smartdns issues invalid http response

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pominnz

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Topic # 150456 23-Jul-2014 16:34

I've been using a smart DNS service for 10 months and it's never really worked properly. I was originally on Vodafone ADSL, but upgraded to VDSL.

The issue I'm getting is as follows.
Websites fail to load images and style sheets, including but not exclusively BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

I did some investigation and discovered that some of the response to http get requests are taking exactly 40 second and the payload always contains only

For example one request was for a jpg image, but the response took 40 Second and the payload was so the browser would just display a failed image icon.

This problem is also affecting the on demand apps on my tablet and smart TV. BBC iPlayer app gets stuck loading or loads but thumbnails fail to load.

What I'd like to know, is if anyone else has experienced the same issue, or better still has been able to resolve it.

Cheers
Paul

Ragnor

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Reply # 1094345 23-Jul-2014 16:40

Vodafone use quite aggressive transparent caching proxies, normally this is a good thing as it increases performance but can be trouble when you are not using their DNS servers.

Refer to these threads regarding Netflix and UnblockUS which are probably the same issue you are having:
https://community.vodafone.co.nz/t5/Broadband-landline-packs/Netflix-Error-n8210/td-p/127189/page/2
https://community.vodafone.co.nz/t5/Broadband-landline-packs/Netflix-not-streaming/td-p/127131/page/2
http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291561-%22have-you-completed-setup-%22-yes-i-have-but-it-doesn-t-work-

Have you looked at using a VPN/tunnel instead of a smart DNS changer?

pominnz

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Reply # 1094386 23-Jul-2014 17:50

Unotelly have said they aren't aware of any issues with packet delay with any of their new Zealand customers, and have therefore not been any help. I'm in the process of trying to get added to the Vodafone proxy bypass list to see if this helps.

I've avoided vpns because I want to be able to use my smart TV. I have used vpns in the past but have experienced bandwidth issues.

pominnz

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Reply # 1157245 18-Oct-2014 07:19

I've been working with Vodafone on this issue and we haven proved that the issue is indeed with the Vodafone transparent proxy. I was given a proxy bypass address and everything worked great, no issues at all. Went back on the standard Vodafone address and stated having issues again.

I've also verified that the issue exists on all of Vodafone network including ADSL, VDSL, Ultra fast fibre and the old Telstra clear network.

If you are with Vodafone, the only way to escape the issue is to negotiate a static proxy bypass address or move to a different provider.

r2b2

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Reply # 1158056 19-Oct-2014 20:25

pominnz:If you are with Vodafone, the only way to escape the issue is to negotiate a static proxy bypass address or move to a different provider.

Now you've done it - everyone here is going want to use the static proxy bypass address now :)

freitasm

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Reply # 1158058 19-Oct-2014 20:28

We all know Vodafone proxy causes problems - but interesting to see you are having this much. We use a smart DNS service here and stream Hulu, Netflix, Amazon VOD and never had a problem.

Having said that I was told Vodafone was working on their proxy and things should be working better soon - although the "soon" keeps moving...

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