D-Link Forums

COVR - D-Link Whole Home Systems => COVR-C1203-US => Topic started by: m8377 on March 10, 2019, 06:56:32 PM

Title: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: m8377 on March 10, 2019, 06:56:32 PM
I have setup my system to use Ethernet backhaul with both B nodes plugged into an unmanaged switch. Sometimes when I am using a device (browsing internet, streaming video) it will become slow for up to 20s on that single device. I managed to get a speedtest running during this and my speed goes from 80mbit -->1mbit during the slowdown.

This can happen when I am in the same room as either the A or a B node where the device has no reason to switch between nodes.
Running Hardware A, FW 1.05. I have started logging to a syslog server and can upload the log on request. Same with screenshots/setting.bin.

Any ideas on what would cause this?

Edit:
After 5min of syslog I have almost 2k lines that are almost all spamming these messages https://imgur.com/a/rhbshFN
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on March 10, 2019, 09:32:10 PM
Link>Welcome! (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=49573.0)

  Link> >FW Update Process (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=42457.0)


Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations

What is the distance between the router point and the remote points? Feet?

Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: m8377 on March 11, 2019, 09:12:25 AM
Link>Welcome! (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=49573.0)

  • What region are you located?
Canada - We share most hardware/software config with the US. Hoping this may be an issue with US version as well?

  • Has a Factory Reset (http://blog.dlink.com/what-is-a-reset-button-when-should-i-use-it) been performed?
Yes
  • Was a Factory Reset performed before and after any firmware updates then set up from scratch?
  Link> >FW Update Process (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=42457.0) Yes


Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations
  • What ISP Service do you have? Cable or DSL?
Shaw Cable
  • What ISP Modem Mfr. and model # do you have?
Hitron CGNM-2250  set to bridged mode

What is the distance between the router point and the remote points? Feet? Both B nodes are ~20ft from the main node, about 2-3 rooms away.

  • Any 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless house phones or WiFi APs near by that maybe causing interferences?
There is a 2.4ghz home phone. 0 nearby WiFi networks on 2.4 or 5G.
  • Any other WiFi routers in the area that maybe causing interferences? Link> Use a WiFi Scanner (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=48327.0) to find out. How many?
0 Nearby networks

After resetting I though I would try setting up the B nodes as wireless. Now I see the B nodes connect, get the solid white light. Then after 2-5 minutes the light will flash orange, white then go solid. If I unplug the B node and measure the wifi signal it looks stable.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on March 11, 2019, 09:30:29 AM
Ok, 20 feet maybe a bit too close. I would try 30 feet if wireless with the B remotes.

So when Ethernet connected to the B Points, any switches in between the A router and B Points? If so, Mfr and model# of this switch?

I would test the current wireless configuration with B points wirelessly connected to see if anything continues to hang. Keep us posted.
If nothing hangs, I would then connect just 1 B point via ethernet and test again.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on March 31, 2019, 09:44:30 PM
I have setup my system to use Ethernet backhaul with both B nodes plugged into an unmanaged switch. Sometimes when I am using a device (browsing internet, streaming video) it will become slow for up to 20s on that single device. I managed to get a speedtest running during this and my speed goes from 80mbit -->1mbit during the slowdown.

This can happen when I am in the same room as either the A or a B node where the device has no reason to switch between nodes.
Running Hardware A, FW 1.05. I have started logging to a syslog server and can upload the log on request. Same with screenshots/setting.bin.

Any ideas on what would cause this?

Edit:
After 5min of syslog I have almost 2k lines that are almost all spamming these messages https://imgur.com/a/rhbshFN

I have encountered similar problems with my COVR 1203 system.  In wireless mode it works fine and has been very stable.  But as soon as I plug a cable into one of the ports so that it goes into wired backhaul mode, it can become unstable.  Sometimes an individual node appears to vanish from the network.  Other times connected devices become unresponsive.

After playing around with it tonight, I am seeing a tripling of performance with the nodes using wired backhaul as compared to their wireless throughput, and yet the nodes are constantly flashing orange, and the management interface reports a "Weak" quality connection.  And yet I'm getting 300mbps from them, so there's nothing wrong with the connection.

All the nodes and the A (main) point are connected to the same unmanaged switch.

Any ideas as to what may cause the occasional instability, or why the nodes flash orange?  Maybe the backhaul software is buggy?  It was just added in the latest revision (1.05) from the looks of it.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 01, 2019, 06:37:10 AM
Link>Welcome! (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=49573.0)


Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations

Are the remote Points connected to any kind of LAN switch? if so, what is the Mfr and model# of this switch?
Using CAT6 LAN cabling?
When connecting the remote point to the A point via lan cable, how long are you waiting before checking the top LED behavior? Ive seen it go WHITE in about 1-2 minutes.
Try connecting the remote Point while in the same room as the A point router using a short cable?

What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and remote points?

I have encountered similar problems with my COVR 1203 system.  In wireless mode it works fine and has been very stable.  But as soon as I plug a cable into one of the ports so that it goes into wired backhaul mode, it can become unstable.  Sometimes an individual node appears to vanish from the network.  Other times connected devices become unresponsive.

After playing around with it tonight, I am seeing a tripling of performance with the nodes using wired backhaul as compared to their wireless throughput, and yet the nodes are constantly flashing orange, and the management interface reports a "Weak" quality connection.  And yet I'm getting 300mbps from them, so there's nothing wrong with the connection.

All the nodes and the A (main) point are connected to the same unmanaged switch.

Any ideas as to what may cause the occasional instability, or why the nodes flash orange?  Maybe the backhaul software is buggy?  It was just added in the latest revision (1.05) from the looks of it.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 01, 2019, 06:37:44 AM
Any status on this?

I have setup my system to use Ethernet backhaul with both B nodes plugged into an unmanaged switch. Sometimes when I am using a device (browsing internet, streaming video) it will become slow for up to 20s on that single device. I managed to get a speedtest running during this and my speed goes from 80mbit -->1mbit during the slowdown.

This can happen when I am in the same room as either the A or a B node where the device has no reason to switch between nodes.
Running Hardware A, FW 1.05. I have started logging to a syslog server and can upload the log on request. Same with screenshots/setting.bin.

Any ideas on what would cause this?

Edit:
After 5min of syslog I have almost 2k lines that are almost all spamming these messages https://imgur.com/a/rhbshFN
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on April 03, 2019, 07:38:41 PM
Ok, I have resolved the issue, after consulting twice with D-Link support (who were ultimately able to successfully identify the problem).

I had to change the switch that the system was operating through.  The original switch I was using was a D-Link GO-SW-8G 8-port unmanaged gigabit switch.  When advised of that, D-Link Support responded with the following:

"Unfortunately, we have reported cases that Covr backhaul will not work with GO-SW-8G or any older D-Link switches that uses [sic] IEEE 1905.1 control packets with 01-80-C2-00-00-13.  DGS-105 and DGS-108 and [sic] work fine with the Ethernet backhaul."

After receiving that news, I changed the switch to a Netgear GS308v2 (which I happened to have on-hand), and the problem was immediately resolved.  The nodes switched to solid white LED indications, and the web interface now reports an "excellent" connection.

I'm not sure how to determine if a switch uses the protocol/control packet scheme they describe, but it must be listed in the specs somewhere.  My Netgear just happened to work.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on April 03, 2019, 07:44:00 PM
I have setup my system to use Ethernet backhaul with both B nodes plugged into an unmanaged switch. Sometimes when I am using a device (browsing internet, streaming video) it will become slow for up to 20s on that single device. I managed to get a speedtest running during this and my speed goes from 80mbit -->1mbit during the slowdown.


I was seeing similar symptoms during my first configuration attempt, where the two COVR points were plugged into one switch, and the Point A (Main) node was plugged into a different switch.  When I plugged all the points into the same switch, my slowdown issues disappeared and I was getting excellent performance, but I was left with flashing orange LED behaviour off the two satellite COVR points.

It was only after replacing that switch with a different model (as described in my other post) that my problems were fully rectified.

So it looks like these things may all need to be plugged into the same switch, and a specific type/class of switch in order for the Ethernet backhaul to function correctly?
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: m8377 on April 03, 2019, 10:46:00 PM
Update: I've been using WiFi backhaul as I need this network to be stable. When I was trying to use ethernet backhaul I was plugging Dlink A node port 1 to the modem, port 2 to TP-Link TL-SG108 switch. This is . DLink Node B_1 is plugged into a second TP-Link TL-SG108, which is plugged into the first switch. I will try plugging both to the same switch over the weekend. I think this model has the same specification as the DGS-105?
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 04, 2019, 06:27:24 AM
Here are the specs for your TP-Link:
https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/8-port-switch/tl-sg108/ (https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/8-port-switch/tl-sg108/)
This is not the same as D-Links DGS-105/108.

I see it has "Green Ethernet technology saves power consumption". This feature may also effect how the COVR points connect. I would recommend getting into a D-Link DGS-105/108 switch as they are proven to work with COVR systems.

Update: I've been using WiFi backhaul as I need this network to be stable. When I was trying to use ethernet backhaul I was plugging Dlink A node port 1 to the modem, port 2 to TP-Link TL-SG108 switch. This is . DLink Node B_1 is plugged into a second TP-Link TL-SG108, which is plugged into the first switch. I will try plugging both to the same switch over the weekend. I think this model has the same specification as the DGS-105?
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: m8377 on April 04, 2019, 11:30:45 AM
You're right about the different specs. The DLink switch uses 802.3ab, 802.3u, 802.3, 802.3x and 802.3az. The TP-Link is using 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3x, 802.1p. For the previous posters that had the switches setup, did you have 4pair or 2pair ethernet cables?

I'm going to try to get a D-Link switch next week for testing.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 04, 2019, 12:03:22 PM
CAT6 and CAT6a in my home 4 pair cabling.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: Tikkaspecial on April 04, 2019, 07:31:43 PM
This is a disappointing read. I have the WIFI dropping symptoms described here but I am using WIFI backhaul. I was going to try wired backhaul thinking it may solves the issue before taking them back to the store for a refund.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 04, 2019, 08:08:48 PM
What is the distance between the A Point router and the B Points? Feet?
What FW version is currently loaded on the System?


This is a disappointing read. I have the WIFI dropping symptoms described here but I am using WIFI backhaul. I was going to try wired backhaul thinking it may solves the issue before taking them back to the store for a refund.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: Tikkaspecial on April 05, 2019, 04:01:26 AM
About 20 feet and all updated to 1.05 (which I couldn't do via app, had to do via browser). However, having had the issue when I [finally] got them all upgraded and communicating, and still having the same issue the next morning, they no longer seem to be dropping the signal. Very confusing because nothing in the setup has changed. I'm hoping they remain this way!
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 05, 2019, 06:24:48 AM
20 feet maybe too close and the wifi signal overlap is causing problems. Try 30 feet.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: m8377 on April 16, 2019, 11:35:20 AM
Testing with the DLink switch still has issues, although they are less then before. I am running FW 1.06 from ftp://ftp.dlink.ca/PRODUCTS/COVR-C1203/COVR-C1200_REVA_FIRMWARE_1.06.BIN on the suggestion of a D-Link support staff member. I am testing right now with only 2 nodes "A" and 1x "B" node placed ~50feet apart on opposite sides of the house. I still see on occasion that the B node will flash orange and any wifi devices connected to it will hang and not communicate with outside internet. I have not been able to test with connecting to a local device, or with a ethernet device on the B node. The WebUI suggests that the B node is using ethernet because if I reset the device and use wifi backhaul I get orange signal strength. If I reset again and use ethernet I get full green bars on the signal strength.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 16, 2019, 11:43:03 AM
Might ask support people that if this doesn't clear up, might ask for an RMA...
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on April 22, 2019, 09:13:19 AM
I am running FW 1.06 from ftp://ftp.dlink.ca/PRODUCTS/COVR-C1203/COVR-C1200_REVA_FIRMWARE_1.06.BIN on the suggestion of a D-Link support staff member.

I take it 1.06 is still in beta?  Overall it sounds like it has been stable for you?  Does anyone know what it fixes and what the release timeline is?
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: davevt31 on April 22, 2019, 10:36:58 AM
Try the new 1.07 version:

http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=74759.0 (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=74759.0)
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on April 22, 2019, 11:54:10 AM
Try the new 1.07 version:

http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=74759.0 (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=74759.0)

This just got pushed out to my network.  Previously the app, the web interface, and D-Link's support page all showed 1.05 as the current version.  I checked with tech support earlier today, who mentioned that 1.07 was about to pushed and that the web site had been missed in terms of getting updated with the new version info.  Installing 1.07 as we speak...
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on April 24, 2019, 07:45:19 PM
Since updating to 1.07 my connectivity while using wired backhaul seems to have regressed.  Having several drop-outs across two iPhones and a Google Home unit.  I've reverted to wireless backhaul for the time being.  I may try and pick up a DGS-108 and see if that makes a difference or solves the problem...

Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 25, 2019, 06:31:04 AM
Let us know how it goes.

I'll be connecting mine via ethernet in the next couple of days or this weekend.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on April 25, 2019, 07:06:26 AM
 Will do, I ordered a DGS-108 last night.  Let me know how it goes for you.

When I am seeing drop outs, it is not necessarily a full-on drop out.   As in, the main newsfeed in the Facebook app will refresh no problem, but when you go to expand out comments they sometimes won’t load. Similar with Instagram. Other apps sometimes are unaffected.  And it’s intermittent. Will be interesting to see if the different switch fixes things.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 25, 2019, 07:52:38 AM
Ya saw similar issues when I first had the 1203 online. Be in bed strolling thru FB and then all of a sudden would get to the bottom and nothing else would come up. Hoping this new FW will have fixed this as well.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 27, 2019, 11:27:54 AM
Ok, just completed getting the 1203 online. Wire connected remotes. Will let it run and see how it goes.  ;)
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on April 29, 2019, 11:00:01 AM
Still running good.  ;)
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on May 01, 2019, 08:30:07 AM
Last Friday I installed the DGS-108 switch that D-Link support recommended I use in conjunction with my COVR-1203 units (who are all running v1.07 of the firmware), but I'm still getting random drop-outs while using wired backhaul.

The drop-outs happen over wi-fi only, and only seem to affect certain apps (or ports?).  For instance, last night neither my wife nor I could get our Facebook feeds to refresh, but when I tried accessing Facebook on my laptop (which was connected via ethernet), the site responded fine.  So it wasn't a Facebook issue, nor was it a global issue with the LAN in my house.  It was a problem only with devices connected via wi-fi.  Rebooting the COVR system solved the problem, as killing and re-launching the Facebook app (iOS) did not initially restore connectivity.

This morning I noticed a drop-out while on Facebook on my phone.  I checked a few other apps at the same time.  Instagram was also not responding, but Safari was, as were a few other apps that I tried.  A few got hung up though.  So it is not affecting all connectivity.  Is it possible these drop-outs are occurring over a range of ports for some reason?

I was able to regain connectivity by going into and out of Airplane Mode, which cycled the wifi radio.

My Google Home also needed to be rebooted this morning because it had lost connectivity.  This also only happens when I'm using wired backhaul.  I never have to reboot it when using wireless backhaul.

Thoughts?  I think I'll get in touch with D-Link tech support again.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on May 01, 2019, 08:42:43 AM
I presume the system has had a factory reset performed and setup from scratch since v1.07 was applied?
Yes I would ask for an RMA. If they send you one, request that it comes already loaded with v1.07...

Only thing I've noticed on mine is that some mobile apps like wikipedia don't seem to get all the data traffic from the Internet completely or fully. I haven't had any issues with wifi drop outs though. Devices are getting Internet data. I need to factory reset and setup from scratch to see if this helps with getting better data traffic to apps.
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: tedmac on May 24, 2019, 09:03:39 PM
I presume the system has had a factory reset performed and setup from scratch since v1.07 was applied?


I had not done a factory reset, good call.  I did so right after you posted, and since then I haven't had any issues, nor has my wife.  1.07 seems to have fixed the wired backhaul flakiness!  But it did require the factory reset to make it effective.

Anyone else see an improvement under 1.07?
Title: Re: Covr-1203 WiFi hangs intermittently
Post by: FurryNutz on May 26, 2019, 10:18:46 AM
Enjoy.  ;)