Bad Umbrella Roaming Client for Mac (ver. 2.2.544)
Networkmaine is aware of issues with Cisco Umbrella, previously known as OpenDNS, specific to Macbooks. When a Macbook running the Umbrella Roaming Client is updated to Roaming Client version 2.2.544, there is a chance it will break DNS resolution on that Macbook. When this happens, to the user it will appear that the Macbook is unable to connect to the internet. The problematic update has been pulled from Umbrella’s servers, so no machine should be automatically updated to this version at this point. For this reason, if you have not encountered this issue as of yet, it is unlikely that you will be affected. Additionally, if you have not deployed the Umbrella Roaming Client to any Macbook computers, you will not be affected by this issue. We have gotten reports that affected machines may be fixed by updating the roaming client to version 2.2.548, along with either (a) creating a new network location in network preferences, and/or (b) removing the 10.0.0.1 mapping for DNS in network preferences. If this does not work for you, please feel free to reach out to our support for further assistance. If possible, please provide a diagnostic report from an affected machine: https://support.umbrella.com/hc/en-us/articles/234692027-Umbrella-Diagnostic-Tool A direct link to the 2.2.548 version can be found here: https://disthost.umbrella.com/roaming/upgrade/mac/stage/RoamingClient_MAC_2.2.548.pkg.zip As machines may be unable to access the above link, we are providing an alternate link which does not require DNS to work: http://130.111.32.130/RoamingClient_MAC_2.2.548.pkg.zip There is also information being shared between schools on the ACTEM list – if you are subscribed to this list, it may be good to check there for any additional information.Umbrella has some information on the updates here: https://support.umbrella.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057411011-Roaming-Client-for-macOS-Version-2-2-544If we receive any additional information that may help in resolving this issue, we will pass it along. Update: February 26, 2021 3:00pm We’ve received word from Umbrella that the following steps should fix any remaining issues: In MacOS, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced Click the DNS tab In the left-hand pane, there will be a space for DNS servers. If there a selectable entry for 127.0.0.1, select it and click the minus (“-“) button to clear it from the list. If entry changes to greyed out text that is not selectable, this should be okay as long as it is not a selectable entry This should allow Umbrella to begin working again. To avoid a repeat, make sure you are upgraded to 2.2.548. If a machine is already upgraded to 2.2.544 and is then upgraded to 2.2.548 before a reboot, the issue should not occur. Please let us know if you try these steps and are still having trouble with the Umbrella client. Update: March 17, 2021 10:00am Umbrella has released an update for the MacOS Roaming Client. Information on the update can be found in the bulletin here: https://support.umbrella.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057411011 In summary, this is the latest release in a series of updates aimed at resolving an issue with the client on MacOS systems. Deployed clients may start to receive this update automatically. If you wish to install the update manually as a test, a link is available through the page above. If you do install this update, we would like to hear your experience with the update.
Maine’s Schools and Libraries, the Internet and E-Rate
For over 20 years the majority of the cost to connect Maine’s K-12 schools and public libraries to the Internet has been paid for with E-Rate funds. E-Rate is the “friendly” name of one of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund programs. Officially the program is called the Schools and Libraries Program. The FCC has the Universal Service Administration Company, or USAC, administer all of the Universal Service Programs including the E-Rate program. Networkmaine files a consortium application with USAC for E-Rate funding each year on behalf of its members that participate in the MSLN Project. E-Rate covers roughly 70% of the connectivity costs of the MSLN Project. In recent years, that has represented over $4.0 million of E-Rate support coming to Maine. The map below depicts information pulled from USAC’s OpenData website detailing successful applications for Data Transmission Services and/or Internet Access, referred to as “Category 1 services”, in E-Rate funding years 2018, 2019, and 2020. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1R2MDqh1_HcXV_iJjZc6cdo9LyIUOir9S” class=”” frameborder=”0″>