2700HGV - Why did I bother?

[Simon]

Well, after waiting nearly 2 weeks, my 2700 has finally arrived, and I think it's duff.  Plugged it in and got a red power light, which started flickering after a while, then started flashing from red to green.  After another short while, it started flashing green on it's own, apart from about once every minute, when the red light flashed again.  Tried reset button, and nothing happens.  Won't connect to PC via Ethernet (Network cable unplugged), so there seems to be little I can do with it.      Any suggestions, before I drop a paving slab on it?

[ducky22]

Red power light hmm...

Usually means they're screwed.

Does it give out a DHCP address?

Try specifying your IP details manually ie. 192.168.1.1, 255.255.255.0 and load up http://192.168.1.254/recover.html or recovery.html or it might be htm - I can't quite remember. This worked for me a while ago. You'll also need a copy of the proper firmware for your model.

[ducky22]

I didn't read about the network cable unplugged. Sorry. Doing a few things at once :-P.

Have you tried via USB?

That page might not work on your version of the 2wire actually. I keep forgetting everyone here has the 2700 and not the 1800. You can also try the normal 'upgrade' firmware link which is /tech/upgrade.html.

If it loads, great. But make sure you use the correct firmware otherwise you're completely toast then.

[Simon]

I haven't tried with USB, but I will do in a bit.

[Sebby]

Simon, it sounds like it's faulty to me. It should initially boot with a flashing red light, then change to solid green, IIRC. Refresh my memory; where did you get it from?

[Simon]

It was a private seller on eBay, Seb, but one who will shortly be receiving very negative feedback, given that it took them nearly two weeks to send the bloody thing, and they have failed to answer any of my three emails.

It's now flashing intermittently red and green.  I am correct, that I should just be able to swap the ethernet cable from the existing router, and it should connect to the PC, yes?

[Sebby]

You are correct; the ethernet cable won't make any difference.

Is it one of the BT-branded ones?

[Simon]

The router?  Yes.  What's the button with the keyhole supposed to do?

[Sebby]

Mine doesn't have that (it's a generic 2Wire version) but I think what you're talking about might be the wireless access switch, so nothing to do with the problem here.

I'm wondering if re-flashing the firmware might help. I'm having a look now to see if there's some kind of recovery tool.

[Den]

It's there to let invited guests use you wireless router and bypass security.

[Sebby]

Simon, is it the single or dual SSID version?

[Simon]

Oh OK, thanks, Den.  Can't see there's much chance of that happening!

Seb, tried with USB - nothing.  Not even a ding dong.    I think it's the single - it only has one SSID on the label on the underneath.

[Sebby]

Actually, I've just noticed that you need to be able to get into the web interface to flash the firmware like I was going to suggest. I'll keep looking.

[Simon]

Yes, that's going to be the obstacle whatever we try, isn't it?

[Sebby]

I was thinking that there may be a firmware recovery tool, like there is for the BT Home Hub, but then I realised that there's only one for that because it's actually a SpeedTouch in disguise, and that's the way firmware is installed on SpeedTouch routers.

I think we may be out of luck.

If you paid with PayPal, it's worth raising a dispute. I'm sure the money isn't your only concern - you were probably looking forward to testing it out - but if you can get a refund (which is more likely if you raise a dispute) you can get yourself another one.

[Simon]

It's strange that when I power cycle it, the red light then comes on solidly for a time, then starts to blink, then it goes to intermittent green / red.  Seems almost like something isn't 'warming up' properly, or perhaps someone put the wrong firmware in and fried it?  Possibly why it was so cheap, but they didn't say it was faulty in the listing.

[Sebby]

It's certainly possible, Simon, though unless we can find a way to flash it how it is, we'll never know.

I guess it could also be the power supply.

[Simon]

If you paid with PayPal, it's worth raising a dispute. I'm sure the money isn't your only concern - you were probably looking forward to testing it out - but if you can get a refund (which is more likely if you raise a dispute) you can get yourself another one.

You're right, Seb, the money isn't the point, but equally, I don't see why they should get away with stitching me up, so I will send them one final email, informing them that I am about to raise an immediate dispute with PayPal.  Do you happen to know if I am obliged to return the faulty item?  If not, I would happily donate it to someone who wants to take it to bits, for nothing more than postage costs.

It's certainly possible, Simon, though unless we can find a way to flash it how it is, we'll never know.

I guess it could also be the power supply.

I did think about the power supply, but unfortunately, I haven't got another one with the right 'end' to try.  I am bidding on a couple of other 2700s, so we'll see what comes of that.  These are newer ones though, so I don't think I would be able to use the 'special' firmware would I?

[kinmel]

It's strange that when I power cycle it, the red light then comes on solidly for a time, then starts to blink, then it goes to intermittent green / red.  Seems almost like something isn't 'warming up' properly, or perhaps someone put the wrong firmware in and fried it?  Possibly why it was so cheap, but they didn't say it was faulty in the listing.

Exactly the same thing happened to me with one from a seller in Glasgow, who refunded my payment.

2Wire Tech Support told me that the router was failing to POST and keeps re-cycling. Probably due to damage in transit and the unit would need to be returned to them for repair.

They sent me the following table which describes how to interpret the indicator lights:-

Power Light                                     Operating State

OFF                                               The gateway is not getting power.
Blinking green (slow)                       The gateway is undergoing POST (power-on self test).
Solid green                                     Power is on.
Blinking orange                               The gateway is undergoing a software upgrade.
Solid red System error.                    Contact Technical Support.

Ethernet, Wireless, or USB Light        Operating State

OFF                                               The gateway is powered off or booting up.
Solid green                                     Device(s) connected via Ethernet, wireless, or USB.
Flickering green                               Data traffic is coming into or going out from the network.

[Sebby]

You're right, Seb, the money isn't the point, but equally, I don't see why they should get away with stitching me up, so I will send them one final email, informing them that I am about to raise an immediate dispute with PayPal.  Do you happen to know if I am obliged to return the faulty item?  If not, I would happily donate it to someone who wants to take it to bits, for nothing more than postage costs.

I don't think you're obliged as such, but the seller might ask you to send it back for a refund, which would reasonable (even though he's not exactly been a great seller).

I did think about the power supply, but unfortunately, I haven't got another one with the right 'end' to try.  I am bidding on a couple of other 2700s, so we'll see what comes of that.  These are newer ones though, so I don't think I would be able to use the 'special' firmware would I?

There is SBC firmware available for the single SSID BT model (as I believe it's the same hardware as Rik and I have), but I don't believe there's unlocked firmware for the dual SSID models, so you have to do DNS poisoning.

[kinmel]

Do you happen to know if I am obliged to return the faulty item?

Paypal's dispute proceedure requires you to return the item to the seller at your own cost, however many sellers tell you to throw it away.

Paypal T&Cs

13.7 Claims Procedures. If you escalate a Dispute into a Claim, we will gather information from you and the seller and determine eligibility for reimbursement under the Buyer Protection Programs in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Here are some important things to remember about the Claim process:

   1.

      If a buyer files a Claim asserting receipt of a Significantly Not as Described item, we will generally require the buyer to return the item to the seller at the buyer's expense and to provide proof of return delivery. In some circumstances, we may require the buyer to send the item to us or to a third party specified by us, to obtain documentation from a qualified third party substantiating the Claim, or to provide evidence that the item has been destroyed. In some instances, we may ask a buyer to support a Claim by filing and supplying a copy of a police report.
 

[Simon]

Christ, it hardly seems worth the trouble for thirteen quid, but I've initiated the dispute now, so we'll see what happens.  I suspect he won't even bother to respond, as he hasn't done so far.

There is SBC firmware available for the single SSID BT model (as I believe it's the same hardware as Rik and I have), but I don't believe there's unlocked firmware for the dual SSID models, so you have to do DNS poisoning.

Hmm... so really, it would be better finding an older model, but it's a double edged sword, as you obviously run more risk then, of getting a dodgy one, like mine.  Is DNS poisoning something that 'sticks' once it's done, or does it keep having to be maintained?  One thing I don't want with one of these, is a lot of fiddling about, in which case, I would rather keep my Netgear.

[Sebby]

Christ, it hardly seems worth the trouble for thirteen quid, but I've initiated the dispute now, so we'll see what happens.  I suspect he won't even bother to respond, as he hasn't done so far.

It's worth a try.

Hmm... so really, it would be better finding an older model, but it's a double edged sword, as you obviously run more risk then, of getting a dodgy one, like mine.  Is DNS poisoning something that 'sticks' once it's done, or does it keep having to be maintained?  One thing I don't want with one of these, is a lot of fiddling about, in which case, I would rather keep my Netgear.

I believe that once the DNS poisoning is in place, you don't have to do anything. A lot of people have bought the dual SSID model and they seem fine. Plus, they're going to be new, so - as you say - there's less chance of faulty units.

[Simon]

I have a few I have my eye on, so I'll keep you posted.  Thanks for the advice, Seb, and Kinmel.     

[Sebby]

Pleasure. Thanks for the karma.