Hello Again
This all started when I decided to improve the quality of service to people who are staying at our guest house. After asking for help........
Started out as an AMD but I ended up building an Intel. There is probably a joke in here somewhere but I am too tired to see it
I finally got it all working perfectly, after getting all the bugs out, testing it out on my home network before moving over to the guest network
Oh if anyone is interested Antamedia Bandwidth Manager freezes up if you try and run it after doing a Windows Update of IE 7. Please don't go there as I spent a few late nights figuring this out. It works great on IE 6.
The reason I come to you today is to try and understand how it is possible for most of the xp machines trying to access the new configuration on the guest network have no difficulty connecting after making a minor setting change in the properties of their network card.
I added a default gateway 192.168.0.1 to their settings.
The guest with the Vista machine can't connect to the internet he only shows a local connection. The information balloon above the network icon on the task bar shows both Satelite 2 and Satelite 3
I tried the default gateway setting but it didn't work.
The following link describes how to set upnp framework in vista and I have tried that.
I DID NOTICE THAT THE LINK ABOVE MAY HOLD A CLUE AS TO WHAT IS WRONG.
Please take note if you look at the above link the picture shows the computer connecting to a network and connecting to the internet. The network it is connecting to is listed below the picture.
THE GUEST COMPUTERS PICTURE IS DIFFERENT>
In his picture of the computer connecting to the internet through a network it says multiple networks in the middle between the computer and internet. His link shows and X between the networks and the internet. (I know its obvious but I thought I should mention it, THE X)
The multiple networks are shown below the picture. Two different networks of the same name. Satelite 2 and Satelite 3 each has its own settings and properties etc I believe one represents the ipv6 protocol and one is on the ipv4. I got this information by checking out the properties tab looking for the tcp/ip settings for the wireless adapter.
While trying the diagnostic and repair it says we have multiple active networks and we should disable all we are not using.
Believe me I would if I could figure it out
Not being familiar with Vista and how to clean up this mess I have come to you for help.
I can see his computer on the ICS Gateway and gave him an account. After 8+ hours of trying to get it to work I tried to connect his other computer an old xp and of course it won't connect either. Just to be stubborn.
His old Xp didn't show on the ICS Gateway and I am not sure why his old xp is being difficult. I can tell you it is extra awkward to configure when you are guessing what the fields and tabs say.
Oh did I mention the XP of his is in Chinese!:uke:
Not that there is anything wrong with that but it just adds to the frustration when you are barely able to see.
My guest network consists of many access points (routers with DHCP disabled) all configured identically but with different names and addresses. They all connect to the DHCP server (router at 192.168.0.2 with wan port disconnected), which is connected to the ICS XP Gateway at 192.168.0.1
Any and all help would be appreciated:wave:
NooNoo
December 13th, 2008, 06:12 AM
OK need to check a couple of things -
Is it just this one guest and the other guests can connect fine?
Is the chinese xp and the vista on the same machine?
Is the vista machine network set to public or private?
Have you disabled the student's firewall for testing purposes?
Is the vista machine pulling an IP starting 192.168.0.x?
And on a side note, have you spoken with Antemedia about the IE6/IE7 problem? With IE8 on the way, it is important that this get resolved.
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 11:41 AM
Hi Noo Noo
OK need to check a couple of things -
Is it just this one guest and the other guests can connect fine?
Yes
Is the chinese xp and the vista on the same machine?
No Just a trick of fate that both machines belong to the same person.
Is the vista machine network set to public or private?
First it was private and now it is public.
Which is correct?
Have you disabled the student's firewall for testing purposes?
Yes we have tried it down as well as up.
Is the vista machine pulling an IP starting 192.168.0.x?
The vista machine has an ip 192.168.0.x and is visible on Bandwidth Manager on the ICS Gateway. I was able to give the Vista an account.
And on a side note, have you spoken with Antemedia about the IE6/IE7 problem? With IE8 on the way, it is important that this get resolved.
I sent them a note and I haven't heard back from them.
The Vista machine seems to have duplicated the wireless connection for some reason. As far as I know it used to only say Satelite for the wireless connection now it says Satelite 2 and Satelite 3. The diagnostics on the Vista points to more than one active connection and says to disable all but the one being used. When we tried some form of disabling one the other one either disappeared or it disabled as well. We have had a couple of different reactions.
If I knew how to remove old settings and entries this might resolve the issue. Apparently he downloaded a whole crap load of updates the night before. He said he connected after the updates but hasn't been able since I installed the ICS Gateway. I had to change the ip of his access point. Everything else stayed the same. Gateway is 192.168.0.1 the DHCP server went to 192.168.0.2 and I moved Satelite from 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.6. I am thinking I might have to change it back in order to fix it.(Should I be concerned with putting the complete address of my intranet items in an open forum?)
The signal from the Vista makes it to the ICS Gateway. He even gets a Icon for the Upnp ICS Gateway on his machine. It just isn't going through to the internet. If we do get a connection, to the internet. showing on his machine it is only for a few seconds. Do I need to open something up in the Gateway. I am always so leary of creating a hole in the firewall.
:wave:
NooNoo
December 13th, 2008, 01:03 PM
Yes
OK so it's his setup
No Just a trick of fate that both machines belong to the same person.
First it was private and now it is public.
Which is correct?
Private
Yes we have tried it down as well as up.
The vista machine has an ip 192.168.0.x and is visible on Bandwidth Manager on the ICS Gateway. I was able to give the Vista an account.
So it is working, it's just he can't see it... so with luck changing it to private and reboot should fix it.
I sent them a note and I haven't heard back from them.
Keep nagging them - you paid for the software, you expect it to work with the latest browsers!!
The Vista machine seems to have duplicated the wireless connection for some reason. As far as I know it used to only say Satelite for the wireless connection now it says Satelite 2 and Satelite 3. The diagnostics on the Vista points to more than one active connection and says to disable all but the one being used. When we tried some form of disabling one the other one either disappeared or it disabled as well. We have had a couple of different reactions.
Vista runs both IPv4 and IPv6 so you would see two connections - in the vista menu, click all programs, accessories and right click on cmd and run as administrator, then type in the box IPCONFIG /ALL
Post the result (to copy, right click, select mark, highlight everything and then hit enter, then right click paste into notepad or whatever).
If I knew how to remove old settings and entries this might resolve the issue. Apparently he downloaded a whole crap load of updates the night before. He said he connected after the updates but hasn't been able since I installed the ICS Gateway. I had to change the ip of his access point. Everything else stayed the same. Gateway is 192.168.0.1 the DHCP server went to 192.168.0.2 and I moved Satelite from 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.6. I am thinking I might have to change it back in order to fix it.(Should I be concerned with putting the complete address of my intranet items in an open forum?)
Private IPs 192.168.x.x are not a security concern as such... everyone uses them - it's knowing the public IP from your isp and the private IP addresses that may be a problem... hence firewalls.
The signal from the Vista makes it to the ICS Gateway. He even gets a Icon for the Upnp ICS Gateway on his machine. It just isn't going through to the internet. If we do get a connection, to the internet. showing on his machine it is only for a few seconds. Do I need to open something up in the Gateway. I am always so leary of creating a hole in the firewall.
:wave:
For the purposes of troubleshooting, get it working without firewalls... then put the firewalls back and see what happens.
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 05:11 PM
:thumbs2:Just a couple of quick points.
He is the adminstrator their is only one account
I made him put a password on his computer in order to gain access. I thought that might be a problem. Reboot.. retry no luck.
Changed the Ip address back to the original for Satelite before I had introduced ICS.
No luck.
Tried having him access a different access point which the computer has never accessed before. Do you want to say it or should I "No Luck"
After I left him last night he merged the two ipv4 and ipv6 together.
We just did the instructions you gave and the following is the results.
We ran cmd as the administrator as you said. But it didn't ask for a password it just went straight to the cmd prompt after the RUN as adminstrator was selected
The following is the results.
Is it possible that I need to change a setting in the ICS Gateway firewall to allow a Vista machine to get an internet connection? Different service or protocal.
I noticed in his properties box on the Client for Microsoft Networks it was blank and I had him change it to Windows Locator. He might have changed it back to nothing in desperation.
Is it important to keep it on Window Locator?
Let me know what you think
Thanks again:wave:
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 05:55 PM
Probably not relevant and I know this is just going to sound STUPID but I was wondering if the fact both of his computers are running a unicode of mixed languages would have any problems with ICS's firewall and do I have to make a settings change.
I haven't changed anything, that I am aware of, from the default settings for the advanced tab of firewall settings in the ICS Gateway.
NooNoo
December 13th, 2008, 07:00 PM
No the mix of languages has nothing to do with it.
You have managed to introduce two gateways and the dhcp server is on .10 and you said it was .02 so something is amiss in the settings
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 07:07 PM
I did mention that I had changed Satelite back to original which was .02 and I moved the DHCP server to .10
NooNoo
December 13th, 2008, 07:09 PM
So what is doing the actual dhcp serving? Have you removed .10 from the pool of addresses?
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 07:09 PM
I guess I didn't mention the local but I did say I had reset Satelite
Sorry for not detailing that.
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 07:11 PM
Dhcp addressing takes place between .11 & .19
All static access points have address's listed from .2 to .5 and the gateway is at .1
NooNoo
December 13th, 2008, 07:30 PM
and what is doing the dhcp serving?
How did the other guest machines react when you changed the settings?
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 07:43 PM
So what is doing the actual dhcp serving? Have you removed .10 from the pool of addresses?
The original gateway router on address .1 has had it address changed from .2 and then later to .10. There is no cable going into the wan port and it has become the DHCP server it is a DI-624. The wan settings are set to static because I can't see any other way to disable the Nat.
Static settings on all access points (including the DHCP server)
(Access points are Routers with DHCP disabled) and static address's
are
192.168.0.2-10
255.255.255.0
isp gateway 192.168.0.1
Pri DNS 192.168.0.1
sec DNS 0.0.0.0
MTU 1500
Should the sec DNS list the DHCP Server address? .10
I think I will have to reconfigure back to the old way before the day is over and disconnect the ICS if I can't get it to work because it puts allot of stress on me and this poor guy.
The guests have all been great but he has been here the longest and he just lives on the internet.
I do appreciate all the effort you have put in and I do Thank you for your time.:wave:
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 07:45 PM
and what is doing the dhcp serving?
How did the other guest machines react when you changed the settings?
I just started to see some problems on the other computers trying to stay connected now that I have been trying to fix his
Smokin Joe
December 13th, 2008, 08:16 PM
No the mix of languages has nothing to do with it.
You have managed to introduce two gateways and the dhcp server is on .10 and you said it was .02 so something is amiss in the settings
Could the NAME OF THE DHCP be causing problems?
The Wireless Name is still called Gateway and it is now the DHCP server.
192.168.0.10
Could the Name of the device cause a problem for VIsta?
I will change the Name to DHCP server just for the heck of it.
I will let you know if there is any change.:wave:
NooNoo
December 13th, 2008, 09:30 PM
Right, let's get some terminology straight
The router is now acting as a switch (since it is not routing the internet any longer).
The DHCP server can reside anywhere but it must have a fixed ip address outside the pool of dhcp addresses it is going to give out. The DHCP server does not have a name.
Access points are closer to being hubs than switches and are definitely not routers!!
The gateway is the IP address of the machine (be it nic in a pc or a router).
All names should be in UPPPER case and contain no spaces or special characters
All names should be different for each piece of equipment on your own network so that you can use the \\server\sharedDevice convention
Keep it simple
Gateway PC - call it what you will - I would call it IGATEWAY
Access Points have SSIDs - this is NOT the same as a UNC Name (\\server\share)
Routers don't have UNC names
192.168.0.1 by convention is the gateway NIC
On your gateway machine, you will have two ips - one for each nic - what's the other nic getting for an IP?
Order your network by number so that IP addresses can be easily identified.
So the router which is being a switch I would put at 192.168.0.2
I would then leave a gap and start the Access points at 192.168.0.5
I would set the dhcp pool from 192.168.0.20 - 50 so I had plenty of addresses
On the client machines, nothing should be set - everything should be done via dhcp
Make sure that IE or whatever browser they are using doesn't have any proxy settings and untick the "automatically discover settings" in the browser.
How is the internet connected to the gateway pc? Usb modem? Ethernet Modem or something else?
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 12:26 AM
Right, let's get some terminology straight
The router is now acting as a switch (since it is not routing the internet any longer).
The DHCP server can reside anywhere but it must have a fixed ip address outside the pool of dhcp addresses it is going to give out. The DHCP server does not have a name.
Access points are closer to being hubs than switches and are definitely not routers!!
Point taken... I will stop describing how I had created an access point from a DI-624...Sorry
The gateway is the IP address of the machine (be it nic in a pc or a router).
All names should be in UPPPER case and contain no spaces or special characters
All names should be different for each piece of equipment on your own network so that you can use the \\server\sharedDevice convention
Keep it simple
Gateway PC - call it what you will - I would call it IGATEWAY
Access Points have SSIDs - this is NOT the same as a UNC Name (\\server\share)
Routers don't have UNC names
Got it
192.168.0.1 by convention is the gateway NIC
On your gateway machine, you will have two ips - one for each nic - what's the other nic getting for an IP?
Ewww should I really give that out. It's Dynamic.
I can email it if you wish it would be a public ip wouldn't it?
75.xxx.xx.210 is pretty close
Order your network by number so that IP addresses can be easily identified.
So the router which is being a switch I would put at 192.168.0.2
I would then leave a gap and start the Access points at 192.168.0.5
I would set the dhcp pool from 192.168.0.20 - 50 so I had plenty of addresses
Good information I didn't leave myself enough room.
On the client machines, nothing should be set - everything should be done via dhcp
When I do that I have trouble getting an internet connection I usually end up putting 192.168.0.1 in the advanced section for gateway and Dns. Under DHCP enabled. On the client computers.
The pages on the web browser are more likely to come up. Sorry but I don't have much luck not giving it some help.
Make sure that IE or whatever browser they are using doesn't have any proxy settings and untick the "automatically discover settings" in the browser.
Right! One of the first places I look.
How is the internet connected to the gateway pc? Usb modem? Ethernet Modem or something else?
Ethernet card to switch to Speedtouch modem.
The switch allows to networks to exist on the same internet connection.
I found a couple of logins and logouts for 169.254.185.x in the early stages of the log on the Gateway ICS but now the computers are all finding the DHCP Server and being given the proper address's.
I think the reason for the other guests having a problem was the inactivity time out but I have changed that.
The Vista still can't surf.
Thanks for the info:wave:
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 02:36 AM
After I did the ipconfig /all on the Vista Machine
I did the same on a couple of other computers and they all came up
with similar entries to mine identifying the DHCP server on .10
Just thought I would send this along.
Any idea as to why the Vista is seeing it as two different Gateways?
Noo Noo
It is getting pretty late and I took a moment and looked at the issue of two Gateways being identified. .1 & .10 and the DHCP is on .10
Well I went into network properties for ipv4 and removed the default setting of .1 in advanced which I was telling you I have good results using.
I removed it and reran the ipconfig /all
It now shows one default gateway too bad it ends in .10 and the DHCP is on .10
I have also been reading that others using Vista are having the same problem of multiple networks and have had results in uninstalling the adapter in device manager.
We tried that, but we were reluctant to click the box saying to delete the file for the driver in the uninstall window.
It reinstalled the device but it didn't fix it.
Tomorrow morning we will probably find a replacement driver and try the procedure but deleting the file this time.
We may try using an external usb wireless adapter to see if it makes a difference.
Any warnings or suggests would be appreciated:wave:
NooNoo
December 14th, 2008, 04:51 AM
OK, leave the Gateway info in the TCP/IP properties but remove the dns info... It should be able to find the gateway with that... it is finding the dhcp server so that's not an issue.
Have you tried pinging an internet address with the vista box?
In the cmd box with admin rights, type
ping 87.248.113.14
and hit enter
What do you get?
Now type tracert 87.248.113.14
Does it get there? If not, where does it stop?
X out your public ip as you did before, but leave the rest please
Vista shouldn't be looking at multiple networks - there is only one that the guest can use... right?
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 02:21 PM
Just the one network.
Different access points (with different WEP KEY for each) for different guests to use but only one network.
Please don't be lead astray. It is a problem with Vista and the guests machine.
My system may need a tune up or revision but this is a really great kid and I need to make his system operate.
I am about to go over and setup side by side with the guest.
After you had me do the ipconfig /all I did a little more digging in his VIsta and I removed the !92.168.0.1. in the properties.
Now Vista shows a default gateway of only .10 with a ipconfig /all.
I posted information concerning the results in a previous post.
Sorry it was very late and it is difficult to remove his information so I can post it.
I have found some information on Route in the command prompt.
I will try your information first and I am attaching a link to a thread that seems to have found the answer concerning a similar problem, if not the same.
Please look at it and tell me if you think I am on to something.
Any warnings cautions or help is very much appreciated:wave:
NooNoo
December 14th, 2008, 03:27 PM
Specifically this post (http://forums.techarena.in/windows-vista-network/911839-2.htm#post3830390) I would follow it to the letter
Interesting thing on the itunes bonjour network screwup too - does he have itunes?
And the other fix that seemed odd, but has some logic is disabling tcp/ip reboot, try to connect then diagnose and repair - it will re-enable it, but it might also reset it!
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 03:48 PM
OK, leave the Gateway info in the TCP/IP properties but remove the dns info... It should be able to find the gateway with that... it is finding the dhcp server so that's not an issue.
Have you tried pinging an internet address with the vista box?
In the cmd box with admin rights, type
ping 87.248.113.14
and hit enter
What do you get?
Now type tracert 87.248.113.14
Does it get there? If not, where does it stop?
The DHCP Server .10 (Which is odd because he shows up in the Connections in Bandwidth on the .1)
We will re run the trace and get back to you with results:wave:
PS. Just rebooted the whole system got your post on "Following the link to the letter" will try that after ping results
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 03:59 PM
It stops at .10
We are going to Follow the other link to the letter.:wave:
NooNoo
December 14th, 2008, 04:34 PM
Right so is it possible you have two dhcp servers .... turn off the dhcp on the router... I think ICS is doing the dhcp..
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 04:50 PM
I followed most of the steps the ones on Power management or Wake on lan were none existant.
I have tried the turn DHCP off before and we all ended up with limited connectivity
I just came over and I was going to "remove the ICS computer and run through the Router" like we used to.
I will turn off dhcp but I think this isn't going to fix it
Wish me luck if this doesn't work I will have to give up for awhile because it isn't fair to the kid.
Apparently last night he connected ok to a unsecure network in the area.
And was able to surf
NooNoo
December 14th, 2008, 05:29 PM
Has he got Itunes?
Smokin Joe
December 14th, 2008, 06:31 PM
SIGH Really BIG SIGH
It is a good sigh
Itunes? Why you want some:grin:
Your reply has caught me in the middle of this post and he does.
It was installed a couple of years ago and it really doesn't concern this.
After I got your last comment on two DHCP servers I disabled the DHCP on the access point.
Thanks buddy it came at the exact moment I needed it. I was just about to disconnect the ICS machine. And reconnect the router literally. 2 minutes later it would have been done.
Thanks Eh!
I disabled the DHCP and expected to get Limited connectivity.
It didn't???? My computer reconnected fine.
I am surprised... because I did it before and it didn't work properly and I had to reenable it.
Good news...DHCP is being handled by the ICS.
For how long I really can't guess I am somewhat sceptical. Sorry but I guess I can be negative especially if it didn't work the first time I tried.
Okay recap.
Access points all have DHCP disabled.
I can connect and surf no other guests are around except for Vista.
He COULDN'T connect until we uninstalled his adapter and had it delete the files for the driver. Did you notice the Past tense on the last line.
(We had already disabled his ipv6 earlier and it didn't make a difference.)
As soon as Vista reinstalled the adapter he was off and running. All his fancy connections to all these internet programs he has on his desktop fired up and he couldn't thank me enough. We never ran any more diagnostics in the command prompt. He literally disappeared with the whole Kit and Kabootle.
I hope this doesn't reoccur. I can't take much more I am falling behind on so many things.
Thank You For all your effort and support.:wave:
God Bless whoever you pray to.:thumbs:
I will be in contact with the sales department on the Bandwidth Manager and talk to them (long distance if need be) concerning the testing of their product.
I downloaded a version for testing from their website. It will run for an hour, long enough to find problems. I hate to be on the hook for a product that doesn't work properly and I have to live with the fact I paid for it.
I didn't respond to your comment on paying for it because I am just trying to get the ICS working.
Antamedia shows the most promise and I think it is exactly what I need.
Problem is if the ICS isn't working properly how can a software be expected to perform properly.
The limitations I am experiencing with compatiblity. (freezing after upgrades etc very possibly IE7) The reason I came to that conclusion is I ran the ABM (Antamedia Bandwidth Manager) after the initial install of the OS and drivers. No Problems
It was after a group update of 26 updates that ABM would freeze.
Another total reinstall creating restore points before each individual update and finally IE7 was all that was left.
I didn't trust the possiblity of not being able to uninstall IE7 from the restore point and I moved on. I had reached a conclusion it was the only thing left and I couldn't waste any more time.
Bandwidth Manager acted up the first time i tried to run it and I looked at other products. All seemed more complicated to setup but they all were designed to run on ICS so I forged ahead on at least getting the network based on an ICS connection.
Hopefully the DHCP keeps operating properly.
Thanks for all the input Noo Noo you have been a Great Help.
Joe
NooNoo
December 15th, 2008, 04:35 AM
Anytime. Keep us updated on the ABM...
Smokin Joe
December 15th, 2008, 12:59 PM
Hi Noo Noo
I contacted Antamedia and apparently it has come up before.
They said it isn't a problem to run it on Vista os.
They also mentioned they had an Antamedia Forum that I should check out.
Anyway they will be contacting me when the Beta 2 comes out.
I will probably contact sales in a day or two and see what kind of a deal is available if I purchase now and wait for the upgrade.
A friend mentioned I should remove it completely (IE) and use a different browser. He seemed to be of the opinion there is less security risk with Opera, Firefox or Mozzila.
Is that true?
Any security issues you can think of with running it on ie6 etc?
Thanks again Take Care:wave:
NooNoo
December 15th, 2008, 02:37 PM
IE7 is better than IE6 security wise... as to the others, you will get a bunch of differing opinions... they deal with things differently so you can make it more secure if you want to. Try it with firefox, I use firefox as well as IE as some sites work better in one or the other. There is also Google Chrome to consider
Smokin Joe
January 1st, 2009, 12:19 AM
Hi Noo Noo
Happy New Year:drink:
Well I purchased ABM the other day and I was setting up the Quotas that are available to the various guests (depending on their aproximate need) and was very surprised to see 5000 mb (5 gigs) disappear from one of the accounts in less than a day. I wasn't constantly watching it but in less than 12 hrs it was gone. Another 5000 added to the quota again gone in less than a day. The guy says he is hardly using it and when his computer was idle we were seeing 40 kbts traffic figures bounce up on the upload side of the scale. (On average the computer seemed to be leaking up and down in the low 20's and high teens. While it was idle!)
It is a little difficult to look for problems in the statistics section. It only lists log in and log out etc not usage. Also it lists the ip only and this can change everytime we connect so it is hard to look back and identify who is actually logging in and for how long.
In a couple of days I will be able to see todays and yesterdays internet activity on my internet provider account.
I have been trying to find the forum for ABM and see what they have to say, but I haven't found it yet.
(**Update** Google search doesn't find it but Yahoo does.
I also found some information on how to find the forum way down in my email confirming my purchase from Antamedia. They didn't provide a link and I guess I missed it the first time I read it. I have registered, at the forum, and now I am waiting for confirmation from the administrator.)
In my search for the forum I ran accross a couple of sites that have had problems with support at ABM. Hopefully I won't see any problems.
I have noticed a couple of bugs in the software. It lists more computers accessing the internet than showing in the connection section. I think it might be a bug related to different ip's given to the same computer.
If my computer has .17 for an ip and I close the lid and move to a different access point when I open it up and I remote to the gateway computer it list more computers connected than it shows in the connection screen and the traffic for my computer shows zero and yet I am producing traffic. I have to shut ABM (close and reopen) and restart and it will have corrected itself. It now shows my correct ip.
Any suggestions on how to confirm if the ABM software is monitoring the usage correctly (in realtime).:wave:
Smokin Joe
January 1st, 2009, 05:17 PM
I am register at the forum for ABM and it appears that they have been having some serious problems with the Bandwidth Manager software.
Freezing etc.
A few customers were begging for help until a small statment from Antamedia said that it would be fixed with the new release but no ETA was available.(less than 10 were shown and there could have been more which have been removed by the adminstrator) The complaints started in May 2007 and ran until Nov 2008
This was Antamedia's response
Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:45 am Post subject:
Bandwidth Manager will be reprogrammed completely as it uses the same engine like in HotSpot V1.
Since HotSpot V2 proved stable, we expect good performance after reprogramming. Unfortunately, we can't give any ETA at the moment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know if you will be able to view the post but I copied the forum address. They have registered user security access.
I have gotten around the freezing by not using IE7 and am still running IE6.
Problem is I don't see ABM doing the MONITORING OF USAGE in the way I need.
I think the software will control quality of service for everyone. Limiting the immediate speed and bandwidth in day to day usage (or minute by minute) so that everyone can connect and enjoy excellent speeds.
Problem is I need to be able to allocate (monthly) how much each guest is able to generate in traffic. This way I can designate a quota for each individual that will diminish over the month, resulting in a record of how much of the total I have available (per month) is being used by each guest.
From what I see so far this software isn't going to give me the record I am looking for.
The quota field in the accounts section seems to be for each session and I don't think it is accurate. It doesn't change (in the accounts section) as it is being used or it changes too quickly (in the connection section).
It appears to be flaky in that regard.
Can you suggest an economical alternate to record the traffic each guest is generating on a monthly basis?
NooNoo
January 2nd, 2009, 05:50 AM
I assume you are getting a refund from ABM!
I can't recommend any, since I don't run a wireless hotspot... but this might be worth a shot (http://www.hotspotsystem.com/en/hotspot/free_hotspot.html)
Search
hotspot software
to see others.
Smokin Joe
January 2nd, 2009, 10:49 AM
I assume you are getting a refund from ABM!
That last statment reminds me of something my teachers used to say years ago.
Never assume, it makes an *** of of U and MElol
I can't recommend any, since I don't run a wireless hotspot... but this might be worth a shot (http://www.hotspotsystem.com/en/hotspot/free_hotspot.html)
Search
hotspot software
to see others.
As I said before My Search Continues. I miss interpreted how the quota was supposed to work and didn't see how inaccurate it was so I may have a point to ask for a refund. ABM tried to upsell me to the Hotspot software but I never even tried it so I declined. I left a message in your personal profile which contained the message I recently sent to ABM. I will be trying for a refund or a credit towards their hotspot software, if it will do what I need. Others have had problems with trying to get resolution with Antamedia so I am not sure what to expect.
DO you think I should start another Post or continue with this one? (its title no longer is relavent)
A different post might bring to light other issues with Antamedia.
:wave:
NooNoo
January 2nd, 2009, 01:27 PM
Up to you if you start a new thread... this one tells the backstory.
Smokin Joe
January 2nd, 2009, 07:07 PM
Well I am contacting Visa at the moment and they are starting to give me a hard time about the "quality" of the service I have recieved from Antamedia Software.
I currently have them on the line. Any suggestions as to other recourses.
Smokin Joe
January 2nd, 2009, 07:27 PM
Well I completely reinstalled the ABM software. And the Quota's are appearing to operate as they should.
Quota's are shown in real time at the connection part of the interface as well as the accounts section where they are allocated.
I installed Firefox and had windows remove IE6 prior to the reinstall.
Problem is I don't know if the readings for the quotas are accurate.
I downloaded a Net Meter and I will try and do a comparison.
See ya Noo Noo:wave:
Smokin Joe
January 2nd, 2009, 07:32 PM
Well no need to install a meter in the lenght of time it took me to talk to Visa, enter a couple of posts the figures reduced by 4000MB. 4000MB in 15 min?
Just not possible.
Any explaination as to why that might have occured.
NooNoo
January 3rd, 2009, 07:32 AM
So visa refused to refund the charge? And did ABM also refuse?
4000 bytes instead of MB? Or megabits (divide by 8 to get megabytes)
Smokin Joe
January 3rd, 2009, 01:06 PM
So visa refused to refund the charge? And did ABM also refuse?)
Visa said that I need to contact the software company. I said I had tried.
Visa has issued a temporary refund waiting for conformation from Antamedia.
Visa problem is "If you recieved the software and the issue is QUALITY of product Visa said it wasn't up to them to provide a refund"
I stood firm told them the product didn't work and that it was up to them to return my money.
Next call was to AVANGATE (the people who actually take the payment on behalf of Antamedia) and I told them I had problems with the software.
His response was "You are the only one, I know of, who has had a problem"
Best defense is a good offense
I proceed to read to him the complaints in Antamedia's Forum, the forum I didn't have access to until I was a paying custormer, concerning this issue and he said Okay Okay....
He also said that I purchased it on the 29 of Dec and everyone is on holidays till the new year.
I said time is money. He said they will be back on Monday.
Good... now how long am I expect to try and make this work? Friday? Thursday?
Not sure what he said.
I said if this isn't working by Thursday I said I want my money back! I also told him I have contacted VIsa and that they will be contacting them.
He has email tech at Antamedia that I need attention ASAP.)
4000 bytes instead of MB? Or megabits (divide by 8 to get megabytes)
Noo Noo You mentioned MB
In ABM the contacts section showing the list of computers the speed shown is in KB/sec. Their is also a Quota section in the Connections area which the field in the Accounts section dictates how much is available.
The letters beside this field is in MB
Now I am going to be really embarrassed by what I am about to print.:eek:I ***umed that for every 1000 I put in the field I would be issuing 1 gig of quota.
Sounds like I am wrong in that :eek:***umption
If you have a sec could you please explain how I am to translate or formula the figure that I would put in the field so that I am issuing 1gig or 2 gig or 20 gigs
:wave:
NooNoo
January 3rd, 2009, 01:14 PM
OK
1 bit
8 bits=1 byte
1024 bytes= 1 kilobyte
1024 kilobytes = 1 megabyte
Now, bandwidth is (usually) measured in megaBITS not bytes.
MB should be megabytes, as megabits is usually shown as Mb/s (per second)
Given that you said it reads MB, then you are not far wrong... but if they meant Mb, then you divide by 8
Remember this figure will be for both upload and download, so every web page request uploads the request, then the page downloads (but packets have to be acknowledged and sent again sometimes).
You need to look at the help file for this section and see if they write out what the quota is in full words rather than acronyms.
Smokin Joe
January 3rd, 2009, 01:25 PM
Thanks I will try and look it over tonight.
I have to go shovel concrete in the basement. Pouring a new floor by hand.
NooNoo
January 3rd, 2009, 01:26 PM
good luck with that, and make sure you don't get the concrete on your skin... slow burns result.
Smokin Joe
January 3rd, 2009, 01:30 PM
Burns hah
I got Muscular Dystrophy now that is a bi*ch
NooNoo
January 3rd, 2009, 01:37 PM
True, sorry to hear that...
Smokin Joe
January 3rd, 2009, 01:40 PM
I really have to gooo.
I just got this from Tech at Antamedia
I will try to answer them tomorrow or tonight.
Noo Noo If you know anyone with MS or MD (or if you meet someone who has either because they say things happen for a reason....please tell them...) there is a fellow...
Dr William Code he is retired and is an emu farmer in Duncan BC. He cured himself of MS and he told me, because I have MD which is different
"You need Protein Whey"
I have more stamina than I did 5+ years ago but I have weakness in certain ranges of movement which is slowly getting worse. Allot better than it used to be and I am definitely greatful.
Support Antamedia
Explain me which settings you use for the creation of the accounts.
Make printscreen of the account and send it to support@antamedia.com in *.jpg format.
Specified upload & dowload quota can be used during time which you set when you create account.To specify upload & download limit in that time period use download & upload filed.
See yu:wave:
NooNoo
January 3rd, 2009, 01:50 PM
Ohhh good english!
Smokin Joe
January 3rd, 2009, 09:19 PM
Mine or their's?
Smokin Joe
January 3rd, 2009, 09:20 PM
:grin:
Smokin Joe
January 4th, 2009, 01:00 AM
After sending an email detailing some of the expectations, inaccuracies and flaky behaviour in their ABM software I recieved a response asking for screenshots of the software. Which I provided I also recieved a confusing statement which I have repeated back to the sender in the body of this post. Basically my response is as follows
Hi Vladmir
Please find attached the screen shots you were looking for.
When a computer makes a connection I right click the connection and put it in the accounts section.
Next I give it enough up load and down load speed to be able to browse the internet. 1500 up and 500 down these are NOT quotas. You seemed to think they had have bearing on the quota.
In your email you said
Specified upload & dowload quota can be used during time which you set when you create account.To specify upload & download limit in that time period use download & upload filed.
I don't think the manual mentions anything like you just indicated.
Then I give them enough Quota (your program says MB beside quota field) for to keep them happy for awhile.
5000 MB should be 5 gigs, shouldn't it. If I am wrong please tell me and I will put in a different number.
After a very short while 12 hrs or less the 5000 MB is gone in the quota field of the customers acc. So I give him another 5000 MB and 12hrs later it is gone as well.
There is a serious problem here because when I check with the ISP for the same period we have only had about 2gigs or less of traffic.
Another problem after a day or two the quota amount doesn't reduce anymore. It seems to change in the Connections window when the customer logs in but he is given the original amount that he had before in his account, without any reduction from the previous visits. So if I gave him 5000gigs the amount in the connection area reduces but when the customer disconnects the amount left in the connections area doesn't update the account when he logs out or disconnects. All the traffic he just generated didn't get reduced in his account.
Vladimir
You seem to have missed the questions I ask in my email so I will repeat them now
I need to be able to allocate (monthly) how much each guest is able to generate in traffic.(quota) This way I can designate a quota for each individual that will diminish over the month, resulting in a record of how much of the total is being used by each guest.
Is this software capable of keeping an accurate record of quota left after a number of different sessions over a period of a month?
If so how?
If I can't get the software to perform properly I will have to ask for a refund.
Let me know what you think
Joe
Just thought I would keep everybody up to speed on the issue:wave:
NooNoo
January 4th, 2009, 04:47 AM
Their english... and yes I would like to be kept up to date thanks!
Smokin Joe
January 6th, 2009, 02:08 PM
Well Noo Noo
I have sent another email to Antamedia support requesting my money back (4 in all)
Vladmir at ABM support requested screenshots. His description of the screenshot settings gave me a hint that if I was to adjust the time of usage & the quota's at the time of account creation it would work properly.
In other words when the accs are created that is the moment you select Max time and Max quota.
Doesn't fix the problem. 8000 MB disappears in 15 minutes usage.
Anyway I am done with this version of the software. I detailed in the email that I might be interested in testing their software in the future but for right now I would like my money back.
I CC Avangate (who collects the money) I CC sales for ABM and I sent it to Support.
Still looking for a good piece of software to monitor and control a group of computers that requires no client installation.
I need to be able to see how much traffic (in gigs or MB) each computer is using.
Take Care
Joe
NooNoo
January 6th, 2009, 05:14 PM
All I can do is google for you.. I think now that you have a very clear idea of how things work (or not) you should search for yourself - but I am happy to give you search terms
bandwidth management
hotspot software
internet quota
bandwidth quota
These are what I would use to start, then look at the first 5 pages of each, then it's a question of nosing around the site, the faq, the screenshots and sending emails to the authors..
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 02:12 AM
I have been attempting to test out some other software but when I see that you have to create rules I get ....intimidated.
Bandwidth Controller Standard Edition might be what I am looking for and it is only $30 US. I have downloaded a few but that is the one I am currently trying to research. It sounds like it might have some rules.... Sigh
I will let you know what I find and if I need any help I will start another post.
ABM at this point, I wouldn't recommend them.
Don't take it as a shot at you Noo Noo you were genuinely trying to help. It really did look like it would have been perfect. Very easy to setup and very little in the way of settings.
After posting on the ABM forum I was asked how I got the ABM to work. One of their customers bought the same software, a year ago. He indicated tech support was stumped so he never got it to work. He wanted to know how I got it to stop freezing. I explained about IE6 instead of IE7. ABM has continued to sell a faulty piece of software under the guise that it will be corrected in the next update.
Ivan, at ABM support, has asked me to send some more screenshots to show them how the software is misbehaving. I indicated that TIME IS MONEY and that I had shut the software off. I said I will restart it wait for my guests to come home and I will get back to him shortly. I said the whole process was a waste of time. I ended with the 5 or 6 request for my money back.
Take Care:wave:
NooNoo
January 7th, 2009, 04:46 AM
On the rules thing, I am afraid you are just going to have to bite the bullet and learn it. Intimidating yes, rewarding when you get your head round them? Definitely.
Most computers use rules...
If this happens, do that, if not, do this, and so on. The problem is that you perceive meanings differently to others - goes for the whole human race. So you have to sit down and work out what they mean.
If you want opinions about what they mean, please post the software in question and what you want to achieve with the rule.
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 04:59 AM
Bloody h*ll
How long do you think I have to live
NooNoo
January 7th, 2009, 05:11 AM
You seem to be a stubborn sod... so quite a while I should think! :D :D
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 05:29 AM
Trust me Noo Noo
I don't think I am being lazy I just don't have the time available. Even if I was to get my head around it (I have always said I can do anything given enough time) it will be too late and I won't be able to benefit from it's use. Too many other things in my life will come to a complete standstill.
Time marches on and I have to stop being stubborn and learn to do things easier.
I know I am slow but it isn't like I have to reinvent the wheel.
I look at some of this software and the statistics and details about udp and tcp and in the form it is coming at me it is useless.
I think I am tired and I must be ranting.
ABM has emailed me asking for screenshots which I cataloged the descrepancies and sent them back. I showed how clients login and logout without any change in their quota for their account. And other clients generate 10 gigs in an 10 hrs. They say that my system is capable of that traffic. I told them that when I went to confirm the useage at my ISP I have found that the readings were much less 1-2 gigs instead of 10.
I keep asking for a refund and I just told them to stop wasting my time.
I told them I have uninstalled the software and I sent them screenshots of their forum where customers were complaining that they couldn't get ABM to work.
I will hold onto the screenshots and send them to visa if they need proof that there software is faulty.
Nite Noo Noo
NooNoo
January 7th, 2009, 05:50 AM
Looking at Bandwidth Controller Standard Edition it doesn't allocate how many mb can be used, it limits the amount of bandwidth that each person can use, so no one runs out.
Think of a bridge without lanes on it - one person at one end can call for a large amount of people to cross the bridge... but if you have two people calling for people to cross the bridge, one of them is going to have to wait until the large amount has crossed. Bandwidth Controller Standard Edition appears to put lanes in the bridge so if you have two people calling, the people coming across have to stay within their lane. The rules define how wide the lane can be for each person.
Did you want to be able to cut people off if they have exceeded their file transfer amount? If you did, I don't think this is for you. If you just want to make it fair so everyone gets the same amount then this would work.
The rules thing looks scarier than it is... you set a rule for each computer saying how much of the total bandwidth you have they can use. So if you have a 2mbs connection (and it actually runs at 2mb!) and you have 5 clients, then they can have 40kbs each. So regardless of how fast the webserver is, your guest can only get 40kbs.
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 06:00 AM
Thanks I was starting to think it was too complicated.
Well I just can't stop looking
Thanks again
I really am going to bed
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 06:02 AM
What really gets me is I will start to see something that will probably do the trick and then I go look at the price ...some are over $1000
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 06:49 AM
I am definitely closer to going to bed.
I had looked at Softperfect Bandwidth Manager before but I wasn't able to create the rules successfully.
Maybe tomorrow.
The concrete went well. The wife and I did the whole job by ourselves. Took us 3 days 5-8 hrs a day all by hand mixing in a wheel barrow. 10' x 10' room.
And we know nothing.
I dropped a line a Softperfect to see if they had any friendly solutions for the trouble of rules creation.
Nite
NooNoo
January 7th, 2009, 07:00 AM
Yep... haven't found anything better yet...
Smokin Joe
January 7th, 2009, 11:52 PM
Noo Noo
After the 4 or 6 emails to ABM each detailing various problems relating to reliablity on the quota's in the software. (One client seems to never change his quota no matter how many times he logs in and out while another goes through 10 gigs and runs out of quota in a rediculously short time period.) These last 3 or 4 emails included screenshots showing settings and changes.
Well I just sent the last screenshot I will be sending and it was of the ISP Web page showing usage of 1.02 gigs total for yesterday. The day that one of my clients went through 10 gigs according to ABM.
I told them I am done with their software and it has been uninstalled.
The ball is in their court and it is a waiting game. I called Avangate (who collects the money) and told them I am done.
I said I will use the screenshots to show Visa my displeasure with their software.
I even have screenshots of their forum where the customers are pleading for help for over a year.
Hope this resolves quickly.
I installed Softperfect Bandwidth Manager and don't have a clue where to begin.
I sent another email to Softperfect asking how to start and detailing the to functions I need to test.
I felt it was best to ask them, at this point, since it was their software.
I was just letting you know about ABM.
If you want to see any of the info just ask.
Later:wave:
NooNoo
January 8th, 2009, 03:27 AM
Sounds like you have done all you can really with abm
On the bright side soft perfect have a public forum and the posts seem to get answered fairly quickly.
Smokin Joe
January 8th, 2009, 04:05 PM
Thanks Noo Noo
I never heard back from Softperfect on my request for help but after your reply I found the forum.
The first pages of the forum looked pretty scarey in some of the problems people are having to deal with. As I went further into the posts I see there are lots of posts from people as bad (or worse than me) and I will be reading enough of their posts to get it to run.
The problems people are having may not concern me and it will depend on what they are trying to get the software to do. My needs might not be as intrusive into traffic content.
How well it will run is another matter and will depend on me. There seems to be lots of help there.
TTFN:wave:
NooNoo
January 8th, 2009, 04:17 PM
Good Luck Joe!
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