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QT020 - Frequent ADSL reconnects with FVS318

Introduction

Some people using the FVS318 ProSafe VPN router with firmware version 1.00 on Telstra ADSL and similar services have reported that their router repeatedly reconnects every 2 to 3 minutes.

Netgear have identified the root cause of the problem, and updated firmware has been released. 

Detail

ADSL services such as Telstra Bigpond Advance use a protocol called PPPoE to manage the connection between the customer's equipment and the ISP's Access Concentrator.   PPPoE is quite similar to the protocol used by conventional dial-up modem services.

When using the FVS318 on Telstra ADSL and some similar services, some users have noted that the router is disconnecting and reconnecting the PPPoE connection every 2 to 3 minutes.  This results in a short interruption to the internet service, and will disrupt any streaming data, ftp downloads etc.

The problem is present in the initial 1.00 release firmware and all pre-releases of the 1.10 firmware up to and including L1.01. 

Root Cause

The router regularly checks the status of its internet connection by attempting to contact a hard-coded set of NTP (time) servers.  If too many of the NTP servers fail to respond, the router assumes that the internet connection has failed, and that it needs to disconnect and reconnect.

On Telstra ADSL, this test has been found to be too sensitive, and many users see very frequent disconnects.  Most often, these will be at 2 to 3 minute intervals.

Fix

Upgrade to firmware version 1.10 or later.  Refer to Quick Tip 024 for download instructions.

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Quick Tip 020 - Frequent ADSL reconnects with FVS318

Version 1.0, 12-AUG-2002

Copyright © 2002 Fulton Network Technologies Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior permission.

All information contain herein is provided to the reader on the understanding that the reader is responsible for ensuring the correctness and suitability of the information for his particular needs.

VERSION HISTORY

1.2   01-SEP-2002    Changed to recommend upgrade to 1.10

1.1   14-AUG-2002   Added reference to version M1.01

1.0   12-AUG-2002   Initial Release