Router and HR20 question

[iowaberg]

Question for any network gurus...I currently have my HR-20 hardwired to my router. However, in order to get any sort of network connection on my HR-20, it seems I always have to have my laptop on that's also connected wirelessley to the same network. I understand I have to have my laptop turned on to stream pictures and music.

What do I have to do so that I don't have to actually turn on my laptop everytime I want to download something via DoD? I normally always shutdown my laptop everynight, but don't always log in everyday. If I set up a wireless bridge to my router from the HR-20 will that change anything?

[brian188]

Question for any network gurus...I currently have my HR-20 hardwired to my router. However, in order to get any sort of network connection on my HR-20, it seems I always have to have my laptop on that's also connected wirelessley to the same network. I understand I have to have my laptop turned on to stream pictures and music.

What do I have to do so that I don't have to actually turn on my laptop everytime I want to download something via DoD? I normally always shutdown my laptop everynight, but don't always log in everyday. If I set up a wireless bridge to my router from the HR-20 will that change anything?

Sorry I'm a little confused here. If you are hard wired to your router unless you shut down the router or modem your HR20 should remain connected to the internet. Have verified that you can not download DoD without your laptop connected?

[iowaberg]

You are exactly correct on both accounts. My physical set up does not allow me to keep the ethernet cables connected to the router at all times. So, if I want to use DoD, I have to run my cable from my HR20/360 to my router and make sure my laptop is turned on.

[brian188]

Why does the laptop need to be connected? What router are you using? Is it a modem/router combo?

[iowaberg]

Why does the laptop need to be connected? What router are you using? Is it a modem/router combo?

that's what I'm wondering. I have a Netgear WGR 614

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/GWirelessRouters/WGR614.aspx

[phat78boy]

Your cable modem plugs into the internet and all your other devices into the 1-4 ports right? Is your HR20 setup for DHCP?

[brian188]

that's what I'm wondering. I have a Netgear WGR 614

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/GWirelessRouters/WGR614.aspx

Very weird. I used to use that router (not with the HR20). So let me get this strait. you have a modem (cable/DSL etc) connected to the WAN port on that router & 1 LAN port connected to the HR20. But you can not keep it connected to the HR20 for whatever reason? The problem I would see with this is that every time you disconnect then re-connect the cable from the HR20 you may need to re-start the HR20 possibly the entire network. The wireless laptop should have nothing to do with it. Is there anyway you can can leave that cable connected? Run another if necessary? It may help if I knew a little more about your set up. Like what clients you are connecting, where they are located throughout the house, wired/wireless etc.

[iowaberg]

Very weird. I used to use that router (not with the HR20). So let me get this strait. you have a modem (cable/DSL etc) connected to the WAN port on that router & 1 LAN port connected to the HR20. But you can not keep it connected to the HR20 for whatever reason? The problem I would see with this is that every time you disconnect then re-connect the cable from the HR20 you may need to re-start the HR20 possibly the entire network. The wireless laptop should have nothing to do with it. Is there anyway you can can leave that cable connected? Run another if necessary? It may help if I knew a little more about your set up. Like what clients you are connecting, where they are located throughout the house, wired/wireless etc.

I have DSL modem connected directly to the WAN port on the router. These two devices sit about 20 feet away from my TV, 360 and HR20. Anytime I want to download something via DoD or play XBOX Live, I take my ethernet wire from either one and plug it into one of the 4 available LAN ports on the router. I never have a problem connecting and staying connected as long as I'm logged into my laptop. The minute I shutdown my laptop I lose all connections-HR20 and 360. The set up just doesn't allow me to have this ethernet wire running over the floor, so I just plug and unplug each time. I'm considering just buying a wireless adaptor to go completely wireless.

[brian188]

Ok I think I get it now, still not sure about the laptop. Anyway, in this situation I would recommend a wireless bridge or adapter, unless you want to want to run the cables in a little cleaner way (through the wall or at least against the wall).

Does that router support WDS (Wireless Distribution System)? I can't remember if it does but I think not. One of the reasons I no longer use it. If it does support WDS a bridge is the way to go. You would be able to connect the bridge wirelessly to the router and have 4 available wired ports on the bridge. You would also boost your wireless range.

If it does not support WDS. A wireless adapter is the way to go. I would recommend adding a switch or splitter on the adapter to connect both devices at one time. This would be the ideal way aside from a bridge. Switching the cable back and forth should work, but may require frequent re-boots. The MAC address(es) will be the issue there.

[iowaberg]

Ok I think I get it now, still not sure about the laptop. Anyway, in this situation I would recommend a wireless bridge or adapter, unless you want to want to run the cables in a little cleaner way (through the wall or at least against the wall).

Does that router support WDS (Wireless Distribution System)? I can't remember if it does but I think not. One of the reasons I no longer use it. If it does support WDS a bridge is the way to go. You would be able to connect the bridge wirelessly to the router and have 4 available wired ports on the bridge. You would also boost your wireless range.

If it does not support WDS. A wireless adapter is the way to go. I would recommend adding a switch or splitter on the adapter to connect both devices at one time. This would be the ideal way aside from a bridge. Switching the cable back and forth should work, but may require frequent re-boots. The MAC address(es) will be the issue there.

I've considered getting the following. Do you think this will work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16833162168

[brian188]

Great minds think alike. :lol: That is what I replaced the netgear with. I have 3 Buffalos (WHR HP G54 even better), all flashed with Tomato firmware and wirelessly (WDS) connected. They run 2 PC's, 4 VoIP lines, HR20, 1 laptop, and my alarm. They are FANTASTIC routers at a great price. True work horses. I'd advise the the 3rd party tomato flash but it's not always necessary, because they are great routers. Tomato (http://polarcloud.com/tomato) will turn that $40 -60 router into a $300 router for free though.

[iowaberg]

Great. And I can just set this Buffalo converter next to my 360 and HR20, connect each with an ethernet wire, and it should "talk" to my Netgear router (after doing the obvious set up per the instructions)?

[brian188]

Yes if you go the adapter route. You set up the adapter to connect to your wireless network like a laptop does. Then it basically "shares" that connection with the XBOX and Hr20. You should be fine. and watching (or at least downloading) VOD and playing HALO 3 all at the same time..:biggthump

[jlarem]

I've considered getting the following. Do you think this will work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16833162168


Just bought one of these today to network my hr20. Works great once I updated to the latest firmware offered by buffalo. I couldn't stream music without the update. Of course if you are going with the third party firmware mentioned above then never mind!