Advice with DNS errors needed

[Tek_Ed]

I need some advice - I have had my PS3 for years and I have used it on several different ISPs over this time and not had many issues. I have moved onto BT (British Telecom) as my ISP and they have provided me with a BT Home Hub.

I don't recall having this problem immediately, but over the last couple of months I have been unable to remain signed into PSN for any long length of time (sometimes 10 mins, sometimes 1 1/2 hours) and my internet access from the PS3 is unstable also. The error messages I am getting are all DNS related. I am using my BT Home Hub wirelessly

Once disconnected I cannot get back into PSN or the interweb. I can only get back on by testing the network connection using the PS3s 'network test' utility. As the PS3 tests, it obtains an IP address, connects to internet (but often fails on PSN due to timeout) and then it seems ok for a while (internet works, PSN connects) - then another 'disconnected from PSN' and attempting to sign in again results in another DNS error. The PS3 internet browser will also say there is a DNS error.

My netbook works fine and always connects to my network. There is the occasional drop-off of the internet connection, but only for a few seconds at a time.

I have accessed the router menu and added my PS3 as a priority device, but this has not helped.

I reset my router to default settings, still no fix.

I have manually set my PS3 network settings (Default Gateway, Prinary and secondary DNS, IP address) to no avail.

MAIN QUESTION - Does the above problem relate to the age of my PS3 (maybe a hardware problem) or to my ISP?

Do I need to ring up my ISP and bitch at them?

Do I need to wire up my PS3 rather than wireless?

Any advice would be much appreciated! I am at my wits end!!


SUMMARY
Switch to BT ISP (BT Home Hub router) - seemed fine, now problems
DNS errors causing unsable PSN/Internet browser
Netbook working almost normal (occasional disconnect)
All on wireless network
'test connection' on PS3 seems to temporarily fix the problem
Is this my PS3, router or ISP causing problems?

 

[ScottMac]

It sounds like interference. Try running something like Netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com - it's free) to see what channels are in use in our neighborhood and to get an idea of noise levels. Then move to the least populated channel with tje best signal quality.

Other things that might help: reposition the PS3 wireless antenna / move it a few centimeters in various directions to get the highest signal strength. 2.4GHz is a ~11 cm wavelength, so a small distance can change the signal strength/quality a lot in some situations.

Check to see that you only have one source of IP addresses on your network. If you have some combination of sources (static + DHCP server or two DHCP servers, for example) they can cause two (or more) devices with the same address to fight over the traffic ... so it looks like an intermittent connection, but it's really one device taking control of the address. The DHCP protocols are supposed to prevent this, but sometimes they don't ... for a variety of reasons you probably don't care about.

 

[Tek_Ed]

Many thanks for the much needed advise. A couple of return points.

Signal strength is shown at 100% (only 1 wall between the router and the PS3). Also, I have a 4.5 meg download and 550Kbps Upload. I only use one of my devices on the network at a time, so I don't think my netbook and PS3 are fighting over the IP address.


I will use netstumbler tonight to check that there are no other signals on the same channel. I do live in a terrace and nextdoor also use a Home Hub router, so this could well explain the problems I am experiencing.

I was also thinking about wiring up my PS3 onto the network for a couple of nights. I guess if the problem persists with wired connection then this would rule out all aspects of the wireless network and make it a little easier to find what the problem is, i.e. problem = PS3, router or ISP...

 

[Tek_Ed]

Scottmac, you were spot on.. Downloaded Netstumbler and changed my router's channel to 6 as there was next to no traffic on that channel and a few other users on the channel I was using previously. I played on the PS3 online for a good few hours last night with no sign in problems and no sign of the dreaded DNS error. I am no longer being kicked out of PSN and my internet is stable.

Thankyou!!! :biggrin::thumbsup: