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Forum Discussion
DonKOtay
Oct 22, 2021Aspirant
Nighthawk RAX45 (Costco) only sees internet when NordVPN is running (Spectrum ISP)
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 ...
- Oct 22, 2021
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
Oct 22, 2021Guru - Experienced User
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
Oct 22, 2021Aspirant
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...
- FURRYe38Oct 22, 2021Guru - Experienced User
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?
- DonKOtayOct 22, 2021Aspirant
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?
- FURRYe38Oct 22, 2021Guru - Experienced User
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.