Tivo network issues.

2004raptor · 01-14-2007, 07:32 PM

My brother is having problems with his tivo disappearing from his network. I could use some suggestions if at all possible.

This is with a series 2 tivo, tivo wireless adapter, and linksys wireless "b" router. I forgot the model #.
This has happened a few times before but has not happened in ~6 months or so. At least oone of the times I had to go out and re-enter all the netowr WEP info. Not sure why it lost it? One other time it couldn't find the network but after several tries it all of a sudden appeared. The router is in a different room but is literally 10-15 ft. away through regualr sheetrock (no concrete, etc.) From what I remember reception was always in the 70% or 80% at least.
I plan on going over soon to have a look but I'm really not sure what I can do other than start from scratch. I do know I will upgrade the routers firmware.

Currently he is switching back to phone line until I can get by there.

BTW is there any way the tivo can show a message when it fails to connect? I htink he said he got a message that showed only ~2 days left of programming. That's a bit short notice for my taste.

Any more info needed, ask away.

worachj · 01-14-2007, 08:02 PM

My series 2 TiVo had connection problems when I got the 8.1 upgrade. I download the latest firmware for my Linksys WRT54G router (Nov release) and it helped stabilize my internet connection to the TiVo. Prior to the firmware update when my TiVo lost its connection, I would have to unplug and re-plug the USB network adapter to get it to connect again. You can check the network connection and the last successful completed connection under “Phone and network” under settings.

2004raptor · 01-14-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worachj

My series 2 TiVo had connection problems when I got the 8.1 upgrade. I download the latest firmware for my Linksys WRT54G router (Nov release) and it helped stabilize my internet connection to the TiVo. Prior to the firmware update when my TiVo lost its connection, I would have to unplug and re-plug the USB network adapter to get it to connect again. You can check the network connection and the last successful completed connection under “Phone and network” under settings.

Thanks for the reply. I will definately do the firmware and I aksed him to unplug the tivo adapter and plug it into the otehr usb port. Haven't heard back from him on that one.
I know where to check for the last successful I just wish you could set it up to notify you of an unsuccessful instead of waiting until there are ~2 days left.

aus1ander · 01-14-2007, 09:11 PM

The other thing you could recommend is retiring that old "B" router. Its possible that this could represent impending failure of the device, especially if other devices on the network are having similar issues. Also if he lives in a congested area, a neighbor could have put up a router nearby that could be interfering--another potential fix is changing the channel his router is using to see if that helps (think back to the days when cordless phones allowed you to change the channel--its pretty much the same technology).

"G" routers are very inexpensive and have better range. They also have better throughput and data transfer rates. Lastly, many support WPA which is more secure and easier to set up than WEP. I hated typing in those ridiculously long WEP keys--passwords are so much easier.

2004raptor · 01-15-2007, 07:13 AM

I have also recommended that and he may end up going that route. I know they aren't expensive but he only uses the router to connect the tivo. No other pc's are used. So it would be ~$50 or so just to "fix" this issue. And I would also hate it if it didn't solve the problem. I have a linksys G w/speedbooster and I have seen it lose communications with the router at least 4 times in the last year. SO I know they aren't perfect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus1ander

The other thing you could recommend is retiring that old "B" router. Its possible that this could represent impending failure of the device, especially if other devices on the network are having similar issues. Also if he lives in a congested area, a neighbor could have put up a router nearby that could be interfering--another potential fix is changing the channel his router is using to see if that helps (think back to the days when cordless phones allowed you to change the channel--its pretty much the same technology).

"G" routers are very inexpensive and have better range. They also have better throughput and data transfer rates. Lastly, many support WPA which is more secure and easier to set up than WEP. I hated typing in those ridiculously long WEP keys--passwords are so much easier.

aus1ander · 01-15-2007, 08:40 AM

Then, I would really try changing router channels to see if that helps. Wireless routers, especially B routers, are prone to interference, and thats likely the problem.