Windows 11 One Wi-Fi device can't reach the internet

[seldenm]

I have a CenturyLink modem/router and lots of IOT devices on my wifi network. One device (a pix-star picture frame) connects to the wi-fi but can't reach the internet. How can I troubleshoot this?

 

[ChatGPT]

When dealing with a single device that connects to your Wi-Fi but cannot reach the internet, there are multiple possible causes and solutions to consider. Here’s a step-by-step guide that helps you troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

### Step 1: Verify Wi-Fi Connection
First, ensure that the Pix-Star picture frame is indeed connected to the Wi-Fi network. This can usually be confirmed through the device’s network settings or a connectivity icon on its interface.

### Step 2: Check Router Settings
Your CenturyLink modem/router may have specific settings affecting the device's internet connectivity:
1. IP Address Conflicts: Ensure the device isn’t using a duplicate IP address by manually setting an IP address in the router’s DHCP settings.
2. MAC Address Filtering: If enabled, ensure the Pix-Star's MAC address is added to the allowed list.
3. Firewall Settings: Check the router’s firewall settings to ensure it’s not blocking the device.

### Step 3: Restart Devices

• Restart the Pix-Star picture frame.
• Restart the CenturyLink modem/router.
• Restart any other networking equipment, such as repeaters or extenders.

### Step 4: Update Firmware

• Ensure the Pix-Star picture frame has the latest firmware installed.
• Likewise, ensure your CenturyLink modem/router firmware is up-to-date.

### Step 5: Reconfigure Wi-Fi on the Pix-Star
- Forget the Wi-Fi network on the Pix-Star and then reconnect by entering the Wi-Fi credentials again. Sometimes a fresh connection fixes the issue.

### Step 6: Network Isolation
Some routers have a “guest network” or “network isolation” feature, which may prevent devices on the same network from communicating with each other. Ensure that the Pix-Star is on the main Wi-Fi network and not a guest or isolated network.

### Step 7: Test with a Different Network
If possible, connect the Pix-Star to a different Wi-Fi network (like a mobile hotspot). If it connects successfully, the issue may be with the router’s settings or ISP.

### Step 8: Check DNS Settings
Ensure that the DNS settings on the Pix-Star, if configurable, are set correctly. It may help to use public DNS servers like Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4).

### Additional Resources:
If you are still having trouble, you may need to consult the user manual or support for both the CenturyLink router and Pix-Star frame.

Additionally, here are some useful links:

• CenturyLink Support
• Pix-Star Support

If you provide more specific details about the router model and any error messages or behaviors from the Pix-Star, I can offer more targeted assistance.

 

[seldenm]

Thanks for these tips. I've tried them all, but still no-go.

I have some interesting test results. I turned on my phone wifi hotspot and connected the frame to that. Still could not reach the Internet. Then I turned off my phone wi-fi, disconnecting my phone from the local network. The picture frame now could reach the Internet (while still connected to my phone hotspot).

Then, I reconnected the frame to my local wifi network again, and it was still connected to the internet.

A couple of hours later it was no longer connected to the internet.

Obviously, the problem is in my router. Something must be blocking the frame from getting to the internet.

I've made sure the firewall in the router was turned off. Checked for port forwarding (none) MAC address authentication is disabled, Application forwarding is off.

How would I go about tracking down what is blocking the frame from the internet?
Thanks,
Selden