When is wireless active?

bdizzlefizzle · 02-16-2007, 10:40 AM

I need to upgrade my TiVo USB Wi-Fi adapters to 802.11g units from the crap b units I have. They aren't reliable enough, and it definitely sounds like it's the model I have. I've been through four of them (2 died), so I'm not surprised. I'm stepping up to the TiVo-branded AGO100.

Here's my question...does TiVo stay active on the network at all times, or only when it's communicating with the mothership (or another TiVo box)? My concern is that my network is now 802.11n, so I don't want the TiVos to drag down my P2P activity within my network (4 computers that share files with each other (2 Macs, 2 PCs), or to my WAN storage device that's hooked up to my 802.11n hub (a new Apple AirPort Extreme)).

I know the USB connection will make it so that I don't get much benefit from stepping up to g, but my thinking for doing it is more that:
a) I need new adapters, and

b) if they're working on g, they won't pull the whole network down to b speeds like they do today.

I'm just curious if they will pull me down to g all the time, or just when they're connected to TiVo or each other.

Thanks!

TydalForce · 02-16-2007, 11:17 AM

TiVo is always part of your network. Obviously when it's updating from the TiVo servers but also for its networking features - Multi-Room Viewing, TiVoToGo, Photos and Music from the computer, etc.

I don't think it'll use a lot of bandwidth, but it's always out there watching the network for anybody who wants to connect. It'll stick your router in whatever it calls "g-compatible" mode, so you won't be getting full "n" everywhere (But will still be better than a "g" based network, and better than having "b" stuff floating around)

If it appears to be pulling down your network too much, try removing it and seeing what happens. If you can confirm that the TiVo is really pulling down your network speeds, your option would be to get a Wireless Bridge and have it Ethernet-to-TiVo so your network can stay n-only.

classicsat · 02-16-2007, 02:28 PM

I can't say, but i'd look at getting USB-ethernet adapters and N bridges, or else keep a B network in service alongside the N network.

CrispyCritter · 02-16-2007, 02:52 PM

I believe each TiVo sends out a broadcast packet once a minute on the local network to let the other TiVos on the network know that it exists (for MRV, etc), and what network address it's at. So they're always talking.

omelet1978 · 02-17-2007, 08:18 PM

Just out of curiosity since you guys are talking about networks......what exactly are these draft N wireless routers and cards that are out there? Are they just very fast wireless thats based on what N is going to be? Any date for when things will be finalized?

TydalForce · 02-17-2007, 09:13 PM

802.11n is the standard to follow 802.11g. In a nutshell, it promises faster speeds and better range. It's also backwards-compatible with 802.11g and b equipment.

Right now, it's in a "draft" mode. There's no official 802.11n release yet. So anyone selling n equipment is using their "best guess." There may be difficulty in getting draft-n equipment from different manufacturers to play nice with each other (at least at n speeds)