Is True Taking The Piss?

[HardenedSoul]

Recently, I've been encountering difficulties with True Online insofar as using StrongVPN's OpenVPN program is concerned.

As you know most Trueonline customers are on Dynamic IPs which change all the time. In practice we never notice because it all happens so seamlessly with no interruption in access to the internet. However, when I use OpenVPN, the change in the IP from True online throws me off the internet for a minute or more at a time while it changes from say, 58.xx.xx.x to 61.xx.xx.x.

Of course this means I've got to sit there twiddling my thumbs while the OpenVPN program waits for Trueonline to assign me an IP.

When I'm NOT using the OpenVPN program, the Dynamic IP changes seamlessly like it's supposed to do as seen from the status page of my router. No interruption of service whatsoever. It's only when I use OpenVPN that I get these long outages in service.

Would Trueonline rather I just didn't use a VPN?

[necronx99]

Most isp's use dynamic ip assignment of some sort.

Most also offer the option of paying extra for a static ip.

500 baht pm for true i think. (there is a recent thread)

[bobl]

Sometimes it's better to have a fixed IP, which you can "buy" from True. Yours, case in point. With a dynamic IP you might get stuck with the IP of some recent client with an infected machine or whatever, which has caused the IP to be (temporarily or otherwise) blacklisted.

Although on the "modern" internet a fixed IP isn't nearly as necessary or useful as it used to be, I always advise clients such as yourself to consider getting a fixed IP to avoid headaches such as these...

[Pib]

I use StrongVPN (PPTP VPN) with my TrueOnline DOCSIS/cable 20Mb/2Mb internet plan. Although I don't use VPN that often I've never experienced above problem. However, I have experienced the inability/instability in logging onto StrongVPN....but I figured out that problem...it was a router setup issue. I only use my True-provided Wifi router in Wifi mode; not an ethernet connection. Basically when I had my router Wifi mode set to "54G Performance" I would have the problems but when set to "54G LRS" the VPN problem went away. Since being on this plan I've had two True-provided Wifi routers...a Cisco model and my current Thomson model...both presented the same VPN issue and both times the issue went away when using the 54LRS setting and it did not slow down my Wifi connection speed...in fact it made it more stable.

[lopburi3]

Believe Dynamic IPs means you get a new IP when making a new connection - not that they are changing it at random. Are you sure your connection is not being reset with this happens? I have changes all day but it is because every phone call disconnects my ADSL so a new IP has to be assigned when new contact made.

[kawaiimomo]

Lopburi3 is quite right in his comment. The IP is assigned when connection starts, and it is usually retained for 24 hours. I would take a look on your router logs to see if the connection is interrupted for some reason.

[HardenedSoul]

Most isp's use dynamic ip assignment of some sort.

Most also offer the option of paying extra for a static ip.

500 baht pm for true i think. (there is a recent thread)

Oh I wish that were the case, sir.

I've asked them twice and, on both occasions, they swear blind that 12Mbps with a static IP costs like THB8,000 per month compared to the THB1,899 per month I'm currently paying for 14Mbps.

[HardenedSoul]

Thanks for the responses, gents. I've reset my router (Linksys E4200) to factory settings and configured from scratch. VPN connection's been solid for well over an hour so my fingers are crossed so the problem may have been some aspect of the previous setup.

[Dork]

Thanks for the responses, gents. I've reset my router (Linksys E4200) to factory settings and configured from scratch. VPN connection's been solid for well over an hour so my fingers are crossed so the problem may have been some aspect of the previous setup.

Sounds to me like an ADSL problem. Since the E4200 is a router only (no ADSL built in) I presume that you have another ADSL modem/router connected in bridge mode. Is that right? If so, the problem likely lies with the ADSL modem (or the phone line connecting to TRUE's DSLAM) and has nothing to do with your Linksys router.

What brand/model ADSL modem are you using?

[HardenedSoul]

TP-Link TD-8816

[Dork]

TP-Link TD-8816

I don't have any experience with that brand. I only asked because from my experience the brand/model of ADSL modem has a big impact on stability and it doesn't seem to be related to how cheap or expensive the modem is. I have 2 TRUE ADSL lines in 2 different locations and each reacts differently to the same ADSL modem. I think it is because TRUE's DSLAM is not the same in each area. One of them doesn't like Linksys modems (I have tried several) but is rock solid with a cheap DLINK. The other line is fine with a Linksys.

I often VPN and have had the same issues that you described so I know how frustrating it can be.

Another pretty easy thing you can try is changing the DSL modulation. Often times the modem will select ADSL 2+ by default whereas ADSL 2+M is more stable and faster, especially upstream which is important for VPN.

Good luck. Cheers,

[Dork]

false, this is only in case upnp is activated.

You'd be hard pushed to find a router from the last 10 years that doesn't do upnp and/or nat-pmp by default, which is why I didn't bother mentioning it. That's why I said 'Your router "sees" which port you're running uTorrent on, so it directs the incoming traffic on that port to your IP without you needing to set up port forwarding' which is basically upnp in operation, in layman's terms.

The OP was asking why he didn't need to set up port forwarding, I figured the answer above would be more useful than "because it's using upnp".

I agree with bobl. Also every home router that I've seen comes with upnp enabled by default.

[Dork]

false, this is only in case upnp is activated.

You'd be hard pushed to find a router from the last 10 years that doesn't do upnp and/or nat-pmp by default, which is why I didn't bother mentioning it. That's why I said 'Your router "sees" which port you're running uTorrent on, so it directs the incoming traffic on that port to your IP without you needing to set up port forwarding' which is basically upnp in operation, in layman's terms.

The OP was asking why he didn't need to set up port forwarding, I figured the answer above would be more useful than "because it's using upnp".

I agree with bobl. Also every home router that I've seen comes with upnp enabled by default.

Sorry, some how this reply to another post got transposed here. No idea how.

[silentfish1977]

Thanks for the responses, gents. I've reset my router (Linksys E4200) to factory settings and configured from scratch. VPN connection's been solid for well over an hour so my fingers are crossed so the problem may have been some aspect of the previous setup.

Sounds to me like an ADSL problem. Since the E4200 is a router only (no ADSL built in) I presume that you have another ADSL modem/router connected in bridge mode. Is that right? If so, the problem likely lies with the ADSL modem (or the phone line connecting to TRUE's DSLAM) and has nothing to do with your Linksys router.

What brand/model ADSL modem are you using?

Sorry to ask a newbie question, I have just changed from a Belkin router to a Linksys E4200, and realized it does not have ADSL built it. Hence being unable to connect with the Cisco system!

Since I managed to figure this out and reading your thread, I am to understand I need to buy a Modem. Do you guys have any recommendations on which Modem to buy that will play nice with the Linksys and with True?

Many thanks and apologies again for not being so technical.

[HardenedSoul]

In the end, the TP-Link TD-8816 worked very well with the E4200. My problem was being caused by the buggy Cisco firmware which I've since binned in favour of DD-WRT.

[Dork]

Thanks for the responses, gents. I've reset my router (Linksys E4200) to factory settings and configured from scratch. VPN connection's been solid for well over an hour so my fingers are crossed so the problem may have been some aspect of the previous setup.

Sounds to me like an ADSL problem. Since the E4200 is a router only (no ADSL built in) I presume that you have another ADSL modem/router connected in bridge mode. Is that right? If so, the problem likely lies with the ADSL modem (or the phone line connecting to TRUE's DSLAM) and has nothing to do with your Linksys router.

What brand/model ADSL modem are you using?

Sorry to ask a newbie question, I have just changed from a Belkin router to a Linksys E4200, and realized it does not have ADSL built it. Hence being unable to connect with the Cisco system!

Since I managed to figure this out and reading your thread, I am to understand I need to buy a Modem. Do you guys have any recommendations on which Modem to buy that will play nice with the Linksys and with True?

Many thanks and apologies again for not being so technical.

I use a DLink as the modem paired with a Linksys router and it is very stable with TRUE. As HardenedSoul suggests, change the firmware to DD-WRT on the Cisco/Linksys and you practiaclly have an enterprise class router. Changing the firmware is not entirely simple if you haven't done it before but if you go to the DD-WRT website you will find step by step instructions.

BTW, if you go shopping for an ADSL "modem" you probably won't find one. You need to buy an ADSL "router" that supports bridge mode (most do, but not all) which then disables all functions except the modem. The DLink I use costs less than THB1000.

Whether you go with DD-WRT or stick to the Cisco/Linksys firmware, one important step you need to do first is change the IP address of the modem to a different subnet than the router. For example, if you stick to the default ip address for the router (probably 192.168.1.1) then change the the modems address to 192.168.2.1.

Cheers,

[h90]

My router resets several times per day, but just, lets say at 2-4 days out of 3 month. But than many times for a few days.

First I thought it comes from True, but than I saw that it complete resets and reboots.

If I use the old one instead it works well...So it does not come from True.

After 2-4 days everything is back to normal.

Reason unknown.

Maybe you have a mild form of the same problem??

[mads]

Thanks for the responses, gents. I've reset my router (Linksys E4200) to factory settings and configured from scratch. VPN connection's been solid for well over an hour so my fingers are crossed so the problem may have been some aspect of the previous setup.

I purchased the cisco linksys e4200. I have the exact same problem as you. The connection would reset and I would be assigned a new ip. I checked whatsmyip.com and I got assigned a new ip every 5-10 minutes....really annoying.

I read up on the internet, about this specific router, and found out many people had the same problem as I. I talked to cisco and I got a replacement. Same problem as before. I will try to flash it with new firmware. Hope it will help.

They have a Cisco Linksys e4200 V2 for sale in US. I asked the support staff at Cisco, why this model was out. He couldn't tell me.

[HardenedSoul]

I purchased the cisco linksys e4200. I have the exact same problem as you. The connection would reset and I would be assigned a new ip. I checked whatsmyip.com and I got assigned a new ip every 5-10 minutes....really annoying.

I read up on the internet, about this specific router, and found out many people had the same problem as I. I talked to cisco and I got a replacement. Same problem as before. I will try to flash it with new firmware. Hope it will help.

They have a Cisco Linksys e4200 V2 for sale in US. I asked the support staff at Cisco, why this model was out. He couldn't tell me.

If you're talking about flashing the router with the latest Cisco firmware, I really wouldn't bother. As you said, lots of E4200 owners have had major issues with PPoE resulting in the router routinely connecting/disconnecting for no reason. The remedy really is the DD-WRT firmware. It's faultless and gives you a degree of control and functionality Cisco's can only dream of.

Be careful though - follow the instructions to the letter or you could brick the router.

TBH, though, I've since binned the ADSL in favour of True's DOCSIS-based ultra high speed offering so PPoE bugs would no longer be an issue they were with the stock firmware but the DD-WRT is so dam_n flexible, I couldn't bring myself to revert to the Cisco nonsense.

BTW, if you go shopping for an ADSL "modem" you probably won't find one. You need to buy an ADSL "router" that supports bridge mode (most do, but not all) which then disables all functions except the modem. The DLink I use costs less than THB1000.

Yeah it's not easy to find a modem-only but Zonelink on the 2nd floor at Fortune Town have a couple; D-Link was one brand; can't remember the other one. My TP-Link TD-8816 is actually a modem/router but bridge mode worked perfectly when I was using ADSL.

[whybother]

Believe Dynamic IPs means you get a new IP when making a new connection - not that they are changing it at random. Are you sure your connection is not being reset with this happens? I have changes all day but it is because every phone call disconnects my ADSL so a new IP has to be assigned when new contact made.

Do you have a splitter connected to your modem line? Phone calls shouldn't kick you off these days.

Sent from my shoe phone

[mads]

TBH, though, I've since binned the ADSL in favour of True's DOCSIS-based ultra high speed offering so PPoE bugs would no longer be an issue they were with the stock firmware but the DD-WRT is so dam_n flexible, I couldn't bring myself to revert to the Cisco nonsense.

How is DOCSIS ultra high speed working for you ? I really need more upload than the lousy 1MB I can get with their ADSL solution. We asked a TRUE engineer who came to our house, about the ultra highspeed. He told us the connection in our area is very unstable.

[HardenedSoul]

TBH, though, I've since binned the ADSL in favour of True's DOCSIS-based ultra high speed offering so PPoE bugs would no longer be an issue they were with the stock firmware but the DD-WRT is so dam_n flexible, I couldn't bring myself to revert to the Cisco nonsense.

How is DOCSIS ultra high speed working for you ? I really need more upload than the lousy 1MB I can get with their ADSL solution. We asked a TRUE engineer who came to our house, about the ultra highspeed. He told us the connection in our area is very unstable.

It works very well but I only really notice the extra grunt when downloading torrents. Regularly achieve a solid 5MBps downstream which plenty.

[mads]

TBH, though, I've since binned the ADSL in favour of True's DOCSIS-based ultra high speed offering so PPoE bugs would no longer be an issue they were with the stock firmware but the DD-WRT is so dam_n flexible, I couldn't bring myself to revert to the Cisco nonsense.

How is DOCSIS ultra high speed working for you ? I really need more upload than the lousy 1MB I can get with their ADSL solution. We asked a TRUE engineer who came to our house, about the ultra highspeed. He told us the connection in our area is very unstable.

It works very well but I only really notice the extra grunt when downloading torrents. Regularly achieve a solid 5MBps downstream which plenty.

How about upload speeds ?

I just flashed the e4200 and so far it has kept the connection for 10 minutes, so fingers crossed. Did you upgrade the firmware or did you just stick with the mini bundle ?

[HardenedSoul]

TBH, though, I've since binned the ADSL in favour of True's DOCSIS-based ultra high speed offering so PPoE bugs would no longer be an issue they were with the stock firmware but the DD-WRT is so dam_n flexible, I couldn't bring myself to revert to the Cisco nonsense.

How is DOCSIS ultra high speed working for you ? I really need more upload than the lousy 1MB I can get with their ADSL solution. We asked a TRUE engineer who came to our house, about the ultra highspeed. He told us the connection in our area is very unstable.

It works very well but I only really notice the extra grunt when downloading torrents. Regularly achieve a solid 5MBps downstream which plenty.

How about upload speeds ?

I just flashed the e4200 and so far it has kept the connection for 10 minutes, so fingers crossed. Did you upgrade the firmware or did you just stick with the mini bundle ?

Stuck with the mini.

Haven't paid much attention to upload but on speedtest.net, I get 5Mbps. I doubt that's accurate though - some caching going on I think.

[mads]

Stuck with the mini.

Haven't paid much attention to upload but on speedtest.net, I get 5Mbps. I doubt that's accurate though - some caching going on I think.

Okay, sounds alright. Definitely better than 1Mbps. So far my connection has stayed online for 30 minutes. This is looking like the right solution.

Thanks for the help, it is very much appreciated.

[bobl]

Regularly achieve a solid 5MBps downstream which plenty.

Are you sure you mean 5MBps (40Mbps)? Impressive...

[HardenedSoul]

Regularly achieve a solid 5MBps downstream which plenty.

Are you sure you mean 5MBps (40Mbps)? Impressive...

Yes. It's a cable connection rated at 50Mbps