Resolving OpenBeken Device Name Missing in Router After Power Cycle

Tilator wrote:

While power is lost and comes on again, OpenBeken devices boot up first and router givind DHCP after that.

Then OpenBeken devices get IP adress, but router seems to be missing OpenBeken device names.

How can I fix this?

Hello!

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue where your OpenBeken devices boot up and request IP addresses from the router before the router's DHCP server is fully operational. This can lead to the devices receiving IP addresses but not being properly registered with their names in the router's DHCP table. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the problem and potential solutions:

Problem Analysis

1. Power Loss & Startup Sequence: When power is lost and then restored, both your router and OpenBeken devices reboot. However, the OpenBeken devices boot up faster than the router.
2. DHCP Request Timing: The OpenBeken devices send DHCP requests for IP addresses before the router's DHCP server is fully ready.
3. Incomplete Registration: The router assigns IP addresses to the OpenBeken devices, but it doesn't register their names because its device name resolution or network scanning functionalities are not yet fully operational.

Potential Solutions

1. Delay OpenBeken Boot-up

One way to address this issue is to delay the boot-up of your OpenBeken devices, allowing the router to be fully operational before the devices request IP addresses.

- Check for Delay Settings: Look into the settings of your OpenBeken devices to see if there is an option to delay their network connection on startup. This delay can give your router enough time to be ready.
- Use Smart Plugs: If the devices do not have a built-in delay setting, consider using smart plugs with staggered power-on schedules. Set the OpenBeken devices to power on a few minutes after the router.

2. Configure Router Settings

Adjusting settings on your router can also help ensure that the OpenBeken devices are properly registered.

- Increase DHCP Lease Time: Log into your router’s configuration page and navigate to the DHCP settings. Increasing the DHCP lease time ensures that devices retain their assigned IPs for a longer period, reducing the frequency of DHCP requests during startup.
- Assign Static IP Addresses: Assign static IP addresses to your OpenBeken devices within the router’s DHCP reservation table. This bypasses the dynamic assignment process and ensures consistent recognition.

3. Update Firmware

Ensure that both your router and OpenBeken devices are running the latest firmware versions. Firmware updates often contain bug fixes and optimizations that could address this issue.

- Router Firmware: Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware version for your router and follow the instructions to update it.
- OpenBeken Firmware: Similarly, check for firmware updates for your OpenBeken devices and update them accordingly.

4. Modify OpenBeken Configuration

You can configure your OpenBeken devices to broadcast their names to the network before they receive an IP address.

- Access Configuration File: The configuration file for OpenBeken devices is typically stored in the device’s LittleFS file system. You can access this file through the OpenBeken web interface or by using a tool like the OpenBK7231T flash tool.
- Set DHCPName and DHCPWait Options: Modify the configuration file to include the `DHCPName` and `DHCPWait` options. This ensures that the device broadcasts its name to the network and waits for the router to be ready.

Example configuration:

- Restart the Device: After making these changes, restart the OpenBeken device to apply the new configuration.

Troubleshooting Tips

- Power Cycle: Perform a full power cycle by turning off both the router and OpenBeken devices, waiting a few minutes, and then powering on the router first, followed by the OpenBeken devices.
- Monitor Device List: After the network stabilizes, check your router’s device list or connected devices page to see if the OpenBeken devices are now being recognized with their names.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to ensure that your OpenBeken devices consistently register their hostnames with the router after a power cycle. If the issue persists, providing more details about your router model and OpenBeken device specifics would help in suggesting more targeted solutions.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need additional assistance!