Pay someone to help me set up network

[sheureka]

I have two HD DVR 21's, and have spent hours and hours reading the threads and rebooting and unplugging and replugging and am not able to get either one of them on the network. I'm willing to pay someone to help me get this working. TIA - sheureka

[mjones73]

History of the problem....

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=116232

[sheureka]

Okay - never mind. This is a rough crowd! - sheureka

[ttodd1]

Why do you say it is a rough crowd? You have posted twice basically on the same issue. And in this one not very much info, mjones73 was simply providing that.

[sheureka]

I'm on a lot of forums, and this is the only one I've ever been on that it seems posters go out of their way to intimidate new members. It feels like a very exclusive "good old boys" club.

However, one person is trying to help me and I do appreciate it very much. - sheureka

[tcusta00]

Why do you say it is a rough crowd? You have posted twice basically on the same issue. And in this one not very much info, mjones73 was simply providing that.

Agreed. Apart from the fact that he's a Raven's fan ;) I think he was being pretty nice in both threads by doing his best to help you out. Tough poster if you ask me.

:nono: :nono: :nono:

[phat78boy]

No one is trying to turn you away or intimidate you. If you feel like providing more information on where you are at currently, maybe we can help out.

[Zepes]

No one is trying to turn you away or intimidate you. If you feel like providing more information on where you are at currently, maybe we can help out.

Step Back. don't use dhcp. set recievers with a Static IP in the range of your LAN but out of the range of your dhcp.
Restart. Wait.

[sheureka]

I'm sorry - I'm just really frustrated. I've been working on this for three days, and I've gotten pretty obsessed. These are my current settings -

IP - 192.168.1.127 (and 128)
Gateway - 192.168.1.1
Subnet - 255.255.255.0
DNS - 24.119.27.232

With those settings one of the DVR's can now be seen in WMP11. Neither one is on the internet. Before I restart again, can anyone see what's wrong with those settings? - sheureka

[sheureka]

And I'm using a Linksys WRT54GL with the latest firmware. And Zepes, are you saying I need to disable dhcp? And if I do that do I have to redo everything else that's on the network? TIA - sheureka

[Zepes]

I'm sorry - I'm just really frustrated. I've been working on this for three days, and I've gotten pretty obsessed. These are my current settings -

IP - 192.168.1.127 (and 128)
Gateway - 192.168.1.1
Subnet - 255.255.255.0
DNS - 24.119.27.232

With those settings one of the DVR's can now be seen in WMP11. Neither one is on the internet. Before I restart again, can anyone see what's wrong with those settings? - sheureka

Ummm,
Do both recievers pass the 'network' test?

[cbeckner80]

Ummm,
Do both recievers pass the 'network' test?

And if so, I believe someone in the other post suggested using Tversity. I had no luck at all with WMP 11 but Tversity worked great. As they previously said, "it's free" and may be worth trying.

Once I tried it, my meida share worked like a charm.

Hope that helps a little.

[sheureka]

Yes - on the receivers - but only one shows up on the WMP11. One showed up after I redownloaded software. That didn't help with the other one. - sheureka

[sheureka]

I've tried both Tiversity and Viiv - and WMP11 is the only one that has shown even one new "unknown device". - sheureka

[Zepes]

And if so, I believe someone in the other post suggested using Tversity. I had no luck at all with WMP 11 but Tversity worked great. As they previously said, "it's free" and may be worth trying.

Once I tried it, my meida share worked like a charm.

Hope that helps a little.

Good call.
I use TVersity as well. I also found that changing the PC to a static IP worked well.
Make sure that your Gateway and DNS match your PC exactly.
It took a little while for my HR21 to see the Tversity server and my internet test actually failed when I first set it up. But, I knew that it was correct so I went to bed and......it worked flawlessly the next day.

[bwclark]

I'm on a lot of forums........sheureka

I would suggest that you try a networking forum as this type of topic can be very difficult to trace as a result of the different networking components involved, ie routers, modems, bridges, pcs, etc.. I use a wireless bridge to my router and since it has 4 ports, I can connect my Denon AVR; Tosh HD-DVD player, and DirecTV receiver. I have seen numerous issues in the Denon forums with essentially the same type of issues. So, once again, try a networking forum.

All use dhcp with the router assigning IPs.

[sheureka]

The other things that are attached to the same Slinglink - a Slingbox and my Tosh HD-DVR - work just fine and can access the internet with no problems. I also had a Tivo hooked up to the same Slinglink (before I moved it to my bedroom) and it worked with no problems either. That's what doesn't make any sense to me. I think I'll take Zepes advice and go to bed (as soon as the game is over). - sheureka

[phat78boy]

The other things that are attached to the same Slinglink - a Slingbox and my Tosh HD-DVR - work just fine and can access the internet with no problems. I also had a Tivo hooked up to the same Slinglink (before I moved it to my bedroom) and it worked with no problems either. That's what doesn't make any sense to me. I think I'll take Zepes advice and go to bed (as soon as the game is over). - sheureka

Change your DNS server to the local one. That could be why they aren't getting out. Normally that shouldn't be a problem, but I'm not sure what your router is doing so setting it to the local router is the safe choice and worth a try.

[sheureka]

Okay (see, I didn't really go to bed, did I?) - am I supposed to have the DHCP server enabled or disabled? And where do I find the local DNS server? - sheureka

[Zepes]

Okay (see, I didn't really go to bed, did I?) - am I supposed to have the DHCP server enabled or disabled? And where do I find the local DNS server? - sheureka

Well, the answer is always 'it depends'. if you are using dhcp for other devices it should be enabled and you can specify a range of Ips on your router that it will distribute to devices that try to connect.

The local dns server should be your router, (1.192.168.1.1 in your case IIRC). your router should be set to relay dns.

You would want to specify a static ip for devices that is in the range of your router, but out of the dhcp range ideally.

[sheureka]

Okay - so no changes then in the dhcp or the range that's already been set - I've tried it both enabled and disabled. Now the next question - I don't see any place that I can set the router to "relay dns". Any idea where that would be?

Wait - 1.192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.1?

Thanks -

[bobnielsen]

What he means is that you can set the DNS to the router's IP (192.168.1.1) and it will relay the lookups to the DVR.

The DNS setting shouldn't affect the local network, just communicating with DirecTV (DOD, etc.)


FWIW, the HR20/21 are probably the most frustrating network setups I have encountered. My setup has been pretty solid recently but I had a bunch of problems at first.

[Zepes]

What he means is that you can set the DNS to the router's IP (192.168.1.1) and it will relay the lookups to the DVR.

FWIW, the HR20/21 are probably the most frustrating network setups I have encountered. My setup has been pretty solid recently but I had a bunch of problems at first.

Oops yeah...192.168.1.1..same as router on LAN

[Slyster]

Arizona eh? Will you pay airfaire? :)

[sheureka]

Okay - I set the DNS that way and restarted the DVR that's not on the GB game. I'll do the other one as soon as the game is over (though it looks like that might be a little while yet!). Then I'm going to eat dinner and go to bed. And when I get up tomorrow it will all be working fine!

Thanks - I'm sorry I was such a b***h today. I'm old and crippled and cranky and just get that way sometimes. Thanks again. - sheureka

[Zepes]

Okay - I set the DNS that way and restarted the DVR that's not on the GB game. I'll do the other one as soon as the game is over (though it looks like that might be a little while yet!). Then I'm going to eat dinner and go to bed. And when I get up tomorrow it will all be working fine!

Thanks - I'm sorry I was such a b***h today. I'm old and crippled and cranky and just get that way sometimes. Thanks again. - sheureka

Yep it's OT.
I hope this works for you. There are some great people here and Everyone here just wants to help.
Good luck.

[mjones73]

Sorry I tried to help you there in that other post and let people know what your issues is in this one... :rolleyes:

[cbeckner80]

I almost retired to Arizona; after this weeks weather I wish I had.

[bobnielsen]

I was living and working in Arizona when I retired. Six years later I moved up here. My wife couldn't take the summers anymore.

[sheureka]

I moved here when I retired, but I live in the mountains - about 6000 feet - 10 miles from the Mexican border. Great weather - I love it here. But I love Bainbridge Island too! I lived at the beach in California for over 40 years but I couldn't take the rain anymore. And now I really am going to bed. - sheureka

[scottman]

Mine was frustrating too. Finally, I found this ... (this worked for ME) ... go to network, advanced settings, restore. (Keep in mind this sets you up for DHCP ie non-static, but your router controls your addressing) Unplug and replug the ethernet cable in the back (the top port on the 21). You shoulld see the amber light flashing. I believe this means it is connecting on the network. You may not get a successful internet connection test until you reboot (unplug or press the red reset button). Good luck. Been there.

[finaldiet]

I moved here when I retired, but I live in the mountains - about 6000 feet - 10 miles from the Mexican border. Great weather - I love it here. But I love Bainbridge Island too! I lived at the beach in California for over 40 years but I couldn't take the rain anymore. And now I really am going to bed. - sheureka

Go to run and it will show cmd, click it, type ipconfig/all and should show you settings. I had to manuelly insert them in my receivers to get them to work. Then restart receivers.

[sheureka]

Okay - what do you see here that's any different than what I've been doing (or what do you see that may be creating the problems)

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Dell
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) 82562V 10/100 Platform LAN Connect
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-19-D1-2F-14-B2
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Link-local IPv6 Address . . . . . : fe80::14cc:d4bc:d097:2fcb%8(Preferred)
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.20(Preferred)
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
4.2.2.2
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Enabled

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 9:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.{5AACC8E2-22A0-4D60-B45A-FAF702FB80D6}
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 7:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 02-00-54-55-4E-01
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IPv6 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 2001:0:4137:9e66:38eb:eeb:3f57:feeb(Preferred)
Link-local IPv6 Address . . . . . : fe80::38eb:eeb:3f57:feeb%9(Preferred)
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : ::
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Disabled

Thanks again - sheureka

[sheureka]

Mine was frustrating too. Finally, I found this ... (this worked for ME) ... go to network, advanced settings, restore. (Keep in mind this sets you up for DHCP ie non-static, but your router controls your addressing) Unplug and replug the ethernet cable in the back (the top port on the 21). You shoulld see the amber light flashing. I believe this means it is connecting on the network. You may not get a successful internet connection test until you reboot (unplug or press the red reset button). Good luck. Been there.I've tried that twice now on both DVR's - and unfortunately it didn't work for me. - sheureka

[sheureka]

Yep it's OT.
I hope this works for you. There are some great people here and Everyone here just wants to help.
Good luck.
So, I just went in to see if anything had magically changed overnight - and unfortunately nothing has. I've reset the router and reset both of the DVR's, and still nothing works. Are they going to do anything to make this more transparent once it's a supported feature? I'm no super geek but I do run a network at home with lots of stuff on it and I've set up networks in a couple of offices I've worked in. And I can't imagine most people with DTV ever being able to use any of the network features if they don't figure out some software to make it easier. I've set up networking on about 5 different Tivo's - and never had any problems at all. Thanks for everyone's help, though - sheureka

[phat78boy]

Is your slinglink or slingbox hardwired? If so, pull the hardwire connection and put it directly into one of your HR20's. Lets get rid of all the possibly problem points and work our way from scratch.

[sheureka]

No - my slingbox, dvd player, and two dvr's are all running through a slinglink (homelink). The slingbox and dvd player work fine. And I'm sure I don't have a long enough piece of ethernet cable to run into the living room. - sheureka

[dervari]

I'm wondering if the SlingLink has something to do with it. I've never been to fond of phone or power line networking. Is it a one port or four port SlingLink? Do you have a hub or switch uplinked to it?

I don't know the specifics of those things, so I'm assuming they're just acting as a bridge. If they're acting as a switch, however, they could have a limited number of MAC addresses that can be hung off of it. The old 3COM SuperStack 10/100 switches back in the mid 90s COULD NOT have a hub or switch uplinked to one of the regular ports. It had to be a single workstation.

[sheureka]

It's a 4-port Slinglink - and there's no hub running off it. The other end (a 1-port unit) is plugged directly into my router. I actually have two of them in the house and have never had trouble with any other devices running on them. Sling says you can have up to 64 devices (16 SlingLinks) running into a single connection on the router. Here is page with all the specs - http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slt4-techspecs. - sheureka

[sheureka]

I'm going to bump this again - and ask a new question. Does anyone know if D* is going to have any kind of technical support for networking when they roll it out officially? Or are those of us who can't get it to work just going to be out of luck?

I know you all probably know more than many of the D* techs, but I wouldn't feel quite so guilty nagging at them. - sheureka

[ttodd1]

Just a thought, doesn't the HR21 have 2 ethernet ports? Have you tried plugging the cable into the other one and reboot and see if that works?

As for the DTV network support (if ever any) I seriously doubt that they would do any more than the basic have you reset, can you ping, have you talked to your ISP, etc. There would be no way for them to be able to support the vast range of how anybodys home network is configured.

[scottman]

Directv will have to support networking. As these boxes have more capabilities, the CSRs are going to have to get up to speed quickly. There are many networking issues, most of which are software related I think. They cannot have a successful national exposure to networking these boxes, until the bugs are worked out. One issue I find with my HR21 is the software (ie internet connection says failed) doesn't know the network card (the green/amber light in back) is successfully connected to the internet, yet according to network traffic and my router, it is, until I reboot. It seems that the HR21's software could refresh the internet connection w/o having to reboot. Short end of it ... won't be out of beta until its all fixed, for a reason.

[ttodd1]

Where the software could be some of the problem that is where the CSRs ability is gonna stop (other than the telling you to reset your router/modem/etc). There is no way they are gonna be able to help with how a users home network is setup especially when the majority of the users have no clue how it is setup either. All DTV will have to support is to eliminate that their equipment is the problem, after that you are on your own.

[sheureka]

I'm leaving mine alone for now - I'm switching from cable to dsl and since I'll have to set up the network all over again I'll just wait.

But with regard to the last two posts D* really is going to have to do something with this. This board is littered with posts about not being able to network the receivers. Tivo made networking a no brainer by furnishing software on the computer side. Maybe that's something D* could do. - sheureka

[Nick]

...Thanks - I'm sorry I was such a b***h today. I'm old and crippled and cranky and just get that way sometimes. Thanks again. - sheurekaI'm old (69) and crippled (stroke) and I used to be cranky, but some 15k posts later I
have felt the love :heart: and have seen the light. Even tho' I'm now back on cable, I hang
around just for the fellowship. This place helps keep my mind young and pliable. :grin:

Welcome to the board, Sheureka! :wave:

[richlife]

I'm leaving mine alone for now - I'm switching from cable to dsl and since I'll have to set up the network all over again I'll just wait.

But with regard to the last two posts D* really is going to have to do something with this. This board is littered with posts about not being able to network the receivers. Tivo made networking a no brainer by furnishing software on the computer side. Maybe that's something D* could do. - sheureka

Actually, leaving it alone for a few days may provide the answer -- especially if both are configured the same and have been restarted since that configuration. Mine was working with Win and then stopped and caused me all kinds of frustration with Vista. Whenever I got that way, I walked away and waited till I could handle it better (I'm only 60 and only partially hobbled). The last time magic occurred and a couple of days later (hands off), everything was working! no problems since.

BTW, I don't agree with the advice to remove DHCP. Using static addressing may help an expert, but is likely to add new levels of confusion otherwise. I'd rather count on both ends to handle DHCP as intended and worry about what else is the problem -- worked every time and saved me lots of hassels.