NAS disconnects/halts while using media server

[PencilGeek]

My N5200Pro seems to be disconnecting from the network while using the media server to play to a Netgear EVA-8000. The source is a rip of "Narnia - Prince Caspian" Blu-Ray transcoded to 8000kb/s bit rate and placed on the N5200 Pro. The file was cropped to fit the image, and all extra languages and subtitles were stripped -- leaving the bare minimum number of bits in the file. Jumbo frames are disabled -- because enabled is a known problem with this particular media receiver and 1080p content.

Thecus:
N5200Pro. Firmware 2.00.14. 5TB Raid5 on WD green drives.

Network:
My network is GigE throughout my entire house -- all routers and switches support GigE. Mostly Netgear routers and switches.

Problem:
Playback stops within 1-8 minutes. Media receiver says the connection to the server has been lost, or the file has been removed. I have conclusively isolated the problem to the N5200.

Debug:
* Connected media reciever directly to Thecus with all other network connections removed. Problem still persists.
* Watching N5200 during playback it's clear the NAS isn't even breaking a sweat. Drive lights barely blink.
* When the hang occurs, all drive traffic has stopped.
* Log files do not indicate any problem whatsoever.
* Moving this MP4 file to my local computer -- the same file plays perfectly fine.

What's next? How can I figure out the problem with the N5200 and fix it? Can I log in as root and tune the network parameters to improve the performance and/or figure out what is going wrong?

[Thecus - Yvon]

Dear Sir,

If only this file have such issue, we worry would related to media file compatibility, if possible would you please provide some sample file for us to vefiy for you?

[PencilGeek]

Dear Sir,

If only this file have such issue, we worry would related to media file compatibility, if possible would you please provide some sample file for us to vefiy for you?

This problem appears to be related to SMB disconnections. My media receiver does not use uPNP media server connections. This is caused by SMB disconnecting. I've seen SMB disconnection issues on the 5200 in other forums. some people said it was fixed. How was it fixed? Can I tune something on the box (with root login) to fix the problem?

If you still need me to send a file, the smallest file I have is a 384MB file. Where do you want me to send it?

[Thecus - Yvon]

Dear Sir,

If you have SAMBA concern, please confirm your N5200 is latest version firmware V2.00.14 or not.
And so far we didn't get this isssue on V2.00.14.

[N5200/N5200PRO]
Latest firmware: v2.00.14
Release note: http://www.thecus.com/Downloads/N520...WRN_v20014.pdf
Upgrade procedure: http://www.thecus.com/Downloads/Thecus_NAS_FWUPG.pdf
Download link: http://www.thecus.com/Downloads/N520...FW_2.00.14.bin
FAQ: http://www.thecus.com/download/other...2006-11-22.pdf

[GoNz0]

its the 5th line down on his post yvon

N5200Pro. Firmware 2.00.14. 5TB Raid5 on WD green drives.

[PencilGeek]

I put that in the original post. It's 2.00.14 firmware.

[PencilGeek]

Here's the samba logs and process information. As you will see, Samba dies.

Before playback begins:
root@127.0.0.1:/var/log/samba# ps | grep samba
5174 root 2296 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
5176 root 1452 S /opt/samba/sbin/nmbd -l /var/log
5208 root 2152 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
1209 root 3104 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
23421 nobody 2832 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
23552 root 312 R grep samba

After playback begin:
root@127.0.0.1:/var/log/samba# ps | grep samba
5174 root 2296 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
5176 root 1452 S /opt/samba/sbin/nmbd -l /var/log
5208 root 2152 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
1209 root 3104 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
23421 nobody 2832 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
23552 root 312 R grep samba

After playback halts but without clearing the error on the media server:
root@127.0.0.1:/var/log/samba# ps | grep samba
5174 root 2272 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
5176 root 1452 S /opt/samba/sbin/nmbd -l /var/log
5208 root 2128 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
1209 root 3068 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
26292 root 324 S grep samba

After clearing the error on the media receiver another instance of samba begin:
root@127.0.0.1:/var/log/samba# ps | grep samba
5174 root 2272 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
5176 root 1452 S /opt/samba/sbin/nmbd -l /var/log
5208 root 2128 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
1209 root 3068 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
26165 root 2816 S /opt/samba/sbin/smbd -d 1 -l /var/log
26292 root 324 S grep samba

You can see from above that one instance of Samba has terminated when playback halts and another instance of Samba begins when the connection is re-established by clearing the error.

Here's the samba log file:
[2008/12/19 09:08:05, 1] smbd/service.c:make_connection_snum(1033)
_none_ (10.1.2.3) connect to service DVDs initially as user nobody (uid=99, gid=99) (pid 23421)
[2008/12/19 09:09:13, 1] smbd/service.c:close_cnum(1230)
_none_ (10.1.2.3) closed connection to service DVDs

It's pretty clear from this information that Samba is crashing. Why, and how do I fix it? How can I load a newer version of Samba on the Thecus?

[Thecus - Yvon]

Dear Sir,

So far we didn't get feeback about SAMBA on V2.00.14, in reason of this N5200PRO been install the SSH, we have no idea about what user change the system config, thus we afraid proivde any support and warranty if system been installed the SSH.
Due to this N5200PRO would been change some configuration withou notification, thus following suggestion steps for your reference:
1. Remove all installed modules.
2. Reset system back facotry default.
3. Reconfig N5200PRO IP address and test the DLNA function.
4. Please download the first CONF.BIN, if still disconnect while Media Server playing, please downlaod 2nd OCNF.BIN to http://esupport.thecus.com for us compare the CONF.BIN for you.

SYSTEM->CONFIG MGMT->DOWNLOAD->CONF.BIN

[Steve B]

How large is the file?

[fajo]

Yvon,

And so far we didn't get this isssue on V2.00.14

Any repots on earlier FW versions ? There have not been any major changes (if any at all - would have to check) to Samba in the last releases so referring to not receiving any fault reports on the latest release is not really a good idea - have there been reports on earlier releases that are confirmed to be fixed (by the users) with 2.00.14 ?.

So far we didn't get feeback about SAMBA on V2.00.14, in reason of this N5200PRO been install the SSH, we have no idea about what user change the system config, thus we afraid proivde any support and warranty if system been installed the SSH.

Please stop to assume that every user that installs modules will alter the base system. There are some but most users will just enjoy the functionality provided by that modules. The ability to extend system functionality is a big reason to buy (at least is was in the past) and without you would not have sold half of the boxes you did ....

3. Reconfig N5200PRO IP address and test the DLNA function.

The user (PencilGeek) already told you twice that he does not use the builtin media server (or any other), but uses a SMB share to access the media files.

4. Please download the first CONF.BIN, if still disconnect while Media Server playing, please downlaod 2nd OCNF.BIN to http://esupport.thecus.com for us compare the CONF.BIN for you.

@PencilGeek: pleas keep in mind that the conf.bin will contain the configuration database and thatfor the admin password in clear text.

/Falk

[PencilGeek]

Dear Sir,

So far we didn't get feeback about SAMBA on V2.00.14, in reason of this N5200PRO been install the SSH, we have no idea about what user change the system config, thus we afraid proivde any support and warranty if system been installed the SSH.

This is a strange response to me because I did you a huge favor debugging the problem. Thecus created the open module format for the N5200, surely you cannot refuse service because somebody decided to use it -- to help save you time and money. If you prefer, I will be happy to return my box to it's exact factory configuration and then ask Thecus to do all of the debugging themselves -- thereby ensuring the maximum amount of time and effort to figure out the problem.

But just so I can be clear, I have not changed ANYTHING in the system config. The only reason SSH is installed is because I wanted to create my own symlinks from one area of the filesystem to the another. So you can assume everything in the system config is stock.

Due to this N5200PRO would been change some configuration withou notification, thus following suggestion steps for your reference:
1. Remove all installed modules.

I already did this, and the problem still occurs.

2. Reset system back facotry default.

The factory default configuration will not work on my network. See previous bug reports under my name at thecus.com for details of the bugs.

3. Reconfig N5200PRO IP address and test the DLNA function.

Please read my bug report more carefully. I cannot use DLNA.

4. Please download the first CONF.BIN, if still disconnect while Media Server playing, please downlaod 2nd OCNF.BIN to thecus for us compare the CONF.BIN for you.

SYSTEM->CONFIG MGMT->DOWNLOAD->CONF.BIN

OK.

How large is the file?

10GB.

[Steve B]

does the problem still persist on smaller files of the same bitrate?

[PencilGeek]

does the problem still persist on smaller files of the same bitrate?

Yes. In fact, it happened with an mp3 song last week. Very small file.

[datsrix]

Guys, I think i'm getting the same issue. I have files stored on the NAS using SMB and use a UPNP media server on my PC, I'm going to check my logs but suspect I have a similar issue. When the files are stored on my PC it works without a hitch

I think the Thecus has UPNP or SMB issues! I'm going to create a ISCSI volume and see if the issues persists using this..

Thecus, you really need to get this resolved.

[GoNz0]

well they have a new firmware coming out end of the month, i have a beta of it but havn't had the balls to put it on as its ment to be a little buggy still

[datsrix]

Ah I see. Can anyone tell me how to show the log file for samba? I have the SSH module installed.. I want to see if the same symptoms show for me as the OP