Connecting Wireless with Verizon DSL

amys13 · 05-23-2005, 06:10 PM

I am trying to connect my series2 Tivo to a wireless network. I have Verizon DSL, a Westell Versalink 327 modem/router, and am using the Netgear USB wireless adapter available through the Tivo site.

When I configure the TCP/IP settings, it gives two separate error messages depending on my choices:

1. If I select obtain an IP address automatically, the error message states that the DHCP server cannot be found.

2. If I select use a static IP address, the error message states that the gateway cannot be found.

I have talked to tech support at both Verizon Online and Tivo and neither is sure how to fix the problem. My latest conversation with Tivo revealed an incompatability between Verizon/Westell and Tivo. They suggested that I get the DHCP Client ID from Verizon, but when I talk to Verizon they do not know what that is. Otherwise, they suggested a software download for my computer, but I am unclear how that will impact my router and/or Tivo.

I know that I can't be the only Verizon DSL customer who has tried to connect Tivo to a wireless network, so I'm hoping that someone will have advice on next steps that I can take.

Thanks.

TSean007 · 05-24-2005, 12:53 PM

I am having the exact same problem, so you are not alone. I just got Verizon DSL as well. As for the DHCP Client ID, at your desktop (I presume) and from the start-run- type cmd. Then type ipconfig/all (windows XP and 2000), and I think there is a DHCP id in there. Let me know if you get any further.

Thanks,

bud8man · 05-24-2005, 08:29 PM

Have you tried to hook up a computer wireless? Any luck?
If not, disconnect your PC ethernet cable, and configure the wireless USB device on your PC and see if it works.
If the PC works and TiVo does not then you have an issue with TiVo...

amys13 · 05-24-2005, 08:34 PM

The adapter works fine. I looked up the DHCP information mentioned in the previous post but it didn't work. When I asked Verizon about it, they said that their DSL operates on a PPoE system instead of DHCP so the DHCP Client ID is not something that they can provide. They also said that I cannot use a single static IP because I am not a business customer.

Tivo still doesn't know how to connect to a PPoE network and seems confused when I even ask the question. I'm tired of both Tivo and Verizon giving me the run around, each placing responsibility on the other to figure it out. I also tried calling Westell, the modem/router manufacturer, but they don't support their products if they have been used by Verizon. I can't be the only one with this issue since I'm using a major ISP...if anyone has an idea of next steps, please let me know.

Thanks you, thank you.

bud8man · 05-24-2005, 08:48 PM

Um...I have TiVo hooked up with Verizon DSL but I have a Westell Modem and a Linksys and a Netgear Router.
If the router is indeed a router it should be able to connect to the Verizon DSL via PPoE connection.
Then, it should be able to hand out address as a DHCP router.
Is this your unit?
http://westell.com/content/products/pdf/versalink.pdf

amys13 · 05-24-2005, 08:52 PM

Yes, that is the unit - it is a modem/router combo. I also have a Linksys router that is not hooked up - I didn't think that I needed it with the Westell. Should I be using that in addition to the Westell? I'm not sure how I would hook it up - perhaps disable the wireless from the Westell?

This is helpful - any other advice you have would be great.

Thanks.

bud8man · 05-25-2005, 06:01 AM

Well if you are having trouble with the DHCP settings on the Westell I would give it a try.
Now since the Westell is a modem and also a router I would disable the wireless like you suggested.
If you used the wireless linksys with verizon dsl before you are gonna have to reset the settings so that the router get's it's IP address automatically from the Westell I think instead of a PPoE setup for the router.

TSean007 · 05-25-2005, 06:30 AM

amys13, I was just messing with this same problem last night. I got the TIVO to see and connect to my wireless network using the Westell modem/router provided by Verizon DSL, but ONLY when I turned the WEP off. No matter what I tried, the TIVO would not see the network with WEP on. I am considering going back to my Netgear router and just using the Westell as a bridge, since it worked fine with TIVO before. Also the signal strength with this Westell router is much weaker than the Netgear.

amys13 · 05-25-2005, 07:52 AM

thanks for the feedback - i'll try these suggestions when i get home tonight. TSean007 - i'll keep you posted and hopefully we can find a solution!

thanks

bud8man · 05-25-2005, 07:20 PM

AHHH
WEP
From the archives...

tpage10-26-2004, 12:34 AM
I created a wep key on my Linkys wireless router which uses a Linkys wireless adapter to connect to each TIVO. Prior to enabling the wep key, my TIVO was working just fine. After enabling the web key which gave me "unknown errrors" and then trying the hexadexal code, paraphrase, encrytion...which also gives me "unknown errors" upon trying to test the connection.

Is there a TIVO firmware patch available to help me resolve this issue or is there something else I can do to correct it? My TIVO connection works fine with the wireless router and adapters as long as the wep key is NOT enabled but I really need to enable it to secure my network.

Please help.

Thanks alot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

bedelman10-26-2004, 01:57 AM
Use the Hexadecimal code in the TiVo and make sure you have it keyed in correctly. Also make sure you have it keyed into the Hex key area (and not the regular pass phrase area) as well as selecting the appropriate encryption level (40 bit, 128 bit, etc.) if you're presented with that option.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEFFO10-27-2004, 05:47 AM
I use (on my WRTG Linksys) 64bit 10Hex digits - something simple like AABBCCDDEE - place into Key1
Default Transmit Key =1
Wireless MAC Filter=Disable
Wireless Network Mode:Mixed
Wireless Network Name (SSID):ANDROMEDA
Wireless SSID Broadcast:Broadcast
Channel: 8

Teff

Lurker1 · 05-26-2005, 03:30 PM

I have this same Verizon/Westell configuration. It works with WEP off, but I cannot get it to work at all with WEP on, after many hours of trying everything. Also, the signal strength is very poor. Nothing I do with the 2-inch antenna seems to make any difference.

amys13 · 05-31-2005, 01:46 PM

after much trying, i gave up and sent my wireless adapter back. even with the wep key off and with the linksys router worked into the chain, i still could not get it to recognize the dhcp server. the 50ft phone cord stapled to the baseboard of my living room is much less of a hassle.

sorry i couldn't be of more help to those of you having the same issue!

Nfuego · 05-31-2005, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amys13

I am trying to connect my series2 Tivo to a wireless network. I have Verizon DSL, a Westell Versalink 327 modem/router, and am using the Netgear USB wireless adapter available through the Tivo site.

When I configure the TCP/IP settings, it gives two separate error messages depending on my choices:

1. If I select obtain an IP address automatically, the error message states that the DHCP server cannot be found.

2. If I select use a static IP address, the error message states that the gateway cannot be found.

I have talked to tech support at both Verizon Online and Tivo and neither is sure how to fix the problem. My latest conversation with Tivo revealed an incompatability between Verizon/Westell and Tivo. They suggested that I get the DHCP Client ID from Verizon, but when I talk to Verizon they do not know what that is. Otherwise, they suggested a software download for my computer, but I am unclear how that will impact my router and/or Tivo.

I know that I can't be the only Verizon DSL customer who has tried to connect Tivo to a wireless network, so I'm hoping that someone will have advice on next steps that I can take.

Thanks.

Getting a DHCP Address from the network has NOTHING to do with your DSL Service.

I am assuming that your modem/router is wireless. The configuration you need to access is in that unit. Make sure DHCP is on. If WEP is on, you need that code. Make sure MAC Address filtering is not on. If it is, you need the MAC Address of your wireless adapter from the TiVo and authorize that address in your router/modem.

Nfuego · 05-31-2005, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amys13

The adapter works fine. I looked up the DHCP information mentioned in the previous post but it didn't work. When I asked Verizon about it, they said that their DSL operates on a PPoE system instead of DHCP so the DHCP Client ID is not something that they can provide. They also said that I cannot use a single static IP because I am not a business customer.

Tivo still doesn't know how to connect to a PPoE network and seems confused when I even ask the question. I'm tired of both Tivo and Verizon giving me the run around, each placing responsibility on the other to figure it out. I also tried calling Westell, the modem/router manufacturer, but they don't support their products if they have been used by Verizon. I can't be the only one with this issue since I'm using a major ISP...if anyone has an idea of next steps, please let me know.

Thanks you, thank you.

Once again, this has NOTHING to do with your DSL. Your DSL connects to the outside world with the router. Your router connects to each pc/unit in your network.

Nfuego · 05-31-2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSean007

amys13, I was just messing with this same problem last night. I got the TIVO to see and connect to my wireless network using the Westell modem/router provided by Verizon DSL, but ONLY when I turned the WEP off. No matter what I tried, the TIVO would not see the network with WEP on. I am considering going back to my Netgear router and just using the Westell as a bridge, since it worked fine with TIVO before. Also the signal strength with this Westell router is much weaker than the Netgear.

This is not advisable. All you have to do is enter the WEP code on the TiVo to connect using WEP. WEP is a way to keep the whole neighborhood from using your connection.

DCDivenut · 05-31-2005, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amys13

after much trying, i gave up and sent my wireless adapter back. even with the wep key off and with the linksys router worked into the chain, i still could not get it to recognize the dhcp server. the 50ft phone cord stapled to the baseboard of my living room is much less of a hassle.

sorry i couldn't be of more help to those of you having the same issue!

I have the exact same problem as you and I have just spent most of the day on the phone with the same parties with the same degree of success you have had.. NONE... Tivo says that they do not support combo modem/routers, Verizon says their end works fine since I can access the 'Net, and Westell says they do not provide end user support!

I am totally frustrated as well but I have a question for you.... What version software are you running? I had 7.1a and it seemed to work but I got an "upgrade to 7.1b and now it does not at all. I am wondering if that could be the "source" since there have been so many other problems with this version.

I live in downtown DC and so I am not real thrilled with the prospect of running an open network here. I was going to try to see if I could piggyback on a neighbor but none of them have a strong enough signal on an unlocked network.

ARGHHHH!! I hate Comcast but that DVR is looking better and better.

jrsygrl1 · 03-19-2006, 08:23 PM

I know this is an old post - but if you have Verizon DSL/Versalink and can't get it to work and are frustrated with the finger pointing between Verizon and Tivo you may end up here.

This post was very helpful (thanks to everyone!!!) Here are some other things that are helpful and seemed to work:

1. If you have any 2.4 GHz devices (like cordless phones) get rid of them. They worked OK with my regular wireless network until I added the Tivo.
2. Make sure you are using a hex WEP key. If you followed Verizon's suggestion and used a non-hex key you'll need to change it in the router and the network connection.

Good luck!

greensnakes3 · 06-28-2006, 02:07 PM

I was having the same problem as others in regards to this modem/router. Connection problems with the wireless network,not finding the ip address,and so on drove me crazy trying to find the cause. Well, i dug up my older westell modem that i aquired years ago from Verizon and went out and bought a Linksys wireless g router. Everything works great now and a greater,faster connection with wireless. Take my word for it, the Westell Versalink model 327w is a piece of junk!

ThankYou

gchu · 08-06-2007, 11:58 AM

Anyone ever get this working? I just got my Tivo and was hoping to get it to hook up but it did not....

ForrestB · 08-06-2007, 12:11 PM

No problems connecting thru a Westell Versalink model 327w. I have one DirecTivo wired and one connecting wirelessly thru a Zyxel P330W in wireless bridge mode. I didn't do anything special for setup - it just works.

Lurker1 · 08-06-2007, 05:02 PM

It works fine if WEP is off. With WEP on, I can't get it to work no matter what I do, even trying all of the suggestions here.

gchu · 08-06-2007, 08:14 PM

I can't even try to connect it with out WEP as I forgot my admin password. I did get it to connect enough so I can see the DVR and what was saved on it with the TIVO to go software.

Anyone know if this is a problem with the Westell 327 or if I hook up a linksys wireless router to one of the ethernet connections from the Westell modem that it would start working. I would rather not invest the $50 if it isn't going to work.

gchu · 08-13-2007, 07:40 AM

Well I got my TIVO onto my network so that when I use TIVO to go, I can see the TIVO with my desktop and transfer the shows from the TIVO to my desktop.

However, whenever I try to use the wireless network to update the TIVO instead of the phone line, it fails at the update clock step and the update stops.. This happens whether my desktop is on or off - of course the Westell 327W is on and I have all the green lights to indicate I am connected to the internet.

When I test my connection using the TIVO menu, it completes the test successfully.

Any ideas?

EvanG · 03-06-2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gchu

Well I got my TIVO onto my network so that when I use TIVO to go, I can see the TIVO with my desktop and transfer the shows from the TIVO to my desktop.

However, whenever I try to use the wireless network to update the TIVO instead of the phone line, it fails at the update clock step and the update stops.. This happens whether my desktop is on or off - of course the Westell 327W is on and I have all the green lights to indicate I am connected to the internet.

When I test my connection using the TIVO menu, it completes the test successfully.

Any ideas?

I'm having the exact same problem with updating TiVo through the wireless network. Also using a Westell 327W. I just bought the USB wireless adapter yesterday--it "sees" my wireless network, when I go to my network settings it recognizes the TiVo, but I can't use any of the features like On Demand or looking at my photos on the TiVo.