DNS/Routing Issues? International Sites Unavailable!

Hi guys,

Never had a problem with Virgin up until now, but is anyone having any problems getting to international sites (particularly America)? This has effectively made my PS3 unusable online and can't access many american sites (that have no clustering across the globe). I've tried different DNS servers (using OpenDNS [www.opendns.com] - but the OpenDNS website is not accessible so probably useless), and resetting my router/cable modem. Makes no difference.

I've yet to call the useless Virgin Technical Support, but anyone else having the same problems? I'm in Essex if location makes any difference.

I'm in Chelmsford. My PS3 wouldn't connect online to play games BUT connects and played from the iPlayer on PS3!
Some sites on my Macs will not load, for example knac.com and amazon.co.uk
BUT bookdepository.co.uk does connect!!

I spoke to a Scottish guy from Virgin who tested my router and modem which are both OK. He made me change the proxy server on one oc my Macs to webcache.virginmedia.com and port 8080.
That seemed to sort it fit that machine. But what about my other Macs, iPhone and PS3!

The fault must be with Virgin. Surely?!

I'm in Chelmsford as well! Nice to see I'm not the only one. I'm on the phone at the moment and been put on hold as they try and find out what's going on.

Putting you on the web cache proxy is only a short-term fix and there's obviously some problem. I'm a networking person, so they can't tell me any lies. I can't ping or tracert 100% to the same sites you're having a problem with.

Edit: Just got off the phone and he can't get through to the IT team in Liverpool, so there must be something going on. He's going to get the IT team to ring me when they're available and the support person couldnt get access to those websites either. I may try and put that web proxy into my PS3.

If you connect anything wirelessly to your Cable Internet, you'll get the same issues unless you put in those proxy settings.

It's a Virgin thing. Don't worry.

Yes, something is wrong for sure. Half the internet is inaccessible for me today. Started early this morning (4am'ish)
Im Herts on the Watford exchange doobery. I've done the usual modem/router restarts. No joy. Same problems on 3 Macs and 1 PC. So the problem is certainly something borked with Virgin.

Small world!
Glad it's not just me!
Would leaving my Macs set up with the proxy address be detramental? I tried setting my PS3 up with the same proxy info but still no joy!!
Strange that my Internet connection test works on my PS3 but the Playstation Network fails. And the iPlayer works.

Please let me know what they say when they call you.

It's not you either.

Basildon, Essex here and half the Internet is unavailable for me too.

In reply to a post by TangoCharlie27:

Small world!
Glad it's not just me!
Would leaving my Macs set up with the proxy address be detramental? I tried setting my PS3 up with the same proxy info but still no joy!!
Strange that my Internet connection test works on my PS3 but the Playstation Network fails. And the iPlayer works.

Please let me know what they say when they call you.

Leaving your MACs under the proxy settings is not a problem.

Reason why the Internet works on the PS3 as it runs as a normal web browser. Where the Playstation Network communicates with addresses in America for you to login and play online games. It's a bit more complex than simple web browsing, but still needs to access IPs and hostnames to gain full connectivity.

It'll be unlikely now they'll ring us back, but I'll keep pestering them if it doesn't get resolved. Will keep you all in the know. However, if you do have the issue; please let support know so they can see the severity of the problem.

Edited by hotmat3k (Sat 30-Jan-10 17:13:10)

Thanx. Is using a proxy server secure? Someone said my details will be available to a third party.

We'll keep everyone informed on any developments.

In Wimbledon, London. Same problems here. Have actually been seeing the fastest download speeds I have ever seen, but cannot get to a lot of sites -- mostly seem to be abroad (www.chumby.com, www.yammer.com) etc.

Sites are working fine on an ADSL line I have (BE internet), so it's a routing issues somewhere in the Virgin network.

No sign of the problem on the Virgin Status page, but when I rang them they did say there were problems and they're on the case.

It's no less secure using a proxy. All your traffic is just diverted through the proxy (that Virgin host on their network - so no worries there) rather than directly onto the main backbone.

Just shows how much rubbish the Americans shove onto our UK instructure . I noticed record download/upload speeds as well.