Connecting TiVO to the internet

[maveez]

Hello

I just got a TiVo and I need to connect it to the internet. How can I do this? I have wireless internet and a linksys router. Can I just hook up the router with an ethernet cable? What else can I do? Thanks.

[RonDawg]

If the router is close enough to the TiVo to allow it, the best way is to use an ethernet cable. Much easier and you won't run into interference issues.

If you have a Series 2 TiVo, you will need a USB to ethernet adapter. I use one made by NetGear, I forget the model number. It is extremely easy to set up and works very well.

If you have a Series 2 DT, Series 3, or TiVoHD, these have built-in ethernet and don't need an adapter.

If a wired connection is not practical, you can go wireless. The Series 3 and THD models will only accept the official TiVo wireless adapter. The Series 2 can use those and a few others. Search the forums as you cannot use just any wireless adapter, and certain ones like the LinkSys you have to look for a specific version in order for it to work.

[pdhenry]

On a Series 2 or S2DT the performance improvement in using a TiVo branded wireless adapter over another wireless adapter is worth the additional cost. I paid around $40 on Amazon for mine.

[maveez]

My TiVo is just next to my router. I will connect it with an ethernet cable. Also, my ISP requires a key to access the internet, is this going to cause a problem with the TiVO trying to connect?

[pdhenry]

If it's a PPPOE (DSL) login, the router can usually be configured to handle that.

[JYoung]

My TiVo is just next to my router. I will connect it with an ethernet cable. Also, my ISP requires a key to access the internet, is this going to cause a problem with the TiVO trying to connect?

Are you sure they gave you a router or is it just a cable/DSL modem?
How many devices do you have connected to the Internet right now?

[RonDawg]

Also, my ISP requires a key to access the internet, is this going to cause a problem with the TiVO trying to connect?

The log-in should be handled by the router, with the info stored in the router's settings.

With the router already on for a few minutes, when you turn on your computer does it automatically connect to the internet, or do you have to manually enter a password? If it's the former then you will have no problem attaching a TiVo.

If it's the latter either your router isn't properly configured, or you don't have a router but something else, perhaps just the modem only.

[maveez]

I had to enter the key the first time I logged onto the network. The key is save in my computer and it connects me automatically when I log on. I was ust curious if I had to use the same key for the TiVo. I havent tried it yet. Its hooked up but havent had time to mess with it.

[pdhenry]

There's no way to enter an Internet password in the TiVo, but see here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5824491#post5824491) and here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5825283#post5825283).

[fredct]

maveez, sounds to me like you don't have a router, but rather just a cable/DSL modem. If it is a router, there should be a way to go into the router and tell it your internet logon name (assuming you have DSL, you're probably using the 'PPPoE' protocol) so it will remember on behalf of your computer, TiVo, etc.

If its not a router, as I suspect, then you need to go out to get one at BestBuy, CircuitCity, etc. You can get a wireless one, but it sounds like you just need a basic one - a 4 port router/switch. Give your name/password to *that*, and your computer & TiVo never need to know it again.

If you tell us more about your setup - cable or DSL? what is the market/model # of the device you're talking about - then we can probably help clarify further.

[maveez]

Yeah its a linksys wireless broadband router.

[maveez]

Ok. I hooked it up to my router and it cannot connect. The TiVo actually asked my for the key code to access the internet, but I tried every which way and its still down. I will have to get the USB network adapter. Thanks for all of your help. -Travis-

[Tnerbeel]

Ok. I hooked it up to my router and it cannot connect. The TiVo actually asked my for the key code to access the internet, but I tried every which way and its still down. I will have to get the USB network adapter. Thanks for all of your help. -Travis-

So I am guessing you do not have an ethernet port in your TiVo-correct? Just for my clarification, does anyone know what the TiVo is looking for when asking for a 'key' if it is not connected to the router? Will it still ask for the media access key?

[greg_burns]

Will it still ask for the media access key?

It will never ask for the MAK. I can only guess what it is asking for. I've only ever seen it prompt for a wireless security key...

Edit: is it his Tivo asking, or his PC running TivoDesktop asking? :confused:

[Tnerbeel]

It will never ask for the MAK. I can only guess what it is asking for. I've only ever seen it prompt for a wireless security key...

Edit: is it his Tivo asking, or his PC running TivoDesktop asking? :confused:

Good question. I thought it might be asking for a WEP key indicating he is hooked up to the router and the problem is router related-thus the network adapter will not be the solution. If he would provide the TiVo, router and ISP info maybe y'all could get him online.

[greg_burns]

Ok. I hooked it up to my router and it cannot connect.

Hooked what up to your router? The Tivo?

I will have to get the USB network adapter.

If you cannot connect to the internet while connected directly to your router using an ethernet cable from the back of your Tivo (I am assuming it is a DT with an ethernet port) then getting a USB ethernet adapter isn't going to help. :confused:

What model Tivo do you have?

[maveez]

Yeah I do have an ethernet connection on the TiVo. I don't have a phone line so I dont think it is going to work. I called my Internet company and they are not willing to hep me because they dont know how and wont come over to check it out. I guess I will just have to live without it. Too bad I'm paying for a year of service. If only I knew you had to connect it to the internet I probably would not have bought it.

[maveez]

It askep me for the wep key and I gave it all of the ISP information and it said that it could not connect. Am I the only person who has this issue?

[maveez]

It is the TiVo asking for the key not my desktop. Why cant I just get the updates on my computer and transfer them to my TiVo through the USB. Why is this so complicated?

[maveez]

It is a Series 2 DT

[jjberger2134]

Lets start from scratch.

First, connect the CAT5 ethernet cable from one of the ports on the back of your router to the ethernet port on the back of the S2DT. (Do not touch or unplug any of the other wires leading to/from your computer). Check to make sure that on the front of the router the appropriate port lights up indicating that a connection has been made between the router and the TiVo.

Second, reboot your TiVo and either re-run guided setup or simply change phone dialing options from the Settings Menu (change to Network). I have not run guided setup in quite some time, but it may ask how you want to get service updates, select Internet (rather than phone) and it may ask you about wired or wireless. Since you have a physical connection from the TiVo to the router, you have a wired connection.

If you have further trouble, post your problems (with enough detail) here. Someone will certainly help you. This does not sound to me like a problem with your internet provider, but just a setup issue.

Also, to answer your question - the TiVo needs to connect either by phone/internet to get the programming information/updates.

[jjberger2134]

Also, it sounds like you made a mistake during guided setup, because if you have a wired connection, the TiVo should not ask you for a WEP key (WEP is for wireless only).

What type of internet connection do you have? DSL? Cable? etc.

Some other thoughts:
1. You have a 30 day return privilege from TiVo.
2. If you continue to have trouble connecting with the router try the Linksys support on their website.
3. Call TiVo and maybe they can walk you through, live on the phone.

[jjberger2134]

If you have trouble finding a network using the automatic TCP/IP look here....

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/LaunchContent.aspx?cid=d7e0f1fa-7880-4919-8809-7d5159ec8791&anchor=undefined

[Tnerbeel]

If you have further trouble, post your problems (with enough detail) here. Someone will certainly help you. This does not sound to me like a problem with your internet provider, but just a setup issue.

Do not give up. Your issue is clearly a setup issue. You have a router and as long as you have internet access with your computer through the router you can get the TiVo online and do not need a phone connection. If you cannot get it online with the instructions given by JJberger2134 then post your results. Someone can get you online as long as you give enough information. Router model would help.

[greg_burns]

It is strange he got his Tivo to ask for a WEP key when he doesn't have USB Wireless adapter connected to it. How do you do that? :)

(FYI, Tivo's do not have wireless support built-in, you must attach a USB wireless adapter. The Tivo one (http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-AG0100-Wireless-Network-Adapter/dp/B000ER5G6C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199238551&sr=8-1) is preferred.)

But since you have a DT (which has an built-in ethernet port) and you can easily run an ethernet cable to your router, just do that.

[greg_burns]

It is the TiVo asking for the key not my desktop.

When I said Tivo Desktop, I was referring to the software called Tivo Desktop that you install on your computer (aka your desktop ;)).


Why cant I just get the updates on my computer and transfer them to my TiVo through the USB.

Would be a nice feature. But you can't. :(

Why is this so complicated?

Its not really. :)

[maveez]

The router is a Linksys Model WRT54G. Honestly I don't know if it is connected to the network because if I unplug it I still get service, but there is another router in the apartment next door so I could still be connected to that one if this one is turned off. I dont know what the port lights are. There are lights and the power light blinks and every few seconds all the lights light up. I dont think its connected. I know my internet people arent going to come and fix it and Ill probably break it if I try to mess with it.

[maveez]

It asks for a DHCP Client ID. I only assumed that this is the key that I use to log on.

[maveez]

The Gateway (router) could not be located. (N07) Blah Blah Blah, please contact your ISP. Yeah I did and they never heard of anyone connecting their TiVO to the internet and wont come over to look at it and I cant change ISP's cuz they have a contract with the building.

[maveez]

Who knew this would be so much bother. I would rather just miss the TV rather than spend any more time trying to figure this out. Sorry to waste all of your time.

[greg_burns]

There are simple ways to check if your router is connected to internet and that you are even connecting to your router if you are willing to try. But it doesn't sound like you are.

[maveez]

If it isnt connected the internet company wont come out to look at it so it doesnt matter. I give up. Too bad I cant send it back.

[greg_burns]

If it isnt connected the internet company wont come out to look at it so it doesnt matter. I give up. Too bad I cant send it back.

Why are you so quick to give up? :confused:

Dude, it sounds like this "key" you are talking about is simply a wireless security key to connect to either your router or your neighbor's. It would be odd that you know the key to your neighbor's though. Unless everyone in your appartment is setup the same.

If you have a Linksys Router, log into the router and see what's up.

From your PC

start->run->cmd

ipconfig /all

What does it say for Default Gateway? 192.168.1.1 or something?

Open a web browser and type that address into it.

Should be prompted for the login to the router. Default username/password for Linksys Router is usually admin/admin. In fact, username can be left blank, but it doesn't matter.

Let me know if you can connect to the router and can go from there. Unless you want to give up. :(

[jjberger2134]

If it isnt connected the internet company wont come out to look at it so it doesnt matter. I give up. Too bad I cant send it back.

Why does the internet company need to come out and look at it? If you feel overwhelmed, maybe you have a friend or somebody that is a bit more technically adept and would be willing to help you. This really is not very difficult.

Does your computer get its internet service via a wireless adapter or a wired connection? You can tell if your router is hooked up, if the indicator lights on the front are glowing or not. On the WRT54G (which is what I have) the WLAN light is for the "wireless" part of the router, allowing wireless devices access. The numbers 1-4 indicate if a device is plugged into the ports on the back of the router, and the Internet light represents your internet connection (or lack of one).

What lights are "on" on your router?
Does your computer get its internet signal from a wireless connection or a wired connection?
Did you say you had broadband? If so, do you have DSL or Cable? - With either one you should have a modem, which should be connected to the incoming cable/phone line and then connected to the internet port on the router.

[greg_burns]

I have wireless internet and a linksys router.

The router is a Linksys Model WRT54G. Honestly I don't know if it is connected to the network because if I unplug it I still get service, but there is another router in the apartment next door so I could still be connected to that one if this one is turned off.

I am under the impression his PC is wirelessly connecting to a router. Sounds like it may not be his own but a neighbors.

That should be resolved first. :)

[jjberger2134]

Agreed, which is why I asked the questions regarding his connection and how the router is connected.

[Tnerbeel]

Who knew this would be so much bother. I would rather just miss the TV rather than spend any more time trying to figure this out. Sorry to waste all of your time.

Sorry to see you capitulate so readily. You are going to miss the entire TiVo experience when help is available on an issue that is not that difficult. The fact that you do not have the networking expertise to get connected is not uncommon. That is what this forum is for and these folks can get it done-u just gotta be willing, follow their suggestions and answer their questions. We all want to help 'cause it's worth it!!

[maveez]

Yes I have a wireless connection. I dont know if it is DSL or Cable. The entire building is on the same network. Sometimes the WLAN light is on and when its on the light for whatever port the ethernet cable is plugged into is on, but sometimes the power button is blinking rapidly with no other lights on. There are two routers for the building. One is in my room and the other is next door. We have had some issues with this router in the past and I am not sure if it is connected of if I am connecting through the one next door.

[greg_burns]

Had you tried logging into the router?

If you unplug the one in your room and can still connect to the internet you know it ain't that one. ;)

[maveez]

I tried logging into the router and I messed up the connection for my laptop because I have no idea what im doing. It took me a day to figure out how to get my connection back.

[greg_burns]

My final thought on the subject and I will leave you be...

Buy the Tivo Wireless Adapter at Amazon for $38. Plug it in and use the wireless network key you have to connect it to whatever wireless signal your PC is seeing.