yes I have...in fact the technician even switched out the DECA for a new one. Could my Linksys Routers firewall be blocking the connection?
I doubt it is your Linksys Router. The routers will usually setup addressing protocols correctly then block the ports if they choose. (That is the level where firewalls operate.) You are not getting a valid addressing scheme from your router. Your addressing should look something like this:
IP Address: 192.168.0.x (where x can be any number based on what your router assigns)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Are you sure your Cat-5 cable is OK?
Are you going straight from your router to your "Connection Kit"?
What DECA do your have for your internet connection? Is it the "Cinema Connection Kit" model or one of the square boxy units that are normally used for connecting a receivers network capability to the coax network? Are you sure your DECA power supply is working correctly?
I am sorry you are having so much difficulty with your setup. But, I am also concerned that your technicians did not catch the fact that the addressing is incorrect. This suggests they don't have much experience with the internet connection.
(And just as a point of clarification, an internet connection has nothing to do with Whole Home service. It is simply used for downloading program content over the internet to your DVR. Whole home works receiver to receiver/DVR over the coax wiring. So this may be confusing any telephone conversation you are having with D* phone service. They may be trying to help you solve the wrong problem.)
I hope this helps.
Bob