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[kafkae]

I am hoping some kind souls out there can help.  I have spent the better part of a 2 days troubleshooting and haven’t gotten my issue resolved.  I don’t have the networking know-how I think I need.

Background:
I’ve had a DIR-868L for over a year now probably.  I have recently set up some network cameras, but I live in an apartment, which leads to some issues with the ability to string Ethernet cables.  I am in a very Wifi-intensive location and had problems with the cameras dropping out with Wifi.  Consequently, I bought some TP-Link Powerline adapters (TL-PA4010KIT) since my (Time Warner Cable) Motorola SB6121 modem and DIR-868L router are located in another room from my iMac and cameras.  I don't have any work-around for this.

What region are you located? U.S.A.
Are you wired or wireless connected to the router? Wired
Has a Factory Reset been performed? Yes
Was a Factory Reset performed before and after any firmware updates then set up from scratch? Yes
Was the router working before any firmware updates? Yes

Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations
What ISP Service do you have? Cable or DSL? Time Warner Cable
What ISP Modem Mfr. and model # do you have? Motorola SB6121
What ISP Modem service link speeds UP and Down do you have? 50/5

Problem:
Originally, I had this set-up: Motorola SB61621 -> DIR-868L -> powerline adapter (TL-PA4010KIT) -> powerline adapter -> TP-Link TL-SG1005D network switch -> iMac and network cameras.  I noticed some latency with the network cameras in this setup.

I am more concerned with the cameras having a stable and fast connection than I am with internet speeds.  I will upgrade later this year to newer power line adapters.  For now though, I was hoping to have the powerline adapters in between my cable modem and my DIR-868L router.  I want the router connected directly to the cameras.  Ideally, I think I am looking for this setup: SB6121 modem -> powerline adapter -> powerline adapter -> DIR-868L -> iMac and network cameras.

As a backup, I had an older DIR-655 in the closet.  I have no problems when I try to connect SB6121 modem -> powerline adapter -> powerline adapter -> DIR-655 -> iMac and network cameras.  The internet, Wifi, cameras and all work without any intervention or changes to the DIR-655 settings.

However, when I try to do the same with the DIR-868L, I do not have any internet on the iMac via Ethernet or Wifi.  The internet light on the DIR-868L is unlit.  I tried comparing the settings I have on the DIR-655 and the DIR-868L.  Mostly everything is the same except for the DIR-655’s Internet settings.  The DIR-655 has Primary and Secondary DNS address as 204.194.232.200 and the MAC address is that shown on the bottom of the DIR-655.  This information is blank for the DIR-868L.  For the DIR-868L, I tried Primary and Secondary DNS addresses of 204.194.232.200 and the MAC address on the bottom of the DIR-868L.  No dice.  The DIR-868L has hardware version A1 and firmware version 1.08.

To make a longer story short, I had to follow the emergency procedures at one point with the DIR-868L because I couldn’t get to the router homepage no matter what I did - the power light would just flash and no internet light.  I was able to reinstall the firmware and now I am back to square one with only the knowledge that the setup I want works with the DIR-655.  I decided to stop at this point and ask for help.  Thanks for any help.

[FurryNutz]

ink>Welcome!

Router and Wired Configurations
Some things to try: - Log into the routers web page at 192.168.0.1. Use IE, Opera or FF to manage the router. Besure to log into the Admin account on the router.

• Turn off TrueGigaBit Routing under Setup/Internet/Manual for those routers that have this feature for testing.
• Turn off ALL QoS or Disable Traffic Shaping (DIR only) GameFuel (DGL only and if ON.) options, Advanced/QoS or Gamefuel. For the DGL-5500, review this for Streamboost information and settings: Furry's DGL-5500 Review
• Turn off Advanced DNS Services if you have this option under Setup/Internet/Manual or under Setup/PARENTAL CONTROL/Set to>None: Static IP or Obtain Automatically From ISP.
• Enable or Disable Use Unicasting (compatibility for some ISP DHCP Servers) and test under Setup/Internet/Manual. Disable may help with speed performance on higher speed ISP services.
• Turn off DNS Relay  under Setup/Networking. Link>Finding Faster DNS Addresses using Name Bench and input new DNS addresses under Setup/Internet/Manual.
• Setup DHCP reserved IP addresses for all devices ON the router. Setup/Networking. This ensures each devices gets its own IP address when turned on and connected, eliminates IP address conflicts and helps in troubleshooting and maintain consistency for applications that need to connect as well as mapped drives.
• Ensure devices are set to auto obtain an IP address.
• If IPv6 is an option on the router, select Local Connection Only under Setup/IPv6.
• Set Firewall settings to Endpoint Independent for TCP and UDP under Advanced/Firewall. Enable or Disable SPI to test.
• Enable uPnP and Multi-cast Streaming under Advanced/Networking. Disable uPnP for testing Port Forwarding rules. Enable IPv6 Multi-cast Streaming for routers that have a Media Server option. Disable IPv6 Multi-cast Streaming if IPv6 or Media Server is not being used.
• Turn off WISH, and WPS under Advanced.
• WAN Port Speed set to Auto or specific speed? Some newer ISP modems support 1000Mb so manually setting to Gb speeds can be supported by the router. Advanced/Advanced Networking/WAN Port Speed
• Set current Time Zone, Date and Time. Use an NTP Server feature. The DST setting is only needed in the NA region. Tools/Time.

 

Wireless Configurations
Links>Wireless Installation Considerations and Managing Signal Congestion and Good Neighbour Policy

• Ensure the default (dlink) SSID name is changed. Ensure that different SSID names are used between each WiFi 2.4/5Ghz radios. Can be anything and not something that's already in use by any neighbouring WiFi routers. Under Setup/Wireless/Manual.
• What wireless modes are you using?
• 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz routers: Try single mode G or N or mixed G and N on 2.4Ghz and single mode N or AC on 5Ghz?
• Channel Width set for Auto 20/40Mhz
• Try setting a manual Channel to a open or unused channel. 1, 6 or 11. 11 for single mode N if the channel is clear. 13 for EU regions. Try channel 48 or 149 on 5Ghz.
• What security mode are you using? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/AES Only. Some WiFi adapters don't support AES, so you might want to try TPIK only or Auto TPIK and AES.
• What wireless devices do you have connected?
• Ensure any devices with WiFi adapter drivers are updated.
• Any 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless house phones or WiFi APs near by that maybe causing interferences?
• Any other WiFi routers in the area that maybe causing interferences? Link> Use InSSIDer to find out. How many? Use v3, its free.
• If you have any of these options, Try turning OFF or ON Short GI, WLAN Partition, Extra Wireless Protection and HT 20/40 Co-existence if you have it. Also testing with HT20/40Mhz Co-existence enabled will impact results as well. I prefer to use this option OFF. Recommended settings are default. Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.
• Enable WMM Enable Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.
• Try setting Medium or Low power output settings and test again Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.

Router Placement
Forum User - "Well I feel really dumb. After moving the router away from other electronic devices my speeds are back to normal. Just a heads up for anyone experiencing slow speeds, you might want to move it away from other electronics and see if that helps."
3-6' feet minimum safe distance between devices.
Placement on main level floor and central in the building and WELL ventilated is preferred. Not in basements or closets as building materials, or near by electronics devices could interfere or hinder good signal propagation.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/31083-smallnetbuilders-wireless-faq-the-essentials

Your original set up configuration should work with the PLs after ther 868L router. There may be some latency with using PLs.

One test you can try, you'll need a long LAN cable. Follow this and place the DiR-655 into the remote location and run it as a wried AP:
 Turning a router into an AP.

Just make sure that the wireless channels are different between each 2.4Ghz radio. You can use same SSID and PW. I would lower both radio out puts from High to Medium or low. This will help get you a bit better extended range wile providing a smaller radio foot print for a WiFi congested area.

Connect the Mac to the 655 via LAN wire and test. Then connect one of the cameras as well.

[cable2]

Hi,
I cannot speak to fixing the powerline to your 868L issue, but I can tell you that there is better technology out there to distribute your ethernet access than powerline.  The better technology is called MoCA, multimedia over coax.  There are several manufactures of MoCA adapters out there.  Here is a kit which might interest you,
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/motorola-surfboard-smart-video-adapters-2-pack/8855066.p?id=1218918010957
MoCA devices are generally compatible with all other manufacturers and there are other options including ones with wireless AP's including ethernet ports (Actiontec).  There can be troubleshooting issues, but most can be fixed by upgrading a couple of coax splitters or installing a MoCA filter here and there.  I believe the above kit has a couple splitters and one of the filters included, but filters are generally available from Ebay.  These are some the least expensive I have found.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151467293596?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Generally speaking MoCA is considered the closest to ethernet for speed and the ones available are rated to a relatively true 175 Mbps and is the technology used in Whole Home DVR systems.

[kafkae]

ink>Welcome!

Router and Wired Configurations
...

Your original set up configuration should work with the PLs after ther 868L router. There may be some latency with using PLs.

One test you can try, you'll need a long LAN cable. Follow this and place the DiR-655 into the remote location and run it as a wried AP:
 Turning a router into an AP.

Just make sure that the wireless channels are different between each 2.4Ghz radio. You can use same SSID and PW. I would lower both radio out puts from High to Medium or low. This will help get you a bit better extended range wile providing a smaller radio foot print for a WiFi congested area.

Connect the Mac to the 655 via LAN wire and test. Then connect one of the cameras as well.

Thank you for the welcome and reply.

I tried all of the suggested router configurations before I posted yesterday.  Everything is setup on the DIR-868L as suggested in the post, or as close as possible.  I, too, am confused why the 655 works fine after the PLs, but the 868L does not.

I think that maybe I am thoroughly confused or maybe I didn't explain things too well in my OP.  Unfortunately, I can't string long LAN cables permanently.  I know you suggested a test of the 655 in AP mode, but I don't have any issue with the 655 in the setup I desire (with the router after the PLs) like I do with the 868L.

Right now, I have things working OK with the 868L before the PLs and a gigabit network switch after the PLs connecting the cameras and iMac.  This has provided a stable, yet what seems like a slower link for the cameras.

Do you think there be any noticeable improvement in LAN WIRED performance for the cameras and iMac if I have the 868L after the PLs - even if I were to sacrifice internet speed? In other words, would I see better camera connections if I have everything connected by wire to the router and just access the internet through the PLs?  If yes, I will continue to try to troubleshoot my problem with getting internet on the 868L placed after the PLs.  If it's doubtful I'd see better wired router performance, I may just stop at this point and just wait for better PLs later this year and keep the current setup I have.  I theorized I would see better camera connections if everything doesn't have to travel through the PLs - only the internet.

Thanks again.

[FurryNutz]

How did you have the 868L connect after the PL? Using the WAN port? The only thing that may cause a problem that I can think of is that QoS and data flow would be a factor in that some of the performance across the PLs maybe incompatible or QoS is trying to do it's job and not working well with PLs and there data flow in that configuration. If you connected the WAN port to the PL, disable QoS and test.

Another test you can try, if your ISP modem has NAT, unbridge it and use it as your main host router and use the 868L at the end of the PC and connect the LAN wired to the LAN port of the 868L, don't connect to the WAN port. Use the Turning a router into an AP process for this. 

I think the 868L deserves to be and should be right behind the ISP modem for best performances there. Possible that the PLs should be looked at as a issue if good performance is not seen when using them. the Mfr of those PLs on the phone and ask. Maybe test some D-Link PLs at some point.

[kafkae]

How did you have the 868L connect after the PL? Using the WAN port? The only thing that may cause a problem that I can think of is that QoS and data flow would be a factor in that some of the performance across the PLs maybe incompatible or QoS is trying to do it's job and not working well with PLs and there data flow in that configuration. If you connected the WAN port to the PL, disable QoS and test.

Another test you can try, if your ISP modem has NAT, unbridge it and use it as your main host router and use the 868L at the end of the PC and connect the LAN wired to the LAN port of the 868L, don't connect to the WAN port. Use the Turning a router into an AP process for this. 

I think the 868L deserves to be and should be right behind the ISP modem for best performances there. Possible that the PLs should be looked at as a issue if good performance is not seen when using them. the Mfr of those PLs on the phone and ask. Maybe test some D-Link PLs at some point.

Thank you!

I feel like such a dummy.  I went back through your configuration recommendations list and went one by one.  It seems (maybe) that QoS was turned back on when I did a firmware upgrade in the past day or so.  Also, I think the biggie may have been that DNS Relay was turned on.  I turned that off and bam, it works.

I see what you are saying that the 868L deserves to be right behind the modem.  I am getting 25 MB/s when I connect the 868L after the PL, but I was getting and I pay for 50 MB/s.  I may be able to live with this if I can get smoother performance from the cameras - until I upgrade the PLs later this year.

Thanks again.  I am going to go through your post again and see what else I am missing.  The non-techie side of my brain has to re-read this stuff several times to comprehend! haha

[FurryNutz]

Sounds good. Ya, I figured that QoS would be a factor alone with DNS relay. Maybe disable SPI and test as well.

Yes, eventually I would look into better PLs and or hard wire LAN.

This is what I do for running LAN wire for temporary solution:
http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=52726.msg202260#msg202260

Let us know if you need any more help. 

[kafkae]

Sounds good. Ya, I figured that QoS would be a factor alone with DNS relay. Maybe disable SPI and test as well.

Yes, eventually I would look into better PLs and or hard wire LAN.

This is what I do for running LAN wire for temporary solution:
http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=52726.msg202260#msg202260

Let us know if you need any more help. 

Thank you.

I definitely know that a LAN cable or better PLs are in the not-to-distant future for me.  Unfortunately, being that I am in an apartment right now with a pet that love to chew on any cable that isn't tied down, I can't really work around the wired LAN cable.  I am hoping that the new Dlink Gigabit PowerLine Kits with MIMO coming out later this year will help me improve my internet speed to my router from the Motorola SB6141.  For now, since I was able to get the 868L to work after the PLs, my cameras are really stable and fast compared to when everything was going to the 868L through the PLs.  I think I can live with 25 MB/s internet speed as long the cameras are quick and stable to the computer doing the recording.  It's not ideal when I am paying for better, but this is better than before for the cameras.  This is a 100% improvement compared to when I was using Wifi for the cameras too.  That was just terrible with the cameras dropping out at least once a day, especially at the most important times...

Thanks again!

[FurryNutz]

Good Luck. Come back if you need more help or information.

Have a great weekend.