OK2 down?

[Ryu]

Hey, thanks for replying. Any chance you'd mind sharing which vpn you set them up with? You could DM me, if you'd like. Maybe best to not air that one in public, I'm not sure, simply because I don't understand the issue...

I feel as though it's a difficult situation to try and understand, only because there's so much misinformation floating around out there... My provider for instance; their either telling me that "yes, we know there's an issue. it's been reported and we're waiting for a tech to take care of it" or "ok2 is done for if I had to guess. Best we switch to something else".

I, much like yourself, really don't want to have to move everyone. Mostly because the one's I have on ok2 are for the most part, getting up there in age and/or not technically inclined and they're just not wanting to change services. I guess they got comfy with the ok2 lineup...

If I can find a VPN that tests properly, I will look into to somehow providing them with that. Or better yet, if I can verify that running a vpn is 100% the way to go, and these silly outages are no longer to be seen using it, then I'll order a decent server at ovh and setup a vpn for everyone to use.. of course, I'd rather not go that route but I feel that not doing anything or just waiting is going to cost me a huge chunk of my user base, which it already has...

theres many let you try up to 1 month or more and money back if you dont like it.. Nord,ipvanish, cyberghost...etc

[Gbox23]

I don't see any reason why I would need to keep the vpn service I use on the down low lol.
I have been using vpn.ac for years. I have never had any problems with it. it is VERY configurable, solid service and they have wireguard included (up to 6 connections).
I run two networks at my house, vpn for my boxes, the other for everyone else to use. I have all my services streaming on 4 tvs 24 7 without any issues.
As i stated earlier, If i disconnect ok2 service from vpn, and run without, it immediately stops working (at least live tv). switch back to vpn, and it works.
I'm almost positive ok2 isn't disappearing, considering who we have on this forum. I'm almost positive they would let us know that.

As for running a virtual server, why? Make the client pay for a vpn service. Both vpn and iptv together is a fraction of paying a monthly cable/sat bill and you are also not contractually obligated to keep that vr server (I believe most have a year or two term contract, i could be wrong, according to my wife I'm always wrong, but again, that is a completely different thread haha)
I'm almost positive you could probably use one vpn account for a few clients, I run it at home, at work and on my phone at the same time, all on one account. My work internet service is based out of USA, so My vpn connects multiple devices from different geos without an issue.
I believe vpn.ac is around 60USD a year.

One of my iptv services doesn't like vpns, get the Cloudflare 1020 or whatever error. Ive tried many vpns for it. Some work but its hit and miss because you can't always configure them to connect to same server every time.
Vpn.ac allows that, and that iptv service works fine (when you find the working server for it, in this case it's based out of the states)
I'm thinking more on the client end that is not tech savy . they (and I) just want it to work, hence the ability to configure this service, it works as you tell it to, every-time the same way.

get a decent vpn, try it out for yourself.
Good luck!

[squirtNcider]

Are you adding the vpn in the buzz box with an app box or installing it in the router?
I also have many non tech savvy clients and myself have never needed one, even now. So far my isp has been good.

[Gbox23]

yes, clients i am using the apps. Using android vpn always connect option (if using wireguard) vpn app has auto connect and run option at boot. so no need for the android always connect option.

My house, I run a mini pc type thing i built, dedicated to vpn, running to a router/switch blah blah blah to boxes (all wired). wifi is available if need to connect the vpn.

[squirtNcider]

Ok, so a vpn like surfshark has unlimited connections, so could I put the surfshark app in the clients boxes that need the vpn?

[Gbox23]

probably? not sure, never used that vpn.

[Emporium]

Ok, so a vpn like surfshark has unlimited connections, so could I put the surfshark app in the clients boxes that need the vpn?

I'd be a little suspicious about the quality and bandwidth when they even clearly advertise "unlimited connections - so you can share with family and friends". Hmm.. Something just doesn't sound right. What would stop one reseller of buying a subscriptions and then sharing it will all their clients.

Some low end VPNs, even though they are great for browsing and stuff, may not be stable or sufficient enough for streaming. I know some will explicitly limit streaming and p2p transfers ONLY from specific servers (which are typically overloaded anyhow).

Why don't you try something like windscribe. They have a free version which has limited servers and only 10GB per month. But at least you get to try it before you buy it. And the android app is pretty decent. And checkout post #101 in this thread and you may even be able to increase the free 10GB/month to 50GB/month. I have used it's stealth connection (ie: TCP/443), to stream a few games when I was at the office (to bypass both our corp firewall) and had no issues streaming from at least 2 of the free servers (on in Ontario, and I think the other one was the Costa Rica server during the first game. If you like it, you can upgrade to Pro version for unlimited bandwidth and more server choices. They often have specials on.

[GSATV]

So, it appears that with the exception of those that have Shaw, most seem to have service as of a couple hours ago.. Well, those that reached out to me anyhow..

With that said though, If it were 1, 2 users then I would 100% agree with you about it being a setup issue man! But for the most part, most of my users complaining of the same issue? Being a setup issue is simply not possble. I simply don't see that being an option when that many users are saying the same thing anyway...

The only way I could potentially see it being an issue with something they're using/doing wrong and/or the issue being a problem with their setup is if the DNS has changed in the last week and a half to two weeks (maybe less?) seeing as I provide my users who are with this specific service a hardcoded copy of stbemu and/or XCIPTV....

I know that I've been testing multiple VPN's, the one's that seem to be working the most without issue are all the VPN's I've deployed myself. They are deployed in the following datacenters; Hetzner in Finland, AWS montreal and OVH BHS which of course is Montreal.

The one I had the least amount of issues with was Hetzner, although latency did become a problem which makes sense with it being all the way out in Europe... But yeah, just wanted to drop a reply..

Cheers

[Gbox23]

ok2 is working right now (5am'ish EST) without vpn. of course, no game on ;-) I am sure once 10am hits, it will be blacked out.

I couldn't agree more with emporium reply in regards to the vpn. You certainly pay for what you get.

Hopefully everyone is able to sort out their issues with regards to this.
Good luck!

[hotplay]

Ok, so a vpn like surfshark has unlimited connections, so could I put the surfshark app in the clients boxes that need the vpn?

I have been using surfshark for three years, with unlimited connections. The person with the issue installs surfshark on there device and sends you the code on screen,you enter the code and it opens takes two minutes. I previously had expensive ipvanish with device limitations. Surfshark does everything it says it does at a fair price.

[Highwayman]

strange since the beginning of this thread i havent had a problem with ok2,3,or 4

i use the sfvip player mirrored to my samsung and a walfart onn box with ott navi,
tivimate and iptv stream player.

i use zone alarm free and vpnbook free

[Gbox23]

well ya... ive never had a problem at my end either because I run vpn as well. That's the point of most of this thread. Vpn sorts the problem out.

as of right now, ok2 is running fine without vpn, streaming the canada game as we speak (tried both rogers and bell feeds)

edit: blocked. vpn required now.

[Highwayman]

well ya... ive never had a problem at my end either because I run vpn as well. That's the point of most of this thread. Vpn sorts the problem out.

as of right now, ok2 is running fine without vpn, streaming the canada game as we speak (tried both rogers and bell feeds)

edit: blocked. vpn required now.

lol yup i use a vpn but i dont need one to get ok2,3,or 4 but i do use open bullet spooooof......

[dishuser]

I have been using surfshark for three years, with unlimited connections. The person with the issue installs surfshark on there device and sends you the code on screen,you enter the code and it opens takes two minutes. I previously had expensive ipvanish with device limitations. Surfshark does everything it says it does at a fair price.

actually ipvanish is cheaper than surfshark
no limitations

[Gunsmoke2 - GS2]

I'd be a little suspicious about the quality and bandwidth when they even clearly advertise "unlimited connections - so you can share with family and friends". Hmm.. Something just doesn't sound right. What would stop one reseller of buying a subscriptions and then sharing it will all their clients.

Some low end VPNs, even though they are great for browsing and stuff, may not be stable or sufficient enough for streaming. I know some will explicitly limit streaming and p2p transfers ONLY from specific servers (which are typically overloaded anyhow).

Why don't you try something like windscribe. They have a free version which has limited servers and only 10GB per month. But at least you get to try it before you buy it. And the android app is pretty decent. And checkout post #101 in this thread and you may even be able to increase the free 10GB/month to 50GB/month. I have used it's stealth connection (ie: TCP/443), to stream a few games when I was at the office (to bypass both our corp firewall) and had no issues streaming from at least 2 of the free servers (on in Ontario, and I think the other one was the Costa Rica server during the first game. If you like it, you can upgrade to Pro version for unlimited bandwidth and more server choices. They often have specials on.

I needed a VPN to access US program streaming on my Amazon stick. I tried up to 6 VPN services that offered a free trial, meaning you had to still pay up front and than cancel within the 30 day window for a refund. Some fought to keep you, some just cancelled. I tried the top VPN's. ( Nord, surfshark, Vanish, Express, Etc )


I found myself disappointed as obviously some even the top VPN names were tagged, blocked, no matter how many servers, different types of connections I tried. Some passed on some US providers, while others passed on others, but couldn't find one that got through them all on the right time zone.


I had windscribe free service so tried it and it was working out better than some of the big names. I now using their Pro version but since I only need to access or only want to access US streaming I took their option of US servers only at $2.00 US a month unlimited. Once in awhile I get blocked by one US programming provider in particular and have to try different severs, connection types, need some patience, cat & mouse game, but usually succeed. Windscribe I find also has a easy simple layout.


I think it depends on your needs what VPN service will work out best for you.





GS2