates from playstation servers, but could never, ever connect to the playstation network. Under Network Connection test, it never made it successfully past the 3rd step, connecting to the playstation netowk. Talking to Sony support, their only recommendation was DMZing my PS3. if that doesn't work, they didn't know what else to try. Call the router manufacturer.
As it turns out, my friend also in japan, on the same ISP, with a PS3, was able to connect just fine and experienced none of the issues I've described. I took my ps3 to his house, and was able to connect with no problems. Returning home, the problem came back. I took the router out of the equation, and the ps3 once again successfully connected.
In the end, I purchased a cisco linksys router. My friend who had success had an older model, but it was a sign of hope. I got a newer model, with N support, 100 mbs wired, and the problem never surfaced.
Hope this helps in your troubleshooting experience. I have no malice towards D-Link. Their configuration pages are nice and easy to use. Their technical support was easy to connect to- I was talking to a person within 5 minutes of each phone call. It just didn't work on my ISP here in Japan.
Best of Luck.
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Topic: DIR-625 Limited Connectivity Issue (Read 6731 times)