Ipstar Satellite, Configure Nat Problems

[cnxpat]

They use the same equipment (dish and ipstar box), the only difference with my configuration is that I am connected to the IPStar box directly, and the school has a LAN hub (as has the internet cafe I suppose)

A simple hub will not work, it needs to be a router to handle the NAT.

Hi Astra,

thanks (and that's also why the post (initially) was about "Configure Nat problems" :-) the ip-star box can be configured using Nat, yet I don't know what to put where.)

Anyway, a new day back at square one, so same old challenges ahead.

back on the phone ...

[Guest Reimar]

Hi,

here the speed test from today morning 1 local and 1 international

May interest for some one to know this: outside of "normal" office hour the most downloads are OK! While within office hour the downloads CORRUPT!

I just downloaded about 100 MB and all OK! But its Saturday morning and " normal" offices do not work!

[cnxpat]

Well, I am sure at TOT's office no one is working. They're open though.

"we come on Monday, we promise" (yeah right)

"same same you promise yesterday?"

"no, same same but different, we really come on Monday, we promise"

Reimar, what is Nettgain, and why enable or disable it? just out of curiosity!

[Guest Reimar]

Well, I am sure at TOT's office no one is working. They're open though.

"we come on Monday, we promise" (yeah right)

"same same you promise yesterday?"

"no, same same but different, we really come on Monday, we promise"

Reimar, what is Nettgain, and why enable or disable it? just out of curiosity!

Hi,

Netgain is a kind of compression or even load balancer. Finally to get better speed! But for me doesn't matter enabled or not, files both coruppt again!

On Monday I will prepare myself and the system for the BIG Meeting with CSLoxinfo and THAICOM. I'll download around 2 x 3 GB data with enabled and disabled Netgain!

Anyway I'll keep you informed what's going on.

[z9999]

I'm using IPStar in Chiang Saen, and had many problems also. Some were cleared by having the IPX-5100 Satellite terminal box replaced, but it appears there are problems external that come and go as well. I have what is called an SME package 512/128 kbps, and it appears that a different satellite access link is used for home and SME access. Initially my connection speed would be degraded excessively if I downloaded a large quantity of data in a short period of time and I would be stopped from downloading if I continued to DL continuously at the reduced speed. I had to login as often as 25 times a day to keep a connection. The new box cleared that problem and the change in satellite link seems to allow me to DL continuously without speed reduction. One problem that hasn't been solved is corrupted data packets which seem to occur for a period of time and then cease sometimes for several hours making it difficult to retrieve software updates.

I have a fixed IP address for an extra 1000 baht per year, so I'm not sure how my setup should compare with yours. In my case under the Networking Tab, I have NAT and Multicast disabled, Nettgain and BstTimeout enabled, and no entries again until Interfaces which the first two entries USB, and Ethernet are the IP used to access the box from your computerdepending on the link you use to connect with. The third entry is the satellite link which I believe is unique to the ISP you use.

Having a fixed IP I have DHCP disabled and the addresses are assigned for a fixed IP. But one other change was made as with the new box a third DNS was added which seems to be able to be pinged when the original two are not working.

I noticed they changed the password when installing the new box and only caught a few characters being typed so it took a while to determine what they changed it to. My ISP doesn't like to share that info, but as I don't mis-use it I like to have it. I'll be curious to hear if you get your problems worked out, but some problems appear to be quality of maintenance related to me and might require massive complaints to get any action. It took me weeks of logging each problem, failure and saving screen shots to get any positive action in my case.

[cnxpat]

Thanks for sharing z9999, I'll keep everyone posted. Monday is a new day.

If mine were some sort of issue like "sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes quick, sometimes slow" it would be harder. It's just always "no" as far as secure sites are concerned. So I am hoping/praying that once that is solved, I can enjoy the connection, IF it gets solved obviously.

I am also pushing for a replacement of the receiver and/or the IPStar box, just to rule out hardware issues. But, I can connect easy, always on here, and speed is good, downloads are ok, just that tiny little thing called "useful" :-) Without access to my e-mail, ftp etc, I dont care HOW quick it is, it is just useless.

So one step at the time, here in the boonies in Isaan at least we get respect just for having that f**** HUGE dish in front of the house LOL

[Guest Reimar]

Hi,

cnxpat:

what kind of dish you have? The one with about 1.4 m diameter or 84 cm? the 1.4 m is running over thaicom 1 I believe and the 84 cm. over Thaicom 4, the one I have. Thaicom 4 has much stronger signals thats why they use 84 cm dishes.

z9999:

who is your ISP TOT or CSLoxinfo?

My is CSLoxinfo and the last 2-3 weeks the speed is going ok. since 2 days the download corrupted, all of them! But I fighting with CSLoxinfo the last 2 more month already and onl;y after I stopped my payments they starts to do some service.

As they told me, the problem are with THAICOM (Shin.Corp.Satellite) and they have ordered engineer staff from the USA for to solving the problems?! Who knows it is true??

The next Tuesday I'll have them, CSLOXINFO and THAICOM, in my office to check simultan at the same time from both site! But they having a lot of problems with other (many of them) customers as well and they really don't know how to solve that problems.

As tested the last 2 days, with and without Netgain enabled, the Packets are corrupt but with Netgain disabled the speed drops to one quarter-one third of the speed with Netgain enabled. On my Box the multicast is enabled as well. NAT is disabled because I use 5 static IP's. The DNS addresses are three: 1. 203.192.33.34; 2. 203.146.237.237 and 3. 203.146.237.222 while No. 1. is the primary DNS address from THAICOM and 2. and 3. are from CSLoxinfo.

Tomorrow I'll start to download 20 Files with Netgaindisabled and after that trhe same files with Netgain enabled. This I do because to have the result on hand on next Tuesday. As I have done today with 5 files, both downloads was corrupt.

I will keep posting about any info and changes!

Reimar

[cnxpat]

I have the lage dish, it says 1.2 meter on the back, anyway it's way over 1 meter in diameter.

The receiver is a "Channel master" by "Microelectronics Technologies Inc".

Still I can't complain about signal reception, speed and downloads (I am an optimistic person by nature as you can tell). Here in the middle of the rice fields, there is nothing things to interfere with any signal eiter I guess. Except for that small thing again of course of making the internet useful again I am fine with it.

[cnxpat]

Latest Update, Monday Aug. 21

The same "techy" that was here hitting refresh for days and hours called me just now. I first asked him if he got lost, since he was supposed to be here last Friday. No reply of course, irony is not their strength. (I DO live in the boonies, and he has "only" been here 4 times last week).

But very hopeful he asked me: "Is it work now"? I replied "Did you do anything?". "No" he said.

"So why (the ****) do you think it should (*******) work now?" (I actually didn't say the ***** part, I was thinking it though :-)

Again, no answer obviously, he went on and mumbled "gateway" and "bangkok" again and said he would call back, and he did! WOW

Now this same "techy" that assured me a week ago that I was the only one with this problem, and that it is working FINE everywhere but here, now told me that "EVERYONE HAVE SAME PROBLEM LONG TIME ALREADY!" (BS-Alert!)

Can anyone confirm this? (And please do mention whether or not you have Static or Dynamic IP-address)

I used (Samart) IPStar last Friday at the local school, and it was working (they have a fixed IP-address)

thanks all, makes you wonder how completely stupid they think we are!?

Slightly loosing my temper and patience better go and feed the animals, back later

Whilst writing this "bkk" called and they didn't talk of such an issue. I gave them a checklist with 3 options to try and solve the problem (in stead of "refresh")

- change the modem,

- change the receiver,

- get me a fixed IP-address.

We'll see

[Guest Reimar]

Hi cnxpat,

how is your situation now?

My one goes more worst and more worst. The Modem is rebooting every few minutes within normal office hour! Normal downloads can not be taken! VoIP is impossible and the use of the VoipAdapter from CAT not possible! Uploads: 1 e-mail with attachment 705 kb was need 1 1/2 hour!

At night every things was working fine, last night! Today night I'll see.

May I have to change my office hour from day to night? But what I do with my suppliers and my staff? Not easy to solve!!

More info you find on my post with the poll.

[cnxpat]

Hi cnxpat,

how is your situation now?

My one goes more worst and more worst. The Modem is rebooting every few minutes within normal office hour! Normal downloads can not be taken! VoIP is impossible and the use of the VoipAdapter from CAT not possible! Uploads: 1 e-mail with attachment 705 kb was need 1 1/2 hour!

At night every things was working fine, last night! Today night I'll see.

May I have to change my office hour from day to night? But what I do with my suppliers and my staff? Not easy to solve!!

More info you find on my post with the poll.

Well, and I have been very quiet about it because I don't want to push my luck ... since yesterday late afternoon everything is working fine!

I can send and receive e-mails, FTP, look at all my lost business on eBay :-).

Connection speed is fine/sufficient, modem has sofar never rebooted, dowloads (either through FF or using Download Accelerator Plus Free Version) are fine (not corrupt) so all in all I am a happy man! I do not download GB's of data though, just up to 10 - 15 MB's for applications, or FTP uploads. Just uploaded about 8 MB's to a website I'm setting up, no problems.

Last conversations (on the phone) with TOT Bangkok were probably enough to make them decide to get rid of the pain-in-the-butt-farang. But, I handled it as much Thai style as I could, kept smiling, kept my cool, threw in my best Thai at times and Jay jin jin in general.

So, if things stay this way, I'm fine and a happy customer.

Bandwidth details using the thaivisa bandwidth meter a few times now (13:15):

Your current bandwidth reading is: 128.10kbps

which means you can download at 16.01 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 127.80kbps

which means you can download at 15.98 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 127.80kbps

which means you can download at 15.98 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 128.00kbps

which means you can download at 16 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 127.80kbps

which means you can download at 15.98 KB/sec. from our servers.

and so on ...

[Guest Reimar]

WOW!! WOW!!

Good for you and I hope so it will carry on!

Here my Speedtest:

Your current bandwidth reading is:73.10kbps

which means you can download at 9.14 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is:139.70kbps

which means you can download at 17.46 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is:38.50kbps

which means you can download at 4.81 KB/sec. from our servers.

Here you can see how it is going up and down with the speed in my office: Netgain disabled, Multicast disabled. So I will enable both of them and test again.

[Thaddeus]

I will also have the satellite receiver and router replaced tomorrow, but my connection is fine, speed is fine for me (got the "cheap" 256/128 connection). I still am convinced it's a configuration issue either in the IPStar box, or on their server, gateway whatever.

we'll keep trying, and keep the very uplifting messages coming please :-)

I can guarantee it is in the box configuration.

I had IPStar installed a few weeks ago, at first everything was fine (apart from the usual network drop-outs, but I was prepared for that..... then last week things started to go bad, I could no longer get into any secure sites that I had previously been able to get into.

Thinking about it logically, I assumed that I must have downloaded and installed something that had upset the apple cart, so I scoured the Apple Forums (yes I'm on a Mac) for any help. Any help I found (of which there was precious little) didn't work.... the only thing I noticed was a mention that the latest OSX update had various networking enhancements. I hadn't done any sys updates as these files are big.... every single time I tried the download, the file was corrupted, most annoying.

I eventually thought, well it worked once so there is only one thing for it..... low level format and a re-install..... it didn't make a difference, so by this time I am getting very frustrated.

And then it hit me...... I had taken my computer to a fiends house to make sure that my Mac would work ok on IPStar before I got it installed at home, and it did, I had also logged into some secure web-sites and then, more importantly, not logged out again..... "aha.... the cookies have expired" ..... so I put my Mac in the car, went back to my friends house..... it worked perfectly again, everything, secure sites - no problem, downloads - no problem.

So I am now waiting for the mumbling TOT man to come back, I'll get the access details for the box out of him come hel_l or high water and fix it myself.

If I can do that before 'the TOT man' sorts yours out...... I'll let you know what the problem is

My god, I type too slow sometimes

Edited August 23, 2006 by Thaddeus

[cnxpat]

I will also have the satellite receiver and router replaced tomorrow, but my connection is fine, speed is fine for me (got the "cheap" 256/128 connection). I still am convinced it's a configuration issue either in the IPStar box, or on their server, gateway whatever.

we'll keep trying, and keep the very uplifting messages coming please :-)

I can guarantee it is in the box configuration.

I had IPStar installed a few weeks ago, at first everything was fine (apart from the usual network drop-outs, but I was prepared for that..... then last week things started to go bad, I could no longer get into any secure sites that I had previously been able to get into.

Thinking about it logically, I assumed that I must have downloaded and installed something that had upset the apple cart, so I scoured the Apple Forums (yes I'm on a Mac) for any help. Any help I found (of which there was precious little) didn't work.... the only thing I noticed was a mention that the latest OSX update had various networking enhancements. I hadn't done any sys updates as these files are big.... every single time I tried the download, the file was corrupted, most annoying.

I eventually thought, well it worked once so there is only one thing for it..... low level format and a re-install..... it didn't make a difference, so by this time I am getting very frustrated.

And then it hit me...... I had taken my computer to a fiends house to make sure that my Mac would work ok on IPStar before I got it installed at home, and it did, I had also logged into some secure web-sites and then, more importantly, not logged out again..... "aha.... the cookies have expired" ..... so I put my Mac in the car, went back to my friends house..... it worked perfectly again, everything, secure sites - no problem, downloads - no problem.

So I am now waiting for the mumbling TOT man to come back, I'll get the access details for the box out of him come hel_l or high water and fix it myself.

If I can do that before 'the TOT man' sorts yours out...... I'll let you know what the problem is

My god, I type too slow sometimes

It seems sorted out, same box, receiver and dynamic IP, and no NAT addressing done. They must have done "something" in Bangkok, haven't got a clue what (probably they don't either :-).

The guy said (on Monday) "I will fix your problem today!"

"wow" I thought, some daring "TTT" (Thai TOT Technician)

It is fixed (on Tuesday)!!!

I wish I could be of any help, as so many people have tried to help me, yet I wish I knew what they did ... I don't and I am not a network expert either as you can read from my posts here either. I can suggest stuff like "check your firewall" etc, but I am sure you've ruled more things than I can think of!

You can access the box via your webbrowser (http://xx.xxx.xx.xxx:8080/xwebgateway.cgi) Default user/password for the box is ADMIN/operator, from there you can access config thingies.

Good luck anyway!

[Thaddeus]

You can access the box via your webbrowser (http://xx.xxx.xx.xxx:8080/xwebgateway.cgi) Default user/password for the box is ADMIN/operator, from there you can access config thingies.

Good luck anyway!

Thanks.... that was the bit of info I was missing.... but now Safari (the Apple browser) gives me a message "Internet Explorer or NetScape Navigator required".... same thing happens in FireFox.

Not to worry, I can now borrow a Windows laptop tomorrow and fix it myself

I wanted to help you, you ended up helping me..... funny how it works out like that sometimes

[cnxpat]

You can access the box via your webbrowser (http://xx.xxx.xx.xxx:8080/xwebgateway.cgi) Default user/password for the box is ADMIN/operator, from there you can access config thingies.

Good luck anyway!

Thanks.... that was the bit of info I was missing.... but now Safari (the Apple browser) gives me a message "Internet Explorer or NetScape Navigator required".... same thing happens in FireFox.

Not to worry, I can now borrow a Windows laptop tomorrow and fix it myself

I wanted to help you, you ended up helping me..... funny how it works out like that sometimes

Yes, I forgot to mention, the only time I use IE is when I want to access the box. FF and Seamonkey and Opera all go "blank"?

yes, a lucky fluke, glad I could help anyway!

[Guest Reimar]

Hi cnxpat,

what is about your sys now? Also Skype is working? Give me a call to reimarthai

Here the things is working again but I will see how long

[cnxpat]

Hi cnxpat,

what is about your sys now? Also Skype is working? Give me a call to reimarthai

Here the things is working again but I will see how long

Hi Reimar,

my update, things are pretty much the same as I mentioned on 23/08. I am a happy customer :-)

As you know, I am way out in the boonies, and there is no interference whatsoever here, highest stable in this "settlement" is still less than 5 mtrs. high and everything is built from wood. For whatever that's worth.

Box is stable, never reboots, and it took me a while to explain to the locals that the satellite dish is NOT meant to use for drying your sarongs, or hang the latests catch of fish on!

We have had some heavy late afternoon/evening thunderstorms, I accept the fact that the connection fails if so. At those times I am more occupied keeping the house and our lifestock together anyway :-)

Used skype with my mum the other day, and it was crystal clear with very little delay, only got disconnected when we used the webcam. Didn't have time to check whether that was a problem on my side, or on her side, but voice connection was excellent.

I just would like to know whether or not I can still use my Zyxel 4 port adsl modem/router with wireless, which has RJ-11 input, yet connection from the IPStar box is using RJ-45 x-over cable. They do make the same adsl modem/router with RJ-45 input.

I had a x-over cable made over here after drawing one for them (the highly trained personell in the largest computershop didn't have a clue what a x-over cable was), so I can move aroud a little bit with my laptop, yet would prefer to get the wirelss up and running again.

As the cable only uses the 4 TC+/TX-/RX+ and RX- lines, I might have a go at making a cable myself (probably blowing up the modem/router hahaha)

today's speed readings (for what it's worth) using thaivisa.com's bandwidth meter:

Your current bandwidth reading is: 130.90kbps

which means you can download at 16.36 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 127.80kbps

which means you can download at 15.98 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 128.10kbps

which means you can download at 16.01 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is:124.40kbps

which means you can download at 15.55 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 128.00kbps

which means you can download at 16 KB/sec. from our servers.

Your current bandwidth reading is: 127.40kbps

which means you can download at 15.93 KB/sec. from our servers.

Hope things are improving on your end as well, if I had an option, I would choose an alternative, yet I don't have an option. I figure you don't either.

[Thaddeus]

You can access the box via your webbrowser (http://xx.xxx.xx.xxx:8080/xwebgateway.cgi) Default user/password for the box is ADMIN/operator, from there you can access config thingies.

Good luck anyway!

Thanks.... that was the bit of info I was missing.... but now Safari (the Apple browser) gives me a message "Internet Explorer or NetScape Navigator required".... same thing happens in FireFox.

Not to worry, I can now borrow a Windows laptop tomorrow and fix it myself

I wanted to help you, you ended up helping me..... funny how it works out like that sometimes

Yes, I forgot to mention, the only time I use IE is when I want to access the box. FF and Seamonkey and Opera all go "blank"?

yes, a lucky fluke, glad I could help anyway!

Well, I finally got round to borrowing a Windows Laptop, problem is now sorted as far as I can tell. Turned on Nat, turned off Multicast and Netgain..... and Hey Presto.... I can get into secure sites.

You mentioned in a previous post.

It seems sorted out, same box, receiver and dynamic IP, and no NAT addressing done. They must have done "something" in Bangkok, haven't got a clue what (probably they don't either :-).

There is every chance that the chap in Bangkok accessed your box remotely and did what I just did..... which leads me to say ..... if you haven't already done it, change the default user name and password of the box to something else.

[Guest Reimar]

I'm not sure how is it by TOT, but by CS-LOXCINFO it is not allowed to change Username and/or Password of the box! We're not the Owner of the system and they will not service anyway if we change Username and Password.

I asked this already and that is what they told me!

One of the reason also that they need to change the Frequency remotly if they change the Gateway server or the existing one have problems. All other settings you can change if you know what to do!!

Thaddeus:

you know a program named: iUAT? This is a program from Thaicom for to allign the antenna and other settings. If you need or want ity, send me an e-mail, NOT a PM.

[Thaddeus]

We're not the Owner of the system and they will not service anyway if we change Username and Password.

I asked this already and that is what they told me!

Understood, that makes sense from several different aspects and I have no problem in understanding it from a customer support point of view.... but doesn't that situation create some end-user security issues.

I haven't changed the log-in details on my box, but that is mainly for one reason, as I said before I'm on a Mac (very limited target, but not immune)..... one of the first things we used to do when setting up any sort of internet connection with any device that was accessible remotely was change the default details and make a note of the changes in our customer database.

Sorry.... forgot ..... TIT.

But, message received and understood

P.S. email sent.

Edited August 26, 2006 by Thaddeus

[Guest Reimar]

We're not the Owner of the system and they will not service anyway if we change Username and Password.

I asked this already and that is what they told me!

Understood, that makes sense from several different aspects and I have no problem in understanding it from a customer support point of view.... but doesn't that situation create some end-user security issues.

I haven't changed the log-in details on my box, but that is mainly for one reason, as I said before I'm on a Mac (very limited target, but not immune)..... one of the first things we used to do when setting up any sort of internet connection with any device that was accessible remotely was change the default details and make a note of the changes in our customer database.

Sorry.... forgot ..... TIT.

But, message received and understood

P.S. email sent.

Just send a e-mail back!

maybe you skype me tomorrow, SName in my profile.

[BlackJack]

hello these posts regarding IPSTAR are a few years old and many things have happened since then

I am in the Phang Nga area and no phone lines and so IPSTAR was one of the only choices

I am certainly not happy with the speed service or price and want to drop it

UNLESS anyone has new tweaks or info that will increase speed etc.

I have been looking at new smart phones as I could connect one of these to the notebook and get connected to the internet. Plus i get the benefit of a phone GPS computer etc

anyone doing this and if so what are you using?

theres some ASUS, Samsung, Nokia G3 products on the market now that may do the trick. So many in fact - but does anyone have any hands on experience with these smart phones connecting to the internet and GPS?

thanks