Nighthawk RAX45 (Costco) only sees internet when NordVPN is running (Spectrum ISP)

[DonKOtay]

My situation seems odd... 

I use Spectrum and a Motorola modem (not a Spectrum router, just the modem).  I have been running

my network using Google Wifi and I wanted to connect something which used Wifi 6 for some of my

newer devices, so I got the Nighthawk RAX45 (Costco)...

At first I just tried connecting the RAX45 off the ethernet port on the Google Wifi.  And all seemed fine.

I can connect to the Internet and do whatever I need to do.  I can turn my VPN on and off and have no

issues with my internet connection.  

But I wanted to have my Nighthawk as the FIRST router in this chain and piggyback the Google Wifi

off one of its ethernet ports.   I was thinking this might give my WIFI 6 devices the best connection and

overall performance (since that's my goal)

That's when I ran into problems. 

The Google Wifi router STILL WORKS FINE connected off the RAX45 ethernet port.

But the RAX45 connected directly to my modem (Spectrum), won't work.  At least my PC doesn't see

the internet.  

BUT (and this is what seems strange to me...)

I found that if I started NordVPN on my PC I could connect to the internet.  I don't have to do this to

connect through the Google Wifi, so it doesn't seem to be a NordVPN problem (since that SHOULD

be the same since I am using the same PC and the same software)

I also found the same to be true on a Samsung S9+ android phone.  No internet until I started NordVPN.  

I asked my son who has NEVER installed NordVPN on his phone to try to access the internet

by connecting to the Wifi and it DOES NOT WORK EITHER.  

So, I think I've eliminated any problems with the NordVPN software setting up a kill switch or anything

that I cannot turn off from earlier installations.

It's just odd to me that I cannot access the internet while connected to my RAX45 unless I turn on NordVPN.

And this problem only occurs if the RAX45 is the FIRST router directly connected to the Spectrum modem.  If

I switch order and put the Google Wifi router first, I can connect to the Internet WITHOUT running NordVPN on

my PC.

Just downright odd.

Anyone else seen this or have any ideas?

[DonKOtay · Accepted solution]

Well, I got this thing working by hardcoding the Google DNS servers in my Nighthawk router.

I used 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.8.4.4 instead of getting it from the ISP. 

Still not sure what the issue was and maybe I'll probe more later.    It seems to me that getting it

from the ISP should work for the Nighthawk just as it did for the Google Wifi.  Maybe Google Wifi

uses the same DNS servers.  Anyway, just going to go with what I have because I won't have to 

put NordVPN on ALL my connected devices...  

I also checked the connection with my Samsung and now it works as well, so I'm good for now...

I will trash that Armor software anyway, so maybe I'll switch it back later to test.

But for now, the DNS server change from automatic to selecting the servers works, so I'll go with it.

Thanks to all who gave pointers...

[FURRYe38]

So it's not recommended to have two routers online.

You might try setting the good router to AP mode and connect to the RAX while it's the primary router. 

[DonKOtay]

Thanks for the suggestion, I may see if that helps.

FWIW, I did try the Nighthawk router all by itself and it has the same problem.

I didn't mention this step in my initial description, because that was already a bit long.

I've also gone through some of the regular debugging such as powering off/on and waiting and

similar things.

At this point, I am suspecting that the Nighthawk might have something fishy in its DNS setup,

so I will get back in later this morning and go through that with a fine-tooth comb.  I just noticed

something odd in the DNS address last night which I may pursue on the router.  It's the only

other clue I have.  It wasn't the usual 192.168.1.1 but had another address.  Worth a look, even

though it looks fine now.  I remember seeing something odd...

[FURRYe38]

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

Is Armor enabled or has it been enabled at any point? 

[DonKOtay]

HI,

DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem , E31N2V1, Hitron  

I have enabled the software that came with the nighthawk, which is that Armor software I believe. 

Haven't looked into what it does and I will probably remove it since there is a charge.  Could it be an issue?

[FURRYe38]

Would you do a factory reset on the RAX and router and setup from scratch and this time, do not enable Armor. Just setup basic things like wireless. Power OFF the modem for 1 minute then back ON. Complete the setup on the router. Then check internet services with your devices. 

[DonKOtay · Accepted solution]

Well, I got this thing working by hardcoding the Google DNS servers in my Nighthawk router.

I used 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.8.4.4 instead of getting it from the ISP. 

Still not sure what the issue was and maybe I'll probe more later.    It seems to me that getting it

from the ISP should work for the Nighthawk just as it did for the Google Wifi.  Maybe Google Wifi

uses the same DNS servers.  Anyway, just going to go with what I have because I won't have to 

put NordVPN on ALL my connected devices...  

I also checked the connection with my Samsung and now it works as well, so I'm good for now...

I will trash that Armor software anyway, so maybe I'll switch it back later to test.

But for now, the DNS server change from automatic to selecting the servers works, so I'll go with it.

Thanks to all who gave pointers...

[DonKOtay]

That's 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. for those DNS addresses.  Couldn't edit for some reason...

[FURRYe38]

👍