Cant Detect VMS/Cant Detect Network Connection

Recently we upgraded our set top boxes (Main VMS downstairs, 3 IPC1100 small ones upstairs) Since then the TV has gone out at usually the same time (7:30-8:30 PM) and came back usually within a few hours but it has now been about 24 hours. The VMS is working fine but the 3 upstairs say it cant detect the VMS. Splitters have been changed, the Fiber Optic cable has been replaced and the Router has been moved downstairs into the same room as the VMS but the situation has been resolved.

I changed one of the splitters in my room and when I did and reset the box, the set top box wouldnt display the time and it said Cant Detect Network Connection but the time reappered on the set top box after a few hours. After triple checking that the cables plugged into the splitter were plugged in properly and tight it is back to not detecting the VMS error but now the TV across the hall (Which I at least think is not linked to the splitter in my room) is displaying the Cant Detect Network Connection error. I have a feeling that replacing the router wont change things but could this be linked to the Coax Cable or the boxes themselves?

Accepted answers

pacmusicman

If my memory is correct, those extra datafields appeared after a factory default of the router. They are normally blank with no information displayed.

I'm running low on things to check.

A large number of splits can attenuate signals to the point where it affects performance.

Using splitters that are older than MoCA 2.0 can cause problems with newer STBs.

Improperly terminated coaxial cable can cause problems with reception.

Another suggestion would be to, for testing purposes, disconnect all of the remote equipment (except for one mini STB) and see if it comes up correctly after a reboot.

The idea is to simplify the cabling network. There will be a 3-way splitter to connect the ONT, router, VMS and the feed to the other floor of the house.

At the second splitter, remove the feed from the first splitter and use a simple barrel connector to connect just one of the remote STBs and nothing else.

So now the network would include the following items:

ONT...Router...VMS...(splitter)---(barrel connector) mini STB.

Powercycle the mini STB and see if it can properly sync to the VMS/network.

If it is successful, remove that mini STB and try connecting another one. If successful, remove and try the last mini STB.

If each mini STBs can successfully connect to the VMS/network, then reconnect the second splitter and try the same test with only two mini STBs and nothing else.

If the repeat tests are successful, add the third mini STB. Now just all three mini STBs will be connected.

Repeat and continue to add back hardware until either running into a problem or everything is connected again.

I realize that this is a large undertaking. It is to prove out each portion of the coaxial network and determine if there is an attenuation issue or even a suspect cable.

The older STBs were completely self-contained systems. Each STB largely operated independently of each other.

The 1100 and 4100 operate differently. The VMS contains the "brains" while the minis are "dumb terminals".

The older stand-alone boxes could have been more tolerant of line irregularities than the newer systems.

All comments

pacmusicman

There could be several possibilities. Poorly prepped or loose coaxial cable, splitters that are not, at least MoCA 2.0, too much attenuation, wide open ports on splitters or a bad box could all cause issues.

Can you provide some more information about the setup. For example, how many splitters are there? Are they 2-way, three-way, four-way etc.?

Maybe some pictures of the cable work might help provide some clarification. Note: pictures that are submitted first go into queue for a Moderator to review. Once approved, the pictures will appear.

Gemini8083

The Splitters that were put in place were Verizon brand and three had been changed. The tv that is linked to the one I changed is currently working although the 2nd set top box I mentioned in my previous post is still not showing the time and showing cant detect network connection. Would you want pictures of the cable set up there?

pacmusicman

Pictures might shed some light.

If the VMS is the cause, the pictures won't indicate it., but testing could.

pacmusicman

That splitter looks good. How many splitters are in the "network"? Two-way, three-way, four-way?

Gemini8083

There are 3 2 to 1 splitters. Today the tvs turned back on as normal and worked fine and all of them (Including the VMS) went out at 1145 EST