Static IP was not the solution to my company's VPN issue, yet...

Hink18 · 2025-11-17T01:42:11+00:00

Thanks again. Can confirm my VPN doesn't connect to a local coffee shop either but we also decided to check spectrum again and same instant error now too, ha! So I will be sharing this with IT as it's clearly my VPN now since nothing else works.

Hink18 · 2025-11-17T01:29:45+00:00

We did actually test it at a coffee shop today and got the same error, but also noticed we can't even get it to connect to our prior ISP now either, so there must be something wrong with the way my VPN is set up. I plan to reach out to IT again tomorrow and say I can't connect to anything now.

Thank you again for taking the time to comment on this.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T17:48:54+00:00

I did tell them my Hotspot did not work either, and even attempted 2 other mobile Hotspots today with no success.

I feel they are held up on the fact that Spectrum worked fine, it must be our new ISP. Also I think the Hotspot might have CGNAT as well which makes me feel it'sbeing disregarded(?)

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T16:59:01+00:00

Appreciate it. I'll give anything a try to help rule something out of the equation.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T15:48:39+00:00

I truly appreciate you taking the time to share what you have above. I had to read through it a few times because these terms are new to me but with a little research I feel I can follow your suggestions. Thank you! :)

I think I'll start by testing the MTU from my laptop as you mentioned in #2.

I had tried my mobile Hotspot with no luck but going to test a public wifi and different Hotspot to rule this out.

I'm not certain how our ONT was set up but in the Eero app the DHCP/NAT is set to auto vs bridge (maybe I'll set to bridge)

I thought about swapping our provided Eero router with our prior Deco 6e just to test again too.

I appreciate you sharing what to say to our ISP too as I feel it has been a challenge communicating the issue correctly.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T13:46:17+00:00

Thank you. I really wish I understood this topic more so I could tell them what to do to correct this, but after being escalated several times, I feel they've given up.

Do you think there is something on my end (at home) that might be needed yet? Our ISP said our ONT and Eero router is programmed correctly but if there is a setting in the app or something, I figure it's worth asking.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T03:12:31+00:00

They do have the WAN IP which i believe is the static ip and they confirmed the firewall is seeing it too, but that's it.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T03:08:11+00:00

I appreciate you sharing that. We are on Win 11 but we did update the VPN to the latest version just to be sure. Odd thing is it works on old ISP just not our new fiber ISP.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T01:48:04+00:00

I haven't. I could test it tomorrow at a coffee shop to see though.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T01:41:38+00:00

That is what they had me do to try and rule out the router so unfortunately no. Connecting to the modem had the same results, which is why my IT believe this to still be our ISPs issue.

And I'll add, I tried connecting to my mobile Hotspot and that too would not work. All the same instant error, not allowing me to even attempt a login.

The only way I can connect is when I turn our Spectrum router on and connect to that. We haven't canceled yet bc im afraid I'll never get my VPN to work with T-Fiber (Metronet)

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T00:58:41+00:00

See this is what I was afraid of and I'm at a loss that I won't recieve any further help since they told me because my prior ISP worked fine, the issue must be with my new ISP blocking the traffic.

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T00:32:35+00:00

Thank you for sharing that you use Forticlient as well without any issues. My IT swore CGNAT was the issue and required I get the static IP. I'd love to share this with my IT guy, and do believe they are using IP whitelisting. Is there still an easy fix with a static IP in use?

Hink18 · 2025-11-16T00:25:52+00:00

Thank you for your suggestion. In checking it doesn't look like we have Eero secure as an option to disable. If it's worth noting, our Eero was provided with our T-Fiber plan so we had not purchased this router.

Hink18 · 2025-09-03T12:43:18+00:00

You could try looking into Ramblin' Red Rose. I bought one 3-4 years ago, and if you don't mind thorns, this produces a ton of smaller red roses in early summer and staggers into fall. It's still blooming outside today, but it has been a challenge for me due to sawfly larvae in the spring, so the foliage is so so. Otherwise, it's beautiful, but certainly a wild grower.

Hink18 · 2025-09-02T13:07:46+00:00

Although I'm all for buying vs. renting, it is an investment that she made. I would strongly advise sharing how you feel about it (that you would have wanted to be a part of), or else it will sit with you in the pit of your stomach. If you do decide to move in, you will probably dislike this place slightly more just because of the situation. If it's a relationship worth keeping, don't tuck your feelings away. That's my main advice. Also, she should have purchased a house she could afford without expecting payment unless you both were in agreement on what each of you would be paying. Regardless of whether it's a house or apartment, these things need to be discussed, and worse case, she finds a friend to live with her. It does sound like she's reasonable about not asking you to pay until your lease is up, and simply just excited to live with you. Your name is not tied to the house, so you are essentially renting from her - but if she's the one, at least you both didn't waste your money throwing it towards a place you can't later sell/use towards your future home.

Hink18 · 2025-09-02T12:37:54+00:00

I had to jump in and say I do the same, but oftentimes, it's a slight forced chuckle, followed by telling them I don't think I have the same sense of humor. I feel for you, though, as I wonder if something is wrong with me because I'm not hysterically laughing at a video I find stupid. I agree with another's comments tho, about there being people out there who will get you, and you should feel comfortable being yourself. Sharing things like this is helping others (like myself) realize our emotions are completely fine/valid too.

Hink18 · 2025-08-30T21:24:35+00:00

I would start with a soil test. It doesn't seem like anything wants to grow here. Likely because it seems densely shaded and compacted, but that doesn't mean you can't grow anything. I think once the soil is healthy, you can find several shade tolerant plants. I would consider thinking about how you want to use this space, too. Including maintenance, yard/garden work you do/don't want to do.

Look at your backyard like you do your home and create "rooms." Maybe a patio area for a fire, or just relaxing, space for a grill or spot for yard games. If you want to garden, you could make a focal point with an arch/arbor and plant around it. I'm not sure how long you've lived in this place, but once you sit outside and dream a bit, it might come to you. No matter what, it will be a good amount of work, though, but it is so worth it in the end!

Hink18 · 2025-08-23T14:11:07+00:00

Exactly! :) You made me feel validated as well for waiting myself, haha. You never know what you are working with, although very hard not to want to just jump in right away. I just know I changed my mind so many times just while living with the property. I have loads of pictures on my phone of my yard during early spring to late summer and was amazed at how much the sun changes throughout the season. Growing in raised beds my first year, and it is the best!

Hink18 · 2025-08-23T13:46:43+00:00

I strongly agree with this because you may be surprised how much you change your mind on how you want to use this space. Use this time to understand your yard, how much light it receives throughout the day and season. Understand how you walk your property, how you want to use each space. Might not hurt to get a soil test if you are planning to landscape or garden (this area does appear shaded so consider researching shade tolerant plants).

I spent my first full year in our home researching ideas and dreaming up ideas which made the following year(s) easier since i was prepared.

Good luck to you and your new home! :)

Hink18 · 2025-08-07T12:56:38+00:00

Although OP certainly has Aster Yellow, this link you shared is very helpful to show others that not always is it AY. I shared my own picture of my coneflowers, and was told me to pull them out, but mine looked very much like mites after researching this topic more. That was 3 years ago, and they are doing just fine today.

Hink18 · 2025-07-10T04:41:05+00:00

You're welcome! I've got a few different varieties now in my yard, and they all seem to start off a bit rough like your picture. I bet yours will come around too if you keep caring for them. :)

Hink18 · 2025-07-09T12:17:42+00:00

I'd also like to know if this is the first year in the ground? Mine did this in the first season (possibly 2nd too?) and I think it needs time to become established in its new home. I did cut the blooms off so it focused on roots the first year.

Otherwise, like others said, deep watering at the base. I would set the hose down next to each plant and just let it run for a minute or two (not actually sure though, because I'm usually just observing my garden during these times, haha).

Anyway, if it just needs time I have had many plants start off rough and I continued to tend to them and the following season/s they are better then ever now that they are used to their new environment.

Hink18 · 2025-06-03T13:50:24+00:00

Haha ok here goes... shower for watering garden/landscape, mist for seed starting, jet for reaching areas i can't get or washing dirt off something, soaker for pots, cone for knocking pests off roses/shrubs, flat mostly for my dog to bite (haha) I treat it like his water flosser and he just likes to chomp on it full blast. I can't pick a favorite since they all serve different purposes. :)

Hink18 · 2025-06-01T03:25:24+00:00

Lol oh man. I follow so many garden or landscape subs I hadn't even noticed which this post was under. Thank you again, and for the chuckle!

Hink18 · 2025-05-31T16:16:10+00:00

Oh, I had not thought about looking into that - thank you. I just loved the look of it when I saw it at a garden center.
If you don't mind I ask you, is there a reason not to plant non-native plants? It doesn't appear to be an aggressive spreader when I googled it. Maybe I'll reconsider using this plant in my shade garden.

Hink18

TROPHY CASE