How often does THD *NEED* to connect to Internet?

[steinercat]

Here's the deal...I finally got an all N and 1,000Mbit wireless setup and transferring large files between 2 PCs and 2 Macs has been much improved over my previous G and 100Mbit router.

All N, except the Tivo wireless adapter which is still G.

For some reason, when I set my router to allow for G and B, the transfer speeds between wireless units degrades.

So, how often does the THD need to connect to the Internet? I was just thinking of plugging (CAT5) in every 2 weeks, but not sure if the THD needs Internet connectivity more often. This way I can keep my all wireless comps on N.

Thanks for any clarification.

[Gregor]

Tivo connects daily to get the latest updates for the program guide. IIRC, it also connects for the Swivel Search. By connecting it periodically, you'll lose most of the updates, and you may miss recordings in part or wholly. You will also lose the online scheduling feature, too.

Is it possible to get an "N" bridge you can connect to the Tivo via Ethernet?

[RonDawg]

Try using a Powerline adapter, which sends ethernet signals through your house wiring. You can get a pair of NetGear XE102's for under $100 on eBay brand new and much less for used. They max out at 14 Mb/sec but that is more than adequate for a TiVo. I use these when I house-sit at a relative's house with crummy WiFi and I can't tell the difference between these and my WiFi at home.

[dswallow]

Here's the deal...I finally got an all N and 1,000Mbit wireless setup and transferring large files between 2 PCs and 2 Macs has been much improved over my previous G and 100Mbit router.

All N, except the Tivo wireless adapter which is still G.

For some reason, when I set my router to allow for G and B, the transfer speeds between wireless units degrades.

So, how often does the THD need to connect to the Internet? I was just thinking of plugging (CAT5) in every 2 weeks, but not sure if the THD needs Internet connectivity more often. This way I can keep my all wireless comps on N.

Thanks for any clarification.

You could also just get an 802.11g router and add that to your setup just for the TiVo. Leave everything else connecting to the 802.11n router.

You generally have access to about 2 weeks of guide data; so based on that connecting every week or 10 days would really be the longest you should let it go or you risk the basic recording functionality of TiVo temporarily stopping when it runs out of guide data. Without the live access to the internet all the time, as mentioned, you lose access to the Swivel Search function, if that matters, as well as the ability to schedule recordings via TiVo's web site and access to things like Unbox downloads or any other apps requiring the internet.

[Icarus]

I would just get a wireless N bridge, like this one:

http://www.netgear.com/Products/APsWirelessControllers/AccessPoints/WNHDE111.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wireless-N-Access-Bridge-WNHDE111/dp/B00126V3EI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206793327&sr=8-1

Connect it to the ethernet port on the THD, configure it once, and you're all set.

You have a very nice advanced wireless N setup at home. Why worry about connecting/disconnecting cables, etc?

-David

[acvthree]

If you are doing any file transfers between Tivos or to your PC, you should get a high speed powerline adapter. That will be your fastest option. This one will be faster than wireless N even under the best of wireless conditions.

http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/HDXB111.aspx

[steinercat]

Thanks a bundle guys!

I'm sure I can come up with a concrete working solution from your helpful replies.

The Poweline/bridge solution looks like a good choice at this point. (I feel like I'm 'Slinboxing' the THD :) )



I'll let you know how this turns up.

[Icarus]

Thanks a bundle guys!

I'm sure I can come up with a concrete working solution from your helpful replies.

The Poweline/bridge solution looks like a good choice at this point. (I feel like I'm 'Slinboxing' the THD :) )



I'll let you know how this turns up.

I recommended the wireless N bridge, but after reading what the other folks here said about the speed, I agree with them. Especially since you can get the Netgear HDXB101 kit that comes with the 2 adapters you need for about the same price as a wireless N bridge. And, if you want to extend your network, you can additional single units.

Let us know how it works out for you. I think I'm going to look into getting a few of them myself.

-David

[visionary]

Stein, just plug the thing into a phone line and keep all your guide data fine! I can't believe no one thought of that.

[logicman1]

Stein, just plug the thing into a phone line and keep all your guide data fine! I can't believe no one thought of that.

Maybe the OP would like to take advantage of features that require network connectivity such as scheduling over the web, file transfers, etc.

[steinercat]

Stein, just plug the thing into a phone line and keep all your guide data fine! I can't believe no one thought of that.

Sorry forgot to mention earlier. No phone line in the room.

And yes, I need the connectivity to transfer files. I think I'll be placing a bid on ebay for a pair of the NetGear XE102.

[robostock]

Sorry forgot to mention earlier. No phone line in the room.

And yes, I need the connectivity to transfer files. I think I'll be placing a bid on ebay for a pair of the NetGear XE102.

Take a look at these also. I have these with a S3 and I'm getting transfer speeds around 15Mbps. Very easy to set up and have been pretty reliable.

Amazon has the pair on sale for $46.34 w/free shipping. I paid about $53 or so two months ago.

here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BL-PA100KTA-Ethernet-Definition-Communication/dp/B000FZXHGO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206883572&sr=8-1

Good luck!

[dianebrat]

You will also lose the online scheduling feature, too.

by far that would affect me the most, I love being able to schedule something while I'm at work and have it caught within an hour.

Diane