A Kaleidescape component is not showing up on the network

Here are some things to check when a Kaleidescape component is not showing up on the network.

Check power on the Kaleidescape component, the network cables and link light status. Try a different port on the switch.

These seem like basic things to try, but even these simple troubleshooting steps should be checked. Kaleidescape components must be powered on to appear on the network, and they must have a good connection to a switch on the network.

Check the network hardware

Do not use a hub or half-duplex switch to connect Kaleidescape components. Be aware that many problems have been reported with NETGEAR switches, including intermittent network activity, components dropping off the network, and stuttering playback.

Check the IP settings

To display a list of all the Kaleidescape components connected to the same Ethernet switch or set of interconnected switches, even if the network addresses of the components are on different subnets, try browsing to:

• http://my-kaleidescape/lskd.html on Windows,
• http://my-kaleidescape.local/lskd.html on a Mac, or Windows running iTunes,
• or if those methods fail, http://xxx.www.yyy.zzz/lskd.html on Windows, or Mac, where xxx.www.yyy.zzz is the IP address of any Kaleidescape component on the network.

This page should assist during troubleshooting, and also includes other useful information such as the serial numbers, kOS versions, and control protocol device IDs (where applicable) of each component.

 

All components must be on the same network subnet or they will not operate properly. If a player is set to a static IP address, but other components are using DHCP, it is possible that they are on separate subnets. Make sure that this is not the case.

A DHCP server assigns network devices IP addresses and is generally part of the router. Check that the DHCP server is configured with enough addresses for all the devices on the network, including the Kaleidescape components.

Check for a Firewall

Check that any firewall for the network permits the Kaleidescape server to use port 443 for HTTPS and 53 for DNS. Most firewalls do. If you can view https://www.kaleidescape.com/activate from a device with a web browser on the same LAN, these ports are permitted by your firewall.

Check Ethernet Cable Run Lengths

The Ethernet specifications allow a maximum cable run length of 100 meters (328 feet). If you must locate the Kaleidescape System components more than 100 meters from the primary or an added switch, add another switch (not a router) to propagate the network signals over the extra distance or use fiber optic cabling that does not have the 100 meter restriction.