We use Hulu Live for TV. My gateway is having tower issues in my area. When the Gateway jumps to a tower with a stronger signal, it is changing the IP address that my Fire stick is attached to. We then get a message from Hulu "saying it looks like your not at home". I've had to call TMO and Hulu several times to trouble shoot and it keeps happening.The last TMO service rep I spoke with suggested using a third party router to create a static IP address to fix the issue moving forward.Will this work? And is so, what type/brand router should I use? How do I set that up?-Thx

I think there is a less complicated way to achieve what you're looking to do. The problem is caused by the way T-Mobile assigns an external IP address. With a traditional ISP, they give a geographically local address so that Hulu, et al, can tell where you are and that you're entitled to see/read/view the content.T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T are all whats referred to as Fixed Wireless Access. T-Mobile assigns a single range of addresses for all subscribers and it is rarely geographically located. As an example, I live in S. Florida, but my external IP resolves to Bellingham, WA.To be honest, the only problem I've ever had with this arrangement is the NY Times which says I'm a bot. I resolved it, and I suggest you do too, with a VPN that allowed me to get a local address and put the issue to bed. I use Mullvad VPN, but any VPN that allows you to choose your server will help resolve this problem.Good luck!

Live TV fail- Home address keeps changing when the IP address is reset

BobT
LTE Learner
Hace 2 años
Yes that’s generally all that’s required for the higher end-routers such as Asus to establish the physical connection; some do prefer to run their router in access point mode.
However, this thread is referring to the geolocation that is being reported to web sites and content providers. Many content providers rely on often inaccurate geolocation database service (e.g. Hulu Live TV). Unliked fixed wireline-based ISPs (e.g xFinity) mobile carriers tend not to assign their public IP address in ranges based on regions that will yield accurate geolocation services - as a result many TMO home internet users don't receive their proper local TV channels when using Hulu Live TV.
@bocaboy2591 provideds a link above that will dispay your public IP address assigned by TMO (or anyone else for that matter).
bocaboy2591
Bandwidth Buddy
Hace 2 años
I think there is a less complicated way to achieve what you're looking to do.
The problem is caused by the way T-Mobile assigns an external IP address. With a traditional ISP, they give a geographically local address so that Hulu, et al, can tell where you are and that you're entitled to see/read/view the content.
T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T are all whats referred to as Fixed Wireless Access. T-Mobile assigns a single range of addresses for all subscribers and it is rarely geographically located. As an example, I live in S. Florida, but my external IP resolves to Bellingham, WA.
To be honest, the only problem I've ever had with this arrangement is the NY Times which says I'm a bot. I resolved it, and I suggest you do too, with a VPN that allowed me to get a local address and put the issue to bed. I use Mullvad VPN, but any VPN that allows you to choose your server will help resolve this problem.
¡Buena suerte!
jwhite189
Roaming Rookie
Hace 2 años
Thx. VPN is a last resort I feel like I shouldn't have to pay for another service to fix the two services I already pay for to work! I was told they are modernizing towers near me. How do I/can I see the single range of addresses used? I guess what is happening is that when the tower swaps, my zip code isn't associated with it. Not sure if that's how it works.
bocaboy2591
Bandwidth Buddy
Hace 2 años
I don't disagree with you. I'm only suggesting how you solve it. I've attached a screen shot of my external IP from S. Florida which I found at https://www.iplocation.net/myip just to show you that your geographic location and your external IP are not in the same area. Keep in mind that I live in S. Florida, so Seattle is about as far, geographically, as you can get from my location.
Autodrs
Network Novice
Hace 2 años
They are NOT modernizing the towers -- All Mobile internet IP addresses are constanly changing- The HOME internet is just a mobile signal brought to a modem-- The customer service is trained to blame it on a tower issue-
I build websites and have been dealing with the changing IP for several months-- It causes a major issue and I am currently looking for a new provider.
I hope they resolve the issue as I am satisfied with the service otherwise
Good Luck to everyone
BobT
LTE Learner
Hace 2 años
In reality, in and of themselves, IP addresses say nothing about your location.
Hulu Live TV local channels are hit or miss since Hulu Live relies on 3rd party IP based geolocation database services that are typically inaccurate for mobile carriers due to their network infrastructure. For me, YouTube TV was a better choice since it is more flexible in establishing your correct location and thereby your proper local channels. Just because geolocation databases evolved to become the norm, they are not standards.
At the same time for browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Edge running on WIndows there is an add-on available called LocationGuard which let's you establish your proper location - web sites and content providers that utilize the browser's built-in location API will report/use that location (YTV uses that api in the browsers mentioned). Web sites and content providers that use the often inaccurate IP based geolocation services and databases will frequently be wrong. Como @bocaboy2591 suggests a VPN can also provide some relief.
IMHO, it's unlikely T-Mobile will provide a resolution since it's not really their problem but rather a function of content providers and web developers relying upon IP addresses for a purpose other than they were originally intended; however, it's convenient for those content providers to point the finger at mobile carriers. AT least until Internet Standards organizations address the issue…
https://www.iplocation.net/geolocation-accuracy
GoodOlDan
Newbie Caller
Hace 2 años
OK… maybe you guys would be so kind to dumb this down for me a bit. Today, I have (my own) Motorola MB8600 cable modem served by Xfinity. That connects via CAT5 in the usual way to my router's (ASUS AX3000) WAN port.
I'm about to move to an area with strong T-Mobile 5G signal, and since our cell phones are on a Magenta MAX+ plan I would get a good deal on the T-Mobile 5G home internet service. Like many folks, I would like to simply move the CAT-5 WAN connection from the MB8600 modem to the CAT-5 connector of the T-Mobile "trash can". Presumably (hopefully?) the "trash can" and my router could negotiate a WAN connection, and life on the LAN side of my router would go on pretty much as it had been before? I don't run any servers or need to forward inbound ports, etc on my network…. mostly just web surfing and video streaming. About the only thing I imagine that might quit working would be the DDNS client on the router that previously reported the public IP on the routers LAN port?
Would that work? Am I over-simplifying?
GoodOlDan
Newbie Caller
Hace 2 años
As a follow up… I did go down to T-mobile and pick up the 5G Gateway on the "15 day trial". Brought it home, and set it up in place of the Motorola cable modem connected to Xfinity. Just removed the CAT5 cable from the cable modem and plugged it into a port on the T-Mobile "can". Plugged the "can" into power, and It took a minute or two to boot up (even with just "two bars" of signal here). Everything was working fine, and even with the low signal the speed was OK and It was able to support two HD video streams without interruption. The location where I will ultimately use the 5G gateway has MUCH better signal, so I'm sure it will be fine.
After the discount provided because of my MAX+ mobile plan, it's just $30/mo for as much speed as the network can support at your location with no bandwidth cap. Works for me!
GoodOlDan
Newbie Caller
Hace 2 años
BobT:
Thanks for the explanation on the geolocation… I see how that could be an issue for some folks. Hopefully I won't end up needing to use Hulu LiveTV at the new location, or a fix will be devised.
l471970
Network Novice
Hace 2 años
My issue is that I have a Smart TV and when connecting to streaming channels such as Paramount+, I want to see my local CBS affiliate, i.e., Savannah. Instead I'm getting Jacksonville, FL. How would a VPN help me?