Linksys MCE boxen DMA2xxx stop working after...

Linksys pulls plug on firmware update server.

Seems that as long as the units are allowed unfettered access to the net, they stop operating after failing to get a response from a linksys firmware update server. This happens shortly after power up. If the net setup is creatively changed, they can be made to run again.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/linksys-media-extenders-suddenly-stop-working-did-cisco-pull-th/

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/t/95097.aspx?PageIndex=1

How does firmware like this ever pass QA? Do they even do QA?

The fail is a bit strange.

If you block the address of the linksys system, it boots.
If you configure it with a bogus DNS address like 127.0.0.1 it boots.


If it is configured with a proper gateway and dns, it fails.

Which seems strange. Wouldn't a blocked address produce the same result as when the destination is MIA?