Network dilemma on Starhub TV+

[Jamesky]

Hi All,

I just recently re-contracted to get the Starhub TV+ box (Android TV box). I can still watch streaming content but I could not watch the freeview channels (like channel 5.. etc.). I could only do so if I use the smart wifi (Nokia Beacon 1)..

I am happy with my current connection.. Nucleus Connect --> Linksys EA8100 --> LAN/Wireless/Starhub Android TV box..

But Starhub is saying if I want to watch the freeview channels, it would go like... Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> Android TV box.. The problem with this is... that the Nokia router has only 1 port ....

The solutions are.. buy 1 or 2 more of the Nokia router and configure as mesh.. But I still prefer LAN on some PC's due to latency and throughput advantages.

Another solution might be to buy another 5 port switch and connect to LAN port of Nokia router... Then uplink my linksys EA8100 to the switch.

I am thinking of 2 other ways to go about... 1 is to convert the linksys EA8100 to a bridge.. Will this carry the IP TV signal from Nokia beacon to the Android TV box?

Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> linksys EA8100 (bridge mode) --> LAN/Wireless

The 2nd method.. Nucleus connect --> linksys EA8100 --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> LAN/Wireless .. But I do not know if the Linksys EA8100 carries/traverses the IP TV signal towards the LAN. The configuration of linksys EA8100 can modify the VLAN.. Same as for the Nokia Beacon.. But I guess this is controlled by Starhub.. So I am not sure if EA8100 can pass the IPTV signal to Nokia and for Nokia to traverse the IPTV signal to the LAN port.


I guess the likely solution is for the Linksys EA8100 on bridge mode? Apologies if this post is very confusing

James

 

[Hardware4455]

I am not sure if this can work but you can try

1) Starhub TV+ to Nokia Router via wifi (A seperate isolated SSID), bandwidth shouldnt be an issue if it is near to it.

2) Nokia router LAN port to your linksys (linksys in bridge mode) broadcasting another SSID to end user clients

 

[xiaofan]

Try the following two methods to see if it works.

1) Add a dumb switch
ONT -- Nokia Beacon 1 -- dumb switch
Dumb switch -- Starhub TV+ box
Dumb switch -- EA8100 in AP mode

2) Use the EA8100 in a customized AP mode
ONT -- Nokia Beacon 1 -- EA8100 LAN port, not WAN port
EA8100 LAN port -- Starhub TV+ box
EA8100 : disable DHCP.

In the end we need to understand the technical reasons why Starhub needs to restrict the free channel access to only Starhub network and only with Nokia routers for now.

It could be related to MediaCorp adding the restrictions to Starhub. For example meWatch has added encryptions. It could even be the streams come from MediaCorp and not Starhub.

Just guessing only. Hopefully some experts may come out with some feasible technical hypothesis and later got proof.

 

[Jamesky]

I am not sure if this can work but you can try

1) Starhub TV+ to Nokia Router via wifi (A seperate isolated SSID), bandwidth shouldnt be an issue if it is near to it.

2) Nokia router LAN port to your linksys (linksys in bridge mode) broadcasting another SSID to end user clients

Yes.. this is the first one I am gonna try.

 

[Jamesky]

Try the following two methods to see if it works.

1) Add a dumb switch
ONT -- Nokia Beacon 1 -- dumb switch
Dumb switch -- Starhub TV+ box
Dumb switch -- EA8100 in AP mode

2) Use the EA8100 in a customized AP mode
ONT -- Nokia Beacon 1 -- EA8100 LAN port, not WAN port
EA8100 LAN port -- Starhub TV+ box
EA8100 : disable DHCP.

In the end we need to understand the technical reasons why Starhub needs to restrict the free channel access to only Starhub network and only with Nokia routers for now.

It could be related to MediaCorp adding the restrictions to Starhub. For example meWatch has added encryptions. It could even be the streams come from MediaCorp and not Starhub.

Just guessing only. Hopefully some experts may come out with some feasible technical hypothesis and later got proof.

Item 1 is one of the option I mentioned but as of now, I dont want to buy a switch .. As for the technicality.. I saw that the Nokia router has an IPTV option in the configuration..So it is the only device that can connect to the Starhub network that allows this service to pass through. Or has some QoS services at the back end specifically for IPTV.

 

[miloaisdino]

Try the following two methods to see if it works.

1) Add a dumb switch
ONT -- Nokia Beacon 1 -- dumb switch
Dumb switch -- Starhub TV+ box
Dumb switch -- EA8100 in AP mode

2) Use the EA8100 in a customized AP mode
ONT -- Nokia Beacon 1 -- EA8100 LAN port, not WAN port
EA8100 LAN port -- Starhub TV+ box
EA8100 : disable DHCP.

In the end we need to understand the technical reasons why Starhub needs to restrict the free channel access to only Starhub network and only with Nokia routers for now.

It could be related to MediaCorp adding the restrictions to Starhub. For example meWatch has added encryptions. It could even be the streams come from MediaCorp and not Starhub.

Just guessing only. Hopefully some experts may come out with some feasible technical hypothesis and later got proof.

i suspect its because starhub doesnt have license to broadcast mediacorp OTA (ie via internet), so the mediacorp channels are still delivered over vlan. the nokia beacon likely has static routes configured to so that traffic from the stb destined to starhub's internal ips are routed though vlan. Similar to how singtel onr and routers allow their stb and normal devices to reside on the same lan.

 

[xiaofan]

i suspect its because starhub doesnt have license to broadcast mediacorp OTA (ie via internet), so the mediacorp channels are still delivered over vlan. the nokia beacon likely has static routes configured to so that traffic from the stb destined to starhub's internal ips are routed though vlan. Similar to how singtel onr and routers allow their stb and normal devices to reside on the same lan.

Interesting hypothesis. Sounds possible.

Previously Starhub uses a separate network for the delivery of IPTV through Port 2 of the Starhub ONT (seems to use vlan for Starhub Fibre TV). So they do not need to use vlan for Fibre Internet (ONR Port 1).

With Starhub TV+, all things are delivered through ONT port 1 (port 1 and port 3 for 2Gbps plan).

And users of other ISPs can also subscribe to Starhub TV+, just got no MediaCorp FTA channels.

So indeed MediaCorp FTA channels may well be delivered through VLAN. In this case, maybe a smart switch can be inserted somewhere to get FTA channels working with 3rd party routers. Or maybe some better routers can be configured to add the support. Starhub is said to work on extending the support of more routers for MediaCorp FTA channels.

On the other hand, buying a DVB-T2 Tuner Box and Antenna is probably easier and better, but then no fun for geeks

 

[xiaofan]

Kind of a circle for Starhub, now delivering IPTV and Internet using single network, similar to SingTel.

Old discussion here.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...tarhub-fiber-tv-box-connection-5990817-4.html

Starhub would most probably prefer to run differently from Singtel.

That is the separation of internet and TV signal to different ports for their easy management & control purpose.

Hence ONT Port-1 for Internet/Router and ONT Port-2 for TV signal which cannot be mixed at ONT device, with preset settings.

Singtel is using vlan settings to manage both internet & TV signal/bandwidth where it also required router to have vlan settings to separate both bandwidth when output to their STB (set top box).

 

[miloaisdino]

Interesting hypothesis. Sounds possible.

Previously Starhub uses a separate network for the delivery of IPTV through Port 2 of the Starhub ONT (seems to use vlan for Starhub Fibre TV). So they do not need to use vlan for Fibre Internet (ONR Port 1).

With Starhub TV+, all things are delivered through ONT port 1 (port 1 and port 3 for 2Gbps plan).

And users of other ISPs can also subscribe to Starhub TV+, just got no MediaCorp FTA channels.

So indeed MediaCorp FTA channels may well be delivered through VLAN. In this case, maybe a smart switch can be inserted somewhere to get FTA channels working with 3rd party routers. Or maybe some better routers can be configured to add the support. Starhub is said to work on extending the support of more routers for MediaCorp FTA channels.

On the other hand, buying a DVB-T2 Tuner Box and Antenna is probably easier and better, but then no fun for geeks

haha. starhub could have just integrated the dvbt2 tuner into the new tv box instead! all we might need is a couple of static routes to get it working (i dont believe starhub uses multicast)

 

[xiaofan]

Item 1 is one of the option I mentioned but as of now, I dont want to buy a switch .. As for the technicality.. I saw that the Nokia router has an IPTV option in the configuration..So it is the only device that can connect to the Starhub network that allows this service to pass through. Or has some QoS services at the back end specifically for IPTV.

Option 2 kinds of use the EA8100 as a dumb switch plus wireless access point. So it might work. You can try it.

Edit to add:
BTW, it is pretty common for China version of routers to have an IPTV setup option, for example Huawei AX3 Pro. But probably not able to be used in this case.

 

[croc1977]

Hi All,

I just recently re-contracted to get the Starhub TV+ box (Android TV box). I can still watch streaming content but I could not watch the freeview channels (like channel 5.. etc.). I could only do so if I use the smart wifi (Nokia Beacon 1)..

I am happy with my current connection.. Nucleus Connect --> Linksys EA8100 --> LAN/Wireless/Starhub Android TV box..

But Starhub is saying if I want to watch the freeview channels, it would go like... Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> Android TV box.. The problem with this is... that the Nokia router has only 1 port ....

The solutions are.. buy 1 or 2 more of the Nokia router and configure as mesh.. But I still prefer LAN on some PC's due to latency and throughput advantages.

Another solution might be to buy another 5 port switch and connect to LAN port of Nokia router... Then uplink my linksys EA8100 to the switch.

I am thinking of 2 other ways to go about... 1 is to convert the linksys EA8100 to a bridge.. Will this carry the IP TV signal from Nokia beacon to the Android TV box?

Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> linksys EA8100 (bridge mode) --> LAN/Wireless

The 2nd method.. Nucleus connect --> linksys EA8100 --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> LAN/Wireless .. But I do not know if the Linksys EA8100 carries/traverses the IP TV signal towards the LAN. The configuration of linksys EA8100 can modify the VLAN.. Same as for the Nokia Beacon.. But I guess this is controlled by Starhub.. So I am not sure if EA8100 can pass the IPTV signal to Nokia and for Nokia to traverse the IPTV signal to the LAN port.


I guess the likely solution is for the Linksys EA8100 on bridge mode? Apologies if this post is very confusing

James

so you are saying they will BE NOT MORE Fibre setup box option in the future ?
my contract is up 6 mths...need to plan....

 

[xiaofan]

so you are saying they will BE NOT MORE Fibre setup box option in the future ?
my contract is up 6 mths...need to plan....

Right now there are two options, either to go with new Starhub TV+ box, or the Fibre TV Set-Top box.

But you may want to contact Starhub to see their direction down the road. I tend to believe they will promote the new Starhub TV+ box more, and then slowly phase out the Fibre TV Set-Top box.

From the other thread (Cable TV to Fibre TV migration thread).

...
Starhub TV services are a bit messy now.

1) Starhub Go packs with optional Starhub Streaming Box. No need to subscribe to Starhub Fibre Internet.
https://www.starhub.com/personal/entertainment/app.html

Old Starhub Go Streaming box has been changed to Starhub Streaming Box.
https://www.starhub.com/personal/entertainment/starhub-go-streaming-box.html

2) New Starhub TV+ services with the optional Starhub TV+ box. No need to subscribe to Starhub Fibre Internet, unless you need MediaCorp Free To Air channels. In that case you need to subscribe to Starhub Fibre Internet and use Nokia router for now (no idea why it is like this).

Starhub TV+ pack
https://www.starhub.com/personal/tvplus/passes.html

Starhub TV+ box
https://www.starhub.com/personal/tvplus/box.html

3) Older Entertainment+ Pass with set-top box (using ONT port 2), who can enjoy free Starhub TV+ on the go. Need to subscribe to Starhub Fibre broadband. If not a monthly link access fee of S$15 applies.
https://www.starhub.com/personal/st...arhub-entertainment-pass-24mths-contract.html

 

[Henry Ng]

Hi All,

I just recently re-contracted to get the Starhub TV+ box (Android TV box). I can still watch streaming content but I could not watch the freeview channels (like channel 5.. etc.). I could only do so if I use the smart wifi (Nokia Beacon 1)..

I am happy with my current connection.. Nucleus Connect --> Linksys EA8100 --> LAN/Wireless/Starhub Android TV box..

But Starhub is saying if I want to watch the freeview channels, it would go like... Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> Android TV box.. The problem with this is... that the Nokia router has only 1 port ....

The solutions are.. buy 1 or 2 more of the Nokia router and configure as mesh.. But I still prefer LAN on some PC's due to latency and throughput advantages.

Another solution might be to buy another 5 port switch and connect to LAN port of Nokia router... Then uplink my linksys EA8100 to the switch.

I am thinking of 2 other ways to go about... 1 is to convert the linksys EA8100 to a bridge.. Will this carry the IP TV signal from Nokia beacon to the Android TV box?

Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> linksys EA8100 (bridge mode) --> LAN/Wireless

The 2nd method.. Nucleus connect --> linksys EA8100 --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> LAN/Wireless .. But I do not know if the Linksys EA8100 carries/traverses the IP TV signal towards the LAN. The configuration of linksys EA8100 can modify the VLAN.. Same as for the Nokia Beacon.. But I guess this is controlled by Starhub.. So I am not sure if EA8100 can pass the IPTV signal to Nokia and for Nokia to traverse the IPTV signal to the LAN port.


I guess the likely solution is for the Linksys EA8100 on bridge mode? Apologies if this post is very confusing

James

You need that nokia router in order to support that. You can try the 2nd method. If can not just get a switch which is quite cheap.

 

[Hardware4455]

If possible. Use antenna to watch FTA digital channels.
Antenna quality is better than what you are watching from StarHub feed

 

[Henry Ng]

If possible. Use antenna to watch FTA digital channels.
Antenna quality is better than what you are watching from StarHub feed

The drawback about antenna is must be near the window then can hang the antenna there.

 

[Proximus]

After hearing "horror" comments above, I think I will re-contract my current Fiber-TV using the fiber STB...

Was quoted $79.90/mth for recontract:
- 2 passes
- Netflix
- 4 mths free
- 2 x Nokia Becons

At least no messy changes to FTA channels which is a plus for elderly at home.

 

[Jamesky]

An update... I settled with the setup below.

Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> linksys EA8100 (router mode) --> LAN/Wireless users

Nokia beacon 1
2.4 Ghz - dedicated for Iot/Smarthome devices
5 Ghz - dedicated to the Starhub Android TV+ box

linksys EA8100 - dedicated to LAN/wireless users

I did not mention earlier that I did not opt to buy the Nokia beacon 1 from Starhub.. I managed to snag a deal outside for $45.. It can go as low as $40..

Although I can now view the free to view channel, at some point it can be choppy/laggy.. I have been warned by Starhub on this issue and they advised to use LAN.. I think it is due to the wireless hardware built in on the android box..

I also notice that due to opening a lot of apps.. when I go back to live TV, the signal is no longer able to play. I think this is due to the memory limit of the android box.. It became ok again after a device reboot.

I am not sure how to close the opened app in the android box.. I would like to know how to do this.. to conserve the memory while playing live tv.


BTW.. in the Nokia WAN status, the box connected to Starhub using 2 streams.. TR069 (VLAN0) and another stream for video.. i am guessing IPTV .. (VLAN1091)

 

[Jamesky]

After hearing "horror" comments above, I think I will re-contract my current Fiber-TV using the fiber STB...

Was quoted $79.90/mth for recontract:
- 2 passes
- Netflix
- 4 mths free
- 2 x Nokia Becons

At least no messy changes to FTA channels which is a plus for elderly at home.

Yes.. Android box not quite straightforward..

Advantage is that Netflix, Youtube and other content plays at 4k resolution.. Can even install kodi and repositories..

My recontract was about $68/mth..
1 pass
1 hbo pak (free 1 year only)
1 Netflix - have to top up $4 for UHD.
1 Gbps broadband

 

[xiaofan]

An update... I settled with the setup below.

Nucleus connect --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> linksys EA8100 (router mode) --> LAN/Wireless users

Nokia beacon 1
2.4 Ghz - dedicated for Iot/Smarthome devices
5 Ghz - dedicated to the Starhub Android TV+ box

linksys EA8100 - dedicated to LAN/wireless users

I did not mention earlier that I did not opt to buy the Nokia beacon 1 from Starhub.. I managed to snag a deal outside for $45.. It can go as low as $40..

Although I can now view the free to view channel, at some point it can be choppy/laggy.. I have been warned by Starhub on this issue and they advised to use LAN.. I think it is due to the wireless hardware built in on the android box..

I also notice that due to opening a lot of apps.. when I go back to live TV, the signal is no longer able to play. I think this is due to the memory limit of the android box.. It became ok again after a device reboot.

I am not sure how to close the opened app in the android box.. I would like to know how to do this.. to conserve the memory while playing live tv.

Haha, one of my colleague just sold his Nokia Beacon 1 at S$40 in Carousell, buyer already got one but needed another one.

Solution to weak wireless : you can get another Nokia Beacon 1 and form a wireless mesh with the main Nokia Beacon 1. Connect your Starhub TV+box to the mesh unit.

As for memory cleanup, there are different apps. I use the built-in cleanup function within Shafa market app for my Mi Box S. It is not the recommended app though. Some experts like SD Mate Pro app which I have not used.

 

[Jamesky]

Haha, one of my colleague just sold his Nokia Beacon 1 at S$40 in Carousell, buyer already got one but needed another one.

Solution to weak wireless : you can get another Nokia Beacon 1 and form a wireless mesh with the main Nokia Beacon 1. Connect your Starhub TV+box to the mesh unit.

As for memory cleanup, there are different apps. I use the built-in cleanup function within Shafa market app for my Mi Box S. It is not the recommended app though. Some experts like SD Mate Pro app which I have not used.

I think that one not me..

I do not have the issue with the signal.. It seems the android box spec is not that great..

Thanks.. will try to search for memory cleaner in google apps store.