Help Phone cannot get IP from home Wifi

[victek]

I recently updated the firmware in my home router and now my Dinc2 cannot connect to the wifi. More exactly it sees and connects to the network, but then can't receive an IP address using DHCP. I tried an app called Wifi Fixer, but it didn't help. If I change the network settings in the phone to "static IP" and input valid numbers for my network then it connects no problem. I also have a laptop and it connects using DHCP so I don't believe the firmware update failed, but obviously something changed. Using a static IP is inconvenient since I need to remember to disable it when connecting elsewhere - any suggests as to how to fix this will be appreciated.

 

[hopedpocketts]

I recently updated the firmware in my home router and now my Dinc2 cannot connect to the wifi. More exactly it sees and connects to the network, but then can't receive an IP address using DHCP. I tried an app called Wifi Fixer, but it didn't help. If I change the network settings in the phone to "static IP" and input valid numbers for my network then it connects no problem. I also have a laptop and it connects using DHCP so I don't believe the firmware update failed, but obviously something changed. Using a static IP is inconvenient since I need to remember to disable it when connecting elsewhere - any suggests as to how to fix this will be appreciated.

have you tried restarting the router? if that dont help, sometimes when updating the phone firmware, things will tend to go awry. i am guessing that your phone is not rooted, so if you have autosync enabled with your google account you have selected to keep contacts backedup to your google account the contacts will be ok, use titanium backup to backup user apps, or you dont have to, you can download them from the playstore. do a factory reset on you phone, and that should do it. had the same issue on multiple devices, and that solved it every time.

 

[victek]

have you tried restarting the router? if that dont help, sometimes when updating the phone firmware, things will tend to go awry. i am guessing that your phone is not rooted, so if you have autosync enabled with your google account you have selected to keep contacts backedup to your google account the contacts will be ok, use titanium backup to backup user apps, or you dont have to, you can download them from the playstore. do a factory reset on you phone, and that should do it. had the same issue on multiple devices, and that solved it every time.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've restarted the router to no avail. I'm replacing the phone soon and can't be bothered to do something involved like a factory reset. If there isn't something fairly simple that will fix it I'll put up with it a little longer.

 

[acejavelin]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've restarted the router to no avail. I'm replacing the phone soon and can't be bothered to do something involved like a factory reset. If there isn't something fairly simple that will fix it I'll put up with it a little longer.

Have you tried deleting the existing home network entry in the phone and adding it again? I had a similar issue when I changed to a new router and kept the same SSID/Security settings. Just a thought, easy to try too.

 

[victek]

Have you tried deleting the existing home network entry in the phone and adding it again? I had a similar issue when I changed to a new router and kept the same SSID/Security settings. Just a thought, easy to try too.

Yes, I tried this. I deleted the network in the phone and changed the SSID and security key in the router. The phone discovers the "new" network and connects after validating the key, but then times out waiting for an IP assignment.

 

[acejavelin]

Yes, I tried this. I deleted the network in the phone and changed the SSID and security key in the router. The phone discovers the "new" network and connects after validating the key, but then times out waiting for an IP assignment.

So it worked before the update to the routers firmware, but not after, so what changed in the firmware (check release notes if available, or email tech support and request them)? Did it add IPv6 support? Perhaps disable that or go back to the old firmware. Or if you router is supported try Tomato or DD-WRT firmaware or their various derivatives.

I am assuming the phone works on other WiFi networks just not this one so try making some changes. I have heard that some routers also hand out permanent IP address leases, and HTC's don't like that and won't accept them (Belkin is bad for this), try changing your DHCP lease time to 1440 minutes (1 Day).

Basically just change things that relate to DHCP because that seems to be where the Rez is rejecting it.

Out of curiosity, what router, firmware, and hardware revision are you using?

 

[victek]

So it worked before the update to the routers firmware, but not after, so what changed in the firmware (check release notes if available, or email tech support and request them)? Did it add IPv6 support? Perhaps disable that or go back to the old firmware. Or if you router is supported try Tomato or DD-WRT firmaware or their various derivatives.

I am assuming the phone works on other WiFi networks just not this one so try making some changes. I have heard that some routers also hand out permanent IP address leases, and HTC's don't like that and won't accept them (Belkin is bad for this), try changing your DHCP lease time to 1440 minutes (1 Day).

Basically just change things that relate to DHCP because that seems to be where the Rez is rejecting it.

Out of curiosity, what router, firmware, and hardware revision are you using?

Thanks for the reply. I hope to work on this more today and get back to you with specifics about router and firmware version. My Buffalo router came with DD-WRT installed and I updated to the latest version of DD-WRT. I didn't check the changelog, but I'll go back and have a look. I did try turning off the router firewall, but that didn't make a difference. I could change the DHCP address range to force a change, but that would have broader repercussions which I prefer to avoid. I'll have a look at IP address lease settings. I could also turn off the security temporarily.

I'm planning to purchase a new phone in a few days. If I haven't figured this out by then and if it connects OK using DHCP then I won't sweat this further.

 

[acejavelin]

Thanks for the reply. I hope to work on this more today and get back to you with specifics about router and firmware version. My Buffalo router came with DD-WRT installed and I updated to the latest version of DD-WRT. I didn't check the changelog, but I'll go back and have a look. I did try turning off the router firewall, but that didn't make a difference. I could change the DHCP address range to force a change, but that would have broader repercussions which I prefer to avoid. I'll have a look at IP address lease settings. I could also turn off the security temporarily.

I'm planning to purchase a new phone in a few days. If I haven't figured this out by then and if it connects OK using DHCP then I won't sweat this further.

DD-WRT is rather... ummm... shaky, from version to version sometimes, best to stick with a known good version for your hardware and once it works don't upgrade unless you absolutely must (actually a good idea for any router firmware), I have tried it on several routers and in newer Linksys models it's pretty good but in my old WRT-54GL and my Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP it caused me nothing but headaches. Buffalo Routers are pretty open, so I would look at Tomato-based firmware if you can, it is based from the HyperWRT project. I have been using the original Tomato base for a long time in my WRT-54GL router and played with Toastman and Shibby and find them much more stable, feature rich, and standards based than any DD-WRT firmware, although the later has a wider hardware support base. If you think about switching do your homework first though, you may have to flash back to stock first, then to Tomato, depending on your model router. Anyways, if you are getting a new phone and can get by, awesome... what are you getting?

 

[victek]

DD-WRT is rather... ummm... shaky, from version to version sometimes, best to stick with a known good version for your hardware and once it works don't upgrade unless you absolutely must (actually a good idea for any router firmware), I have tried it on several routers and in newer Linksys models it's pretty good but in my old WRT-54GL and my Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP it caused me nothing but headaches. Buffalo Routers are pretty open, so I would look at Tomato-based firmware if you can, it is based from the HyperWRT project. I have been using the original Tomato base for a long time in my WRT-54GL router and played with Toastman and Shibby and find them much more stable, feature rich, and standards based than any DD-WRT firmware, although the later has a wider hardware support base. If you think about switching do your homework first though, you may have to flash back to stock first, then to Tomato, depending on your model router. Anyways, if you are getting a new phone and can get by, awesome... what are you getting?

I checked the changelog for the latest DD-WRT Installed and it's trivial - nothing in the short description implying changes to DHCP. Thanks for the link to Tomato. My router is the Buffalo AirStation N300 Giga. DD-WRT firmware was pre-installed but there's an option to flash the "user friendly" firmware included on disc. I'm guessing the user friendly firmware unmasks fewer features, but is it less competent? The original DD-WRT is also on disc so it would be easy enough to switch back. What do you think are the advantages to using Tomato - better performance, security, reliability?

I've been looking at the HTC Droid DNA which is going to be released this Wednesday. The specs are amazing and the reviews have been positive. Still, I have to hold it in my hand before I can decide :santaclaus: If I get the new phone and if it connects to the wifi using DHCP I'll probably forget about messing more with the firmware

 

[acejavelin]

I checked the changelog for the latest DD-WRT Installed and it's trivial - nothing in the short description implying changes to DHCP. Thanks for the link to Tomato. My router is the Buffalo AirStation N300 Giga. DD-WRT firmware was pre-installed but there's an option to flash the "user friendly" firmware included on disc. I'm guessing the user friendly firmware unmasks fewer features, but is it less competent? The original DD-WRT is also on disc so it would be easy enough to switch back. What do you think are the advantages to using Tomato - better performance, security, reliability?

I've been looking at the HTC Droid DNA which is going to be released this Wednesday. The specs are amazing and the reviews have been positive. Still, I have to hold it in my hand before I can decide :santaclaus: If I get the new phone and if it connects to the wifi using DHCP I'll probably forget about messing more with the firmware

Unfortunately your router uses an Atheros chipset, which has much less support than the more widely used (and open source supported) Broadcom chipsets, so it is not supported by Tomato-based firmwares at this time. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing, just not supported by Tomato, Atheros makes excellent WiFi chipsets. I think the only firmware that is supported is the "stock" one, DD-WRT, and Open-WRT... A little googling shows lots of people have issues with DD-WRT on this router, but there seems to be a "magic" version that works well: DD-WRT v24-sp2 (08/10/11) std - build 17461, see this thread: Best Firmware for Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH is here - Buffalo Tech Forums Remember, especially with routers, that newer firmware isn't always better and generally with routers you should only upgrade or change firmware of you having issues or need a specific feature, otherwise leave it alone.

The DNA seems like a beast, I have been in lots of discussions on it... my main concerns are no microSD and only 16GB (11GB user accessable) of storage space and the battery life of a 2020mAh non-removable battery with that screen is questionable depending on who reviews it, other than that it seems like a phone sent from the Cellular Gods.

 

[victek]

Unfortunately your router uses an Atheros chipset, which has much less support than the more widely used (and open source supported) Broadcom chipsets, so it is not supported by Tomato-based firmwares at this time. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing, just not supported by Tomato, Atheros makes excellent WiFi chipsets. I think the only firmware that is supported is the "stock" one, DD-WRT, and Open-WRT... A little googling shows lots of people have issues with DD-WRT on this router, but there seems to be a "magic" version that works well: DD-WRT v24-sp2 (08/10/11) std - build 17461, see this thread: Best Firmware for Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH is here - Buffalo Tech Forums Remember, especially with routers, that newer firmware isn't always better and generally with routers you should only upgrade or change firmware of you having issues or need a specific feature, otherwise leave it alone.

The DNA seems like a beast, I have been in lots of discussions on it... my main concerns are no microSD and only 16GB (11GB user accessable) of storage space and the battery life of a 2020mAh non-removable battery with that screen is questionable depending on who reviews it, other than that it seems like a phone sent from the Cellular Gods.

I appreciate this additional info, thanks! Too bad Tomato isn't an option - I've heard good things about it before. Regarding versions, in the past I've always opted to use the latest firmware thinking it implied bug fixes or better performance, but I guess regressions are always possible. By the way do you have any thoughts about the effectiveness of the firewall in the stock firmware Vs DD-WRT?

Yeah the limited storage in the DNA is a real deal breaker for some people. That just seems like a foolish choice on the part of HTC. The battery size is less clear. My needs are comparatively modest so I don't think it will be a problem. I'm already used to charging overnight and when I'm in the car. What bothers me more is not knowing if the battery can be replaced down the road when it's worn out. Since more and more phones are coming with non (user) replaceable batteries I'm hoping an aftermarket industry will come up to refurbish them.

 

[acejavelin]

I appreciate this additional info, thanks! Too bad Tomato isn't an option - I've heard good things about it before. Regarding versions, in the past I've always opted to use the latest firmware thinking it implied bug fixes or better performance, but I guess regressions are always possible. By the way do you have any thoughts about the effectiveness of the firewall in the stock firmware Vs DD-WRT?

Yeah the limited storage in the DNA is a real deal breaker for some people. That just seems like a foolish choice on the part of HTC. The battery size is less clear. My needs are comparatively modest so I don't think it will be a problem. I'm already used to charging overnight and when I'm in the car. What bothers me more is not knowing if the battery can be replaced down the road when it's worn out. Since more and more phones are coming with non (user) replaceable batteries I'm hoping an aftermarket industry will come up to refurbish them.

Router firmware is weird, in most devices I agree that it is generally best to have the latest firmware but routers are an exception to that rule... As far as firewalls go, in most home environments that get dynamic public IP addresses they are almost unnecessary, NAT alone is usually sufficient for most home security needs. Even if you are opening a lot of commonly used ports, the chances of an issue is slim and the standard firewall is more then sufficient. Now, in a business situation, if you have a static public IP address, or if you have a lot of port forwarding of common ports like 3389 a firewall is more important but still even the most simple firewalls will typically be sufficient.

At this time it is unknown of the DNA's battery is user replaceable with some work, but it is unlikely given some other similar phones like the Moto Razr.

 

[victek]

Router firmware is weird, in most devices I agree that it is generally best to have the latest firmware but routers are an exception to that rule.

I thought you might be interested to know what caused the DHCP issue. I called Buffalo support and after spending some time checking this and doing that he had me push the reset button on the router. He said that although the router makes a reset optional during a firmware upgrade it is often still required for the upgrade to work properly afterward even though the upgrade will appear to succeed. Maybe someone should put it on the list to require the reset after changing the firmware? And by the way, before I called them I tried flashing the firmware to the User Friendly version without success. We didn't bother trying to figure that out, but here I thought I was buying something more professional than the typical home router and now it seems pretty mickey mouse.

 

[acejavelin]

lol... Glad you got it working, note the first sentence of the first reply to this thread's opening post:

have you tried restarting the router?

Every router I have seen from high-end Cisco and HP Procurve to home Linksys and D-Link routers all require a reset for firmware updates or code changes. Reset is always troubleshooting step #1 but is often overlooked even by the most experienced techs sometimes.

 

[victek]

Reset is always troubleshooting step #1 but is often overlooked even by the most experienced techs sometimes.

My face has been saved

Edit: I forgot to add that I did get the Droid DNA - amazing phone. I was worried at first that it was actually too big, but after a few days it doesn't seem to be a problem. It's a worthy upgrade to the Incredible 2 - way more speed, much better screen and 4.1 Jelly Bean.