I am using a standard Dell PC running XP SP2, no domain configuration. I can stream to the DSM-520 just fine, however after about 15 to 20 minutes the DSM520 suddenly loses connection to the media server. I have turned of firewall just to be sure that is not the problem. I have checked power mode to ensure hardrives remain powered, and looked just about everywhere I can think of that might cause connection to DSM to stop. I have tested streaming from a Dell laptop also running XP SP2 and does not have this problem. In fact laptop can go into hibernation, freezing video image and wil start playing video where it left off when laptop is taken out of hibernation. I cannot figure out what is the diffference between the two PCs. Laptop is a work PC so it belongs to a domain, but is not connected to domain when I have it at home. Has anyone seen this same problem and found a fix?

What is going on at the computer side when you look at the network properties on the Dell? Does it still show a connection when you lose the connection? Are you using a router in between the computer and the DSM? Wired or wireless?

Thanks for the reply. I am testing this wired, going through a linksys router. I know the router isn't the problem as it is used when streaming works with the laptop. Not sure what to look for on the PC side. The D-Link Media server doesn't indicate whether there is a connection or not.

Check your router to see what the lease time is.

I had a client who has a VoIP phone service. Every day at a certain time he didn't have phone service. It turned out that when the lease expired on the Linsys router he would lose the phone service.

In your case the lease could be expiring on one (or both) the computer and DSM-520 and causing you to disconnect. Theoretically, they both should get the same address when the lease renews but it is possible they are both getting a new IP address or the devices just are getting re-connected.

I believe setting the lease time to 0 will prevent it from ever expiring. Check the manual or help on the router to find out for sure.

Hmmm....I just looked at one of the routers on Linksys' web site. One of the routers shows that if the lease time is set to 0 then it is default 1 day. So not sure if the problem will be solved. Maybe configure the router for static addresses and configure the DSM-520 and computers accordingly.

To check the computer side, go to Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Local Area Connection. Then click the Support Tab and view the IP address. Do this before you play anything on the DSM-520 and then do it again after the DSM loses connection. If the IP address is the same on the computer then you can focus on the DSM side of things.

On the Linksys you should be able to view what devices are connected. See if the DSM-520 is on the list.

What do you have to do after the video freezes to start the video again?

When streaming to the DSM from the Dell desktop, I get the message "you have been disconnected from the default media server". I click ok and it immediately reconnects to the media server. I have to start any video that was streaming from the start. This usually happens after about 20 to 30 minutes. When streaming to the DSM from the Dell laptop theDSM will not loose connection to the media server. If the laptop goes into hibernation, all I do is take it out of hibernation, and the frozen video just begins playing on its own. The DSM never looses connection. This is why I believe the problem I am experiencing is with the Dell desktop, but I just can't figure out what it is. I will try setting the ip addresses to static.

I just tried it with static ip addresses, and same results. I noticed in the D-Link media server that when the video was playing, when looking at the system tab, you can see the video file name, current position, current status, and when the DSM looses connection, the file in the system tab disappears. This same thing happens when using windows media server (media player 11), so it isn't with the d-link media server software. Something with this damn dell desktop. I am getting very frustrated.

Is it possible to bypass the router and connect the DSM-520 directly to the computer to see if you get the same results.

You know here is the funny part. I tried that and found my damn computer will not connect to anything unless it is connected through the linksys router. Go figure. I tried connecting the computer and the DSM directly, making sure both were configured within the same subnet and the computer would not link up. I then tried using a hub and still would not link up. Put it back to the router and finally got it to link up. I'm telling you , this darn dell has me going bonkers. I am a network engineer for a living, working with Cisco routers and switches for over 14 years, so I know what I am doing. But I am not a PC expert, obviously.

OK...my fault. Even the install guide states that the DSM needs a router. (although I could swear that I got it to work once without a router.)

I'm assuming that you have gone back to your original (albeit somewhat working ) configuration.

You could try forcing the card to stay at 100 Mbps. (advice from Dell's website except it was a different problem.) To do this, go to Control Panel -> Network Connections. Then right click Local Area Connection and then click Properties.

Click the Configure button. Then click the Advanced Tab. There should be a Link Speed & Duplex option under Properties. Click that and then change the value to 100 Mbps/Full Duplex. (that's assuming the NIC inside the computer supports 100 Mbps. If it doesn't have the option then this could be the whole problem.)

If that still doesn't work then check Linksys for a firmware update. Seems to be some issues with a particular model that drops computer connections.

OK...You can connect the DSM-520 directly to the computer. Duh on me! :) And as you are a networking guru you'll appreciate this. All you'll need for this to work is a crossover networking cable to bypass the router and test to see if your Ethernet port on your computer is the issue.

I was finally able to try all your latest suggestions. No difference. I still loose connection after approximately 30 minutes. I have upgraded firm ware, checked every settings I can think of in the computer to ensure disks, NIC, and other things are not powering down. The NIC is hard set at 100/full. If I could just keep my work laptop at home, I would use it for the media server because the connection with is works just fine. I give up. I'm returning the DSM-520.

A direct connection from the DSM to the Dell definitely ruled out the router. Sounds like either a bad NIC on the PC or a bad NIC on the DSM. (don't recall if you connected the laptop LAN directly to the DSM.)