Series2 Issues connecting to Wireless Network with Linksys WUSB11

[jcollins9]

I'm in desperate need of assistance! I've scoured this message board, TiVo.com's message board, and every article I could find in a Google search but have found nothing that solves my issue.

I have a TiVo Series2 bought directly from TiVo. I had previously been connecting TiVo to the internet by connecting it directly to my router via an ethernet cable and it worked perfectly. Now I have moved to a new apartment and need to connect it wirelessly.

I bought a Linksys WUSB11 ver 2.6 since it is listed as a compatible wireless adapter. TiVo detects the adapter and is able to locate my network, but after inputting the WEP it attempts to connect for a few minutes, then gives up and gives me a list of things to verify (that my router is in range, that there isn't a microwave or cordless phone near by, etc). None of those suggestions fixed my problem. I also connected the adapter to my desktop to make sure it works, and it does.

My software version is 9.3.1-01-2-649. Is this the most current version? I've been trying to force TiVo to search for updates via the phone line, but it doesn't seem to have found any.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[socrplyr]

Are you sure your network is set up as wep and not wpa? If you actually care about security you need to have your network set up as wpa, which only the tivo adapter can do. But if you want to just prevent the casual person from using your network wep should be fine. I have found that often times people do not know how their networks are set up so that's why i am just suggesting you check the settings on your router.
Josh

[BWINKLER92]

I am new too, and just wanted to find out about possible networking, just wanted to know if everyone who has done it thinks the Tivo instructions are complete enough to do it for someone who is not an expert in networking? Are there any steps left out a beginner would then mess up on, or can the Tivo instructions work just as written? I have not begun trying any of them yet, wanted to save frustration if I do network it.

[jcollins9]

Yes, the network is set up as WEP. Do I need to change it to WPA for TiVo to be able to connect?

[socrplyr]

Yes, the network is set up as WEP. Do I need to change it to WPA for TiVo to be able to connect?

No, it must be set to be WEP to work with the WUSB11. A few other things to check include that you are entering the correct code. It is a specific length of digits. Typically 10 numbers (depends on how you have your network set up exactly. If you originally entered this as a code word that got translated to numbers you should be able to check result in the router's settings. Other things to try is plub the WUSB11 into a computer and make sure that it is properly working and restarting the tivo with the adapter attached (just for good measure).
Josh

[socrplyr]

I am new too, and just wanted to find out about possible networking, just wanted to know if everyone who has done it thinks the Tivo instructions are complete enough to do it for someone who is not an expert in networking? Are there any steps left out a beginner would then mess up on, or can the Tivo instructions work just as written? I have not begun trying any of them yet, wanted to save frustration if I do network it.

For wired networking it is a breeze, just plug it in and tell it that you want to update via the network wired connection and you connect to an hdcp server (all routers are set up this way by default). For wireless, it isn't any harder than any other device. I don't know what kind of Tivo you have so I have to suggest that you get the Tivo Wireless-G adapter. It is generally faster than the others, supports WPA (security), and is the only adapter that works with HD Tivos. The only additional step to setting up the wireless is entering your security key, assuming you have a WEP or WPA protected wireless network.

[jcollins9]

I already tested the adapter on my desktop to make sure it works, and it does. The WEP wasn't originally a word that got translated to a number, so that shouldn't be my issue, right?

[BWINKLER92]

Thanks sockerplyr, yes I plan to get the Tivo adapter, no need to inject any new difficulty and I don't have one anyway. If I do network I want it just as easy as can be.

[socrplyr]

I already tested the adapter on my desktop to make sure it works, and it does. The WEP wasn't originally a word that got translated to a number, so that shouldn't be my issue, right?

At this point I am not certain what your exact issue is. Typically the symptoms that you suggest say to me that the wrong key was entered and it needs to be reentered. Or the wrong type of encryption is being used. You say you have ruled those out. There could be some kind of odd interference not coming from within your apartment. If the router and the tivo aren't in the same room I suggest trying that (hardly ever is there enough interference within a room to prevent communications). I am going to assume that your SSID is being broadcast. If that is the case redo the wireless setup and make sure you are able to pick your network (not enter it yourself). Reenter the WEP key (I presume you know it for sure as you got it working when you put the WUSB in your computer). Other than that maybe restart the router (just as a random shot in the dark). Once I had to reset and setup a router to get a device connected (although I don't think it would let anything connect wirelessly, which doesn't seem to be your case, but if all else fails it doesn't hurt, run on sentence but I am too tired to fix).

[rocko]

Just for experimentation turn off encryption on the router and see if you can connect. If you can then the adapter/router combo is good. Then turn WEP back on and try again.

[worachj]

Check your signal strength on the Network Connection screen. IF you have a low signal strength you may have interference from another network within your apartment. Try changing the router to a different channel, most default to channel 6.

[David_NC]

Do you have your own wireless router, or are you connecting to the apartment complex's wireless network?