Linksys pulls plug on firmware update server.

Seems that as long as the units are allowed unfettered access to the net, they stop operating after failing to get a response from a linksys firmware update server. This happens shortly after power up. If the net setup is creatively changed, they can be made to run again.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/linksys-media-extenders-suddenly-stop-working-did-cisco-pull-th/

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/t/95097.aspx?PageIndex=1

How does firmware like this ever pass QA? Do they even do QA?

The fail is a bit strange.

If you block the address of the linksys system, it boots.
If you configure it with a bogus DNS address like 127.0.0.1 it boots.


If it is configured with a proper gateway and dns, it fails.

Which seems strange. Wouldn't a blocked address produce the same result as when the destination is MIA?