Router/firewall died -- can I leave Tivo on a cable modem?

[jlc4]

Our router/firewall died, and our household computers are taking turns plugging into the cable modem directly while we decide what to get next (not another Netgear!).

The Tivo's had a couple of successful connects over the past week from the flaky router, but I'm concerned about leaving it on the cable modem, which would give it a reliable connection. Is it safe without a firewall?

When I told it to test it's connection yesterday, it just tested (but then scheduled it's next connection attempt for within the hour, which was good). Is there any way to tell the Tivo to connect and do everything you want to do, cuz you may not get a connection again for a while?

We are just too busy this weekend (daughter's bday party, mother's day) to spend much time on the network. We may not get a new router bought and installed until next weekend.

Thanks for the advice.

[aus1ander]

I personally would not leave it connected to the cable modem. Not because its really a security threat, but because there's no reason to. All you really need to do is connect it every few days and force a daily call to update your guide data until you buy a new router. Why hog your connection with your Tivo unless you really use Yahoo Traffic/Weather?

[mick66]

Is there any way to tell the Tivo to connect and do everything you want to do, cuz you may not get a connection again for a while?

messages & settings > settings > phone & network > connect to the Tivo service now

[TydalForce]

There's probably not a whole lot of attacks out there that'll hit a TiVo... regardless of the actual level of security it may or may not have (I honestly don't know) I just don't think its a target. So, hooking it directly up probably isn't a big deal.

Having said that, given how inexpensive routers are today there's no excuse not to have one. Its the single most effective way to protect your devices from potential dangers on the Internet. (The second being to ditch Internet Explorer and use a real browser :b ).

If you hook it up directly and do the forced connect mentioned by mick66 above, then disconnect, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

If you're looking for recommendations on replacement routers, I've had good luck with products from Belkin, D-Link, and SMC. I currently use an SMC wireless router that has been very reliable.

[robbins]

I found a great Router for only $10 after rebate. Just look around and you can find routers for almost nothing every few weeks.

[Malcontent]

Our router/firewall died, and our household computers are taking turns plugging into the cable modem directly while we decide what to get next (not another Netgear!).


We are just too busy this weekend (daughter's bday party, mother's day) to spend much time on the network. We may not get a new router bought and installed until next weekend.

Thanks for the advice.

This is the Linksys WRT54GC Compact Wireless Router for $20 with Free Shipping when you apply code: 49158295 in your cart from OfficeDepot.com. Router has an internal antenna. An external antenna can be purchased separately if you need to extend its range. Excellent deal.

http://www.dailytool.com/index.php/coupon-linksys-wrt54gc-wireless-router-for-20-shipped/

[jlc4]

Do you really think we want to keep passing the ethernet cable around the house? <g>

Thanks to all for the help/advice. We did get a new router ordered Sun nite. It's a Linksys.