Spark's Huawei HG630b Configuration

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thommonz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 175436 29-Jun-2015 19:10

I've just installed the Huawei HG630b as a replacement for the Technicolor 589nV2 and have been working my way through the configuration.

On the Technicolor, I was able to telnet into the modem and change the default DNS Server settings in order to use OpenDNS. I can't do that on the Huawei - Ideas? (I'm able to telnet to the device, but the username/password combinations I have won't allow me access).

On the Technicolor, I was able to enter a user friendly name for all the devices that were connected via Wifi and LAN cable and was also able to specify to always use the same IP address for that device. I see that on the Huawei I can set a permanent lease, which suits me, but I cannot see where I can provide a user friendly name for the connected device. (Its very useful when setting up a NAT!)

Finally, I have a subdomain that I would like to use with DDNS. The Technicolor had a few more options for services, but the Huawei only has 1.. Although there is an option to 'roll your own', but I'm not sure if the settings are working. I'm using FreeDNSafraid.org with a username & password and have a Direct URL that keeps it updated.

At this stage, these are the things I'm missing.. and I'd love to get them resolved and my config backed up and secured.

Cheers...

thommonz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 1337306 5-Jul-2015 15:17

Update:

Contact with Spark help desk - Passed on to the Broadband team. Neither could help. (I concentrated on the NAT configuration because there are specific instructions on the Spark web page about how to do this with this particular modem. Following those instructions did not work for me.)

The Broadband team couldn't help either, and gave me the 0800 number of the Huawei Help Desk.

Called them. They expressed surprise that I was given their 0800 number. Offered to send me instructions. Email received, instructions were almost the same as the Spark web ones - although mapped another port for a webcam installation.

Didn't work either.

I started to assume that perhaps I had a faulty unit. A further call to Spark helpdesk arranged a replacement modem which duly arrived. Straight out of the box, connected, not even a change to the Admin password. Set a NAT redirection. DIDN'T WORK.

Both companies need to get their <deleted> sorted... Neither were in a position to tell me anything more than 'Here are the instructions - follow them'... No suggestions on what to try.. efforts to remote connect to my IP address to attempt troubleshooting... and both are advertising that this modem will do NAT/Port Forwarding.

Sadly this is really the only site where I've seen any sort of suggestions of what to try.. Firewall configuration.. Disabling UPNP.. etc.. (Yes I tried all those).. and I can see other users posting on here having the same/similar issues with this make/model of modem.

Just waiting on the Spark team to call me back so I can arrange return and refund. I will put up with the Technicolor 539 (whatever it is) until I buy my own replacement modem... Which certainly won't be a Huawei...

stevenz

2785 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 122

# 1338452 7-Jul-2015 12:42

You can change the DNS in the UI, but the option to change to set it is far from intuitive. It most definitely does NAT & port forwarding in the UI as it'd be largely useless otherwise. Without a unit in front of me I couldn't tell you what the settings are.

This list here looks familiar and I had it working; http://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet-data/equipment/huawei/hg630b-gateway/port-forwarding-on-the-huawei-hg630b/

The trick is to make sure you're setting the options for the correct interface (ADSL\VDSL\Fibre).

@KnightNZ

Mattmannz

456 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 90

# 1338621 7-Jul-2015 15:38

I have had heaps of issues trying to get port forwarding working on the Spark and Vodafone versions of these. For all my clients I insist they replace them with a decent router like a draytek or similar.

thommonz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 1338868 7-Jul-2015 19:57

The information available from Spark and Huawei outline the same things.

Traps I watched for:
1. Making sure that the VDSL connection was selected (not the ADSL, Fibre or T-Stick/USB)
2. Turning off the firewall on the modem
3. Ensuring the LAN IP address of the destination machine was correct

One would have thought that 'out of the box' the modem would handle this properly.

Upshot from discussion with Spark is that no one can help me, and I'm returning both modems and receiving a full refund.
That is indication to me that they (Spark) accept that these modems don't perform as users want to ...

Now looking at shopping online..

thommonz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 1339243 8-Jul-2015 14:02

stevenz: You can change the DNS in the UI, but the option to change to set it is far from intuitive. It most definitely does NAT & port forwarding in the UI as it'd be largely useless otherwise. Without a unit in front of me I couldn't tell you what the settings are.

This list here looks familiar and I had it working; http://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet-data/equipment/huawei/hg630b-gateway/port-forwarding-on-the-huawei-hg630b/

The trick is to make sure you're setting the options for the correct interface (ADSL\VDSL\Fibre).

All does look intuitive, but I've also read elsewhere that the HG530b does not support NAT Loopback which (I understand) means that you can't access such ports from outside the LAN. Which is pretty much the point.

I'm starting to think that there is some level of mis-information out and about.. Possibly there is more than one build of the HG530b, or at least more than one configuration.. That would certainly go someway to explaining things.

Its a pity that my Technicolor had to have issues... the good points were:
1. You could Telnet to it and change the DNS entries to point to either Google (8.8.8.8 and 4.4.4.4) or OpenDNS (which allows content filtering on the connection rather than on individual devices)
2. NAT works... I assume that has something to do with the loopback
3. You could assign user friendly names to devices (Lounge_PS3, NAS, Samsung_Tab etc) which made port forwarding/NAT much easier to configure

Downside was the wifi strength & the fact that it doesn't support NBN (Fibre)...