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If you're using the Aztech DSL1015EW(S) router provided to you by Singtel, you might have noticed that your WIFI devices (that means your SMART TV, your smartphones) might not be able to access the Internet.
If you call Aztech, they're going to tell you to configure your DSL1015EW(S) to change the domain name server setting. If you call Singtel/Singnet, they're going to redirect you to Aztech. Well, don't be fooled by them!
The problem is that, Aztech did not think through their product design properly!
How can you prove that this is the case? Here's how. In the browser on your WIFI devices, try going to http://173.194.38.184. If you can see the Google page, it proves that your WIFI devices have Internet connectivity. Now, try going to http://www.google.com/ If it doesn't work, you know for sure that it is the fault of the Aztech DSL1015EW(S) router!
Try also http://66.220.149.88 (which is www.facebook.com). Again, you should be able to view Facebook if you view it by the IP address, but not the domain name.
Why is this happening? In simplified terms, each Internet name address (www.facebook.com, www.google.com) resolves to a numeric address (such as 66.220.149.88 and 173.194.38.184) known as an IP address. The system to convert an Internet name address to a IP address is known as a DNS system.
Besides connecting you to the Internet, a router/modem is supposed to tell your computer, and your WIFI devices that www.google.com resolves to 173.194.38.184 and that www.facebook.com resolves to 66.220.149.88. If your WIFI devices provide a way for you to specify the DNS server IP address, then specifying 8.8.8.8 (as one) would work. 8.8.8.8 is the DNS that Google provides. Regardless of your ISP, you can use this setting.
Traditionally, such a router/modem device would have (through a DHCP exchange - a way for networked devices to ask where to redirect requests for such information) the ability to do so, but the Aztech device doesn't.
So, now that you know what the problem is, demand Singtel to change your modem to a non-Aztech one!
In technical terms, the DSL1015EW(S) doesn't resolve DNS nor forward DNS queries to the DNS server upstream. Why does it work for your laptops or computers? This is because your Singnet technician probably set the DNS server setting onto your computer, without you knowing! And since you're not technical enough to know what that setting does, or the technician didn't explain it to you in a layman term that you can understand, you didn't ask further.
It's frustrating to hear that vendors are taking the easy way out when it comes to hardware production. I've had a lot of bad experiences with Aztech in the past as well.
Hello,
After reading this article, I realized that I have the problems in reaching certain websites by using ip addressess, but domain name addresses are ok. I have tried on iPad, Galaxy Tab 7.7 and Note II LTE and all encounteted the same problems. I subscribed to SNBB 6MB and given the Aztech DSL1015EW (S) modem router.
Although any simple and not technically trained customer would not know or mind this leaked, SingTel should not gave this Aztech modem to their customers.
I am going to ask for an exchange, but what should I tell them in order for SingTel to exchange for me?
Any expertise please kindly assist and advise.
Thank you.
moses,
If domain names worked and IP addresses doesn't, then you're not having the issue described in this article.
You need to troubleshoot this on your own first, or get someone knowledgeable enough to do so.
Yes, this model of the Aztech given to customer is a junk!!period. I experience the exact problem as described. the stupid dhcp do not give out the DNS servers. Moreover if you activate password, also cannot login. this model is meant for mioTV ONLY where all parameters are fixed.
Is true that I encountered this problems with my previous dsl1015ew(s) router. However, one day recently, I called up singtel claiming that my home wifi range and signal dropped quite often and they sent a technician down to my house to check...finally, they replaced my previous dsl1015ew(s) router to another dsl1015ew(s) similar router but the gateway interface showing additional options, which the channels have from auto, 1 to 13, instead of 1 to 11, I configured it to channel 13, and everything seems to be resolved, and the range also wider...have checked the new dsl1015ew(s) router firmware has been updated.