Buffalo Conveter = no HME apps?

[stevereis]

A while back, I got a Buffalo Converter - WLI-TX4-G54HP (http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless/wireless-g-mimo-performance/wireless-g-mimo-performance-ethernet-converter/), which is a combination wireless bridge and 4-port switch. FYI, this is the same unit Dave Zatz reported on about a year ago in his blog ZNF post link (http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-04/standard-defs-last-stand-in-daves-bedroom/). I got this hoping I could have all my TiVos connected wired via the bridge for optimal MRV transfer speeds (hoping the S3 will eventually have that enabled). So far, I have been using this unit only with my S3, taking advantage of the S3's built-in ethernet port.

It has been working fine for getting guide updates and running the Home Media Apps - Yahoo, Music & Phot sharing, etc. However, when the TiVo Desktop 2.4 came out, I could not get the HD Photos app to work. This is an HME Java app that works fine on my both S2's, each with the TiVo wireless adapter. I have recently been trying to run the Blockbuster and Unbox HME apps reported on in other threads on TCF but had no luck getting these to show up on the S3 either. The only difference I could tell between the units was in how they connected to my home network.

As a test, I replaced the wireless adapter on my S2 with a Linksys USB200M USB<->Ethernet adapter plugged into the Bridge. The S2 had no issues getting a new IP address and was on the network just fine with the normal Photos and Music sharing app but I lost Unbox and the HME photos app. Now the S2 was connected in the same way and behaving just as the S3 was.
Then, I removed the S3 from the bridge and plugged in the TiVo wireless adapter and reconfigured the network. It took a reboot of the S3, but when it came back up it could see the Unbox App and HD photos HME App.

So, it seems the Buffalo Bridge is somehow blocking access to the HME apps but I do not know why. I would appreciate any advice from anyone on things to try to resolve this. I don't want to buy another TiVo adapter if I can avoid it and I would like to have wired MRV speeds. Also, I am not sure if this is important, but I am using WPA (TKIP) security

BTW, has anyone done any speed measurements on older S2's wired transfer (MRV and TTG) speeds. I know the TiVo wireless adapter offloads processing from the TiVo but I have not seen any data comparing that speed to wired speeds where the TiVo may have to do all the work communicating over a USB/wired adapter.

[Stu_Bee]

Is it Port 7288 that is important for HME apps?
Can you check your Buffalo bridge to see if it has a firewall enabled, and disable it to test. (or see if you can open port 7288)

[stevereis]

Can you check your Buffalo bridge to see if it has a firewall enabled, and disable it to test. (or see if you can open port 7288)
There is no option in the setup/config tool to modify any ports and there is no mention of a firewall there or in the users guide.

[Stu_Bee]

I found a thread that seemed to indicate that model had a possible issue with Blocking ports:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14963350

I couldn't find your model on the Buffalo site to check for a firmware update, but then again, the buffalotech site seems terrible.
sorry.

[dswallow]

HME apps generally depend on two things:

The TiVo receiver has to be on the same physical network and subnet as the computer running the HME app(s).

The network supports multicast packets.

My guess is this device is either not properly passing through the multicast packets on the network or is in some mode where it's actually routing packets instead of bridging the network.

[stevereis]

I found a thread that seemed to indicate that model had a possible issue with Blocking ports:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14963350

I couldn't find your model on the Buffalo site to check for a firmware update, but then again, the buffalotech site seems terrible.
sorry.
Thanks for this info. FYI, my first post has a link to the device on Buffalo's site (LINK (http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless/wireless-g-mimo-performance/wireless-g-mimo-performance-ethernet-converter/)). I have checked the support/download page and I am running the latest firmware - v2.5. The thread you referenced indicated others were also hoping for an update but there has been none.

I'll have to dig out my old Linksys bridge (Game adapter) and check whether it passes HME traffic. If that works, I should be able to add a switch and get the functionality I want, just not in a single piece of equipment.

[Stu_Bee]

Just an FYI:

I use the Buffalo WHR-G54S (Currently $25 after mir)
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Buffalo-Technology-AirStation-G54-Router-WHR-G54S/sem/rpsm/oid/155054/catOid/-12980/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do?linkid=j13459594k1971&affiliateid=k1971&mid=sduidp0t0

Running DD-WRT firmware:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/ddwrt.php

Acting as a Bridge:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge
---
So both my Xbox and Tivo are plugged into the Buffalo which talks (via wifi) to my linksys router which talks with the Cable Modem.

[stevereis]

Just an FYI:
I use the Buffalo WHR-G54S (Currently $25 after mir)
...
Running DD-WRT firmware:
...
Acting as a Bridge:
...
---
So both my Xbox and Tivo are plugged into the Buffalo which talks (via wifi) to my linksys router which talks with the Cable Modem.
Bear with me to make sure I understand:

DD-WRT is modified firmware for the Linksys WRT54G and other routers, including the Buffalo unit you mentioned.
Which version should I use, or does it matter? (v23 SPI1 or v23 SP2)
Which flavor? (micro, mini, standard, voip, vpn) I would guess standard...
The setup process in the Wiki will apply to any HW, not just WRT54G as mentioned since they are all running DD-WRT instead of the stock firmware, right?

[Stu_Bee]

I'm using
- V23SP2, as I believe V24 is still beta.
- "Standard" for the Buffalo WHR-G54S

You only have to change the firmware on the Buffalo WHR-G54S router that will be acting as the bridge. No change (at all) is required on the Main Router.
I've heard that WPA2 can be problematic (ie no workie) if that is the encryption scheme you are using.

I set up this last week at a friends house...so if you PM me your email address, I can send you some cut/pasted steps from the wiki.
--
The first step is replacing the Firmware on the Buffalo.
The second step is configuring it to be a Wireless Bridge.
--
Please Note: I don't think this configuration will allow you to use the Buffalo as a Wireless network extender as well. (ie The plug-in ports on the Buffalo are the extension of the network...so if you have a wifi laptop it will still have to wifi-connect to the original router). Basically, the Tivo will need to plug into the bridge, not connect to it via wifi. There maybe a different setup described in the wiki if this is what you are trying to accomplish.
Hope that makes sense.

[stevereis]

Understood that only the Buffalo unit needs to have firmware changed. I have a WRT54G main router/AP and that will be untouched. Process is to first update Buffalo firmware to DD-WRT, then configure as a bridge.

I am pretty sure I am running WPA TKIP, so should be OK.

I also understand on the network topology. My point is to have all TiVo's plugged into the bridge/switch so MRV between units is at wired speeds.

BTW, this is the capability I have now with the Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP Converter. What I am missing with that is the ability to do HME with this unit. I am assuming this setup passes HME traffic. Can you confirm?

P.S. I'll PM you with my email address

[Stu_Bee]

yes HME apps work with my setup.
Just to verify...I installed "Unbox On Demand" and that worked (well..I didn't try to purchase from it..but the gui worked)
Other HME apps work such as Samegame/podcaster/yahoo weather. Tivocasts work too.

I'm embarrassed to say I'm still running WEP, but i have to imagine WPA will work.

[stevereis]

PM with email sent

BTW, all the 'regular' HME stuff works, Yahoo, games, etc.
I just don't get the HD Photos & Unbox apps

[stevereis]

Just an FYI:

I use the Buffalo WHR-G54S (Currently $25 after mir)
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Buffalo-Technology-AirStation-G54-Router-WHR-G54S/sem/rpsm/oid/155054/catOid/-12980/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do?linkid=j13459594k1971&affiliateid=k1971&mid=sduidp0t0

Running DD-WRT firmware:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/ddwrt.php

Acting as a Bridge:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge
---
So both my Xbox and Tivo are plugged into the Buffalo which talks (via wifi) to my linksys router which talks with the Cable Modem.
I finally stopped by CC tonight and picked up the router and did the re--flash and re-config with your pointers and the wiki instructions. HME apps are working through this rig and I am a happy man.
Thanks for the recommendations & advice.