OT: But maybe you know where I can get an answer?

[Bill Anderson]

I know this is off-topic, but a.c.p.m.a is where I have always found the
best technical advice for my Asus boards, and I can't figure out where
else to turn for this question. So please point me in the right
direction if you can, or just ignore and forgive.

My 88-year-old mother has an apartment in an independent living facility
that provides WiFi for the residents. I've set up her desktop, iPad and
iPhone to connect to the internet via WiFi and it's all working fine.

But her DirecTV setup, which also works fine otherwise, requires a
*wired* ethernet connection to the internet if she is to access video on
demand.

So I would like to set up a device that will receive the building's WiFi
and send the internet connection out an ethernet port. I have an unused
Linksys wireless router (WRT54GL) that could do the trick if I can
figure out how to set it up. I just can't find instructions for doing
what I want.

I can find instructions that seem close to what I want:
http://www.antimidas.net/index.php/articles/technology/106-using-a-linksys-wrt54gl-as-a-wireless-access-point-for-directv

But those instructions require doing something apparently impossible --
flashing my WRT54GL with a firmware update that's too large. The
instructions say to do it; the download site for the file says don't try
it on a WRT54GL because it won't work. So I tried it anyway and guess
what? It won't work.

So where in Usenet (or anywhere else) should I go to pose this question:
"How can I capture the WiFi signal in a building and use it to set up
a wired ethernet port that provides an internet connection?"

Thanks.

[r***@racertodd.com]

Post by Bill Anderson
"How can I capture the WiFi signal in a building and use it to set up
a wired ethernet port that provides an internet connection?"

I think a "wireless Ethernet bridge" does that. It connects a
WiFi network with a wired network and passes info back and forth.

Here's one, just grabbed this off a Google search:
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WET11-Wireless-Ethernet-Bridge/dp/B000066JQU

Todd

[Bill Anderson]

Post by r***@racertodd.com

Post by Bill Anderson
"How can I capture the WiFi signal in a building and use it to set up
a wired ethernet port that provides an internet connection?"

I think a "wireless Ethernet bridge" does that. It connects a
WiFi network with a wired network and passes info back and forth.
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WET11-Wireless-Ethernet-Bridge/dp/B000066JQU
Todd

Thanks!

[Paul]

Post by Bill Anderson
I know this is off-topic, but a.c.p.m.a is where I have always found the
best technical advice for my Asus boards, and I can't figure out where
else to turn for this question. So please point me in the right
direction if you can, or just ignore and forgive.
My 88-year-old mother has an apartment in an independent living facility
that provides WiFi for the residents. I've set up her desktop, iPad and
iPhone to connect to the internet via WiFi and it's all working fine.
But her DirecTV setup, which also works fine otherwise, requires a
*wired* ethernet connection to the internet if she is to access video on
demand.
So I would like to set up a device that will receive the building's WiFi
and send the internet connection out an ethernet port. I have an unused
Linksys wireless router (WRT54GL) that could do the trick if I can
figure out how to set it up. I just can't find instructions for doing
what I want.
http://www.antimidas.net/index.php/articles/technology/106-using-a-linksys-wrt54gl-as-a-wireless-access-point-for-directv
But those instructions require doing something apparently impossible --
flashing my WRT54GL with a firmware update that's too large. The
instructions say to do it; the download site for the file says don't try
it on a WRT54GL because it won't work. So I tried it anyway and guess
what? It won't work.
"How can I capture the WiFi signal in a building and use it to set up a
wired ethernet port that provides an internet connection?"
Thanks.

They offer their own hardware for this. There is a wired (Ethernet to coax bridge)
and a Wifi (Wifi to Ethernet and coax bridge).

https://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3794/related/1

Then, you enter a search like this

"alternative to directv cinema connection kit"

http://www.dbstalk.com/topic/193609-why-would-i-need-a-cinema-connection-kit/

It's easier to follow the manual.

http://www.directv.com/learn/pdf/WiFi_Deca/Connection_Kit_User_Manual.pdf

"DIRECTV CCK-W Wireless Cinema Connection Kit (DCAW1R0-01)" $53.69
http://www.amazon.com/DIRECTV-Wireless-Cinema-Connection-DCAW1R0-01/dp/B005RCZEIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1445736009&sr=1-1&keywords=directv+wireless+adapter

The "coax networking" concept with the CCK is for extending networking
to multiple DirecTV boxes (whole house). Using a single Ethernet connection
is for driving one device only.

I had trouble getting what i wanted on Newegg, so tried
looking on Amazon instead. This is a Wifi-G bridge with
a WPS button. But also has web based setup if needed.
This style of device went out of production some time ago.

http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-WNCE2001-Universal-Internet-Adapter/dp/B007CO5DZ4/ref=sr_1_1/181-9108747-2586462?ie=UTF8&qid=1445734746&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+internet+bridge

I cannot find a network spec for the CCK-W as to whether it
is 802.11G or 802.11N. Presumably there is a minimal bandwidth
requirement for service, and so if you got an old Wifi bridge
type device, you would want to match the performance level.
The Wifi where you are installing, may also be limited
(802.11G or 802.11N or whatever). So that's a tiny concern,
in terms of "shooting in the dark" on your own setup.

As for abusing your GL, maybe look around some more for a
reduced-size version ? Firmware flashers usually have some
degree of compatibility testing, whether it's a "size check",
a "device model number check" and so on. When a flash refuses
like that, it's a good idea to check out why it is doing that.
Bricking devices is only recommended if they have a boot
loader that cannot be corrupted (allowing attempt after
attempt, with no worries). Not all firmware based devices
are designed that nicely.

For example, my new Asus motherboard, has a dedicated USB
flasher port. Even with no CPU plugged into the motherboard,
you can load a fresh BIOS using a USB stick. And this implies
"brick free behavior". So some chip near the USB port,
is a dedicated flasher. All the other Asus
motherboards in the house, can be bricked.

Paul

[Bill Anderson]

Post by Paul

Post by Bill Anderson
I know this is off-topic, but a.c.p.m.a is where I have always found
the best technical advice for my Asus boards, and I can't figure out
where else to turn for this question. So please point me in the right
direction if you can, or just ignore and forgive.
My 88-year-old mother has an apartment in an independent living
facility that provides WiFi for the residents. I've set up her
desktop, iPad and iPhone to connect to the internet via WiFi and it's
all working fine.
But her DirecTV setup, which also works fine otherwise, requires a
*wired* ethernet connection to the internet if she is to access video
on demand.
So I would like to set up a device that will receive the building's
WiFi and send the internet connection out an ethernet port. I have an
unused Linksys wireless router (WRT54GL) that could do the trick if I
can figure out how to set it up. I just can't find instructions for
doing what I want.
http://www.antimidas.net/index.php/articles/technology/106-using-a-linksys-wrt54gl-as-a-wireless-access-point-for-directv
But those instructions require doing something apparently impossible
-- flashing my WRT54GL with a firmware update that's too large. The
instructions say to do it; the download site for the file says don't
try it on a WRT54GL because it won't work. So I tried it anyway and
guess what? It won't work.
So where in Usenet (or anywhere else) should I go to pose this
question: "How can I capture the WiFi signal in a building and use it
to set up a wired ethernet port that provides an internet connection?"
Thanks.

They offer their own hardware for this. There is a wired (Ethernet to coax bridge)
and a Wifi (Wifi to Ethernet and coax bridge).
https://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3794/related/1
Then, you enter a search like this
"alternative to directv cinema connection kit"
http://www.dbstalk.com/topic/193609-why-would-i-need-a-cinema-connection-kit/
It's easier to follow the manual.
http://www.directv.com/learn/pdf/WiFi_Deca/Connection_Kit_User_Manual.pdf
"DIRECTV CCK-W Wireless Cinema Connection Kit (DCAW1R0-01)" $53.69
http://www.amazon.com/DIRECTV-Wireless-Cinema-Connection-DCAW1R0-01/dp/B005RCZEIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1445736009&sr=1-1&keywords=directv+wireless+adapter
The "coax networking" concept with the CCK is for extending networking
to multiple DirecTV boxes (whole house). Using a single Ethernet connection
is for driving one device only.
I had trouble getting what i wanted on Newegg, so tried
looking on Amazon instead. This is a Wifi-G bridge with
a WPS button. But also has web based setup if needed.
This style of device went out of production some time ago.
http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-WNCE2001-Universal-Internet-Adapter/dp/B007CO5DZ4/ref=sr_1_1/181-9108747-2586462?ie=UTF8&qid=1445734746&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+internet+bridge
I cannot find a network spec for the CCK-W as to whether it
is 802.11G or 802.11N. Presumably there is a minimal bandwidth
requirement for service, and so if you got an old Wifi bridge
type device, you would want to match the performance level.
The Wifi where you are installing, may also be limited
(802.11G or 802.11N or whatever). So that's a tiny concern,
in terms of "shooting in the dark" on your own setup.
As for abusing your GL, maybe look around some more for a
reduced-size version ? Firmware flashers usually have some
degree of compatibility testing, whether it's a "size check",
a "device model number check" and so on. When a flash refuses
like that, it's a good idea to check out why it is doing that.
Bricking devices is only recommended if they have a boot
loader that cannot be corrupted (allowing attempt after
attempt, with no worries). Not all firmware based devices
are designed that nicely.
For example, my new Asus motherboard, has a dedicated USB
flasher port. Even with no CPU plugged into the motherboard,
you can load a fresh BIOS using a USB stick. And this implies
"brick free behavior". So some chip near the USB port,
is a dedicated flasher. All the other Asus
motherboards in the house, can be bricked.

Thanks once again, Paul. Actually I have been trying to crack this nut
for some time. Months ago I acquired a Netgear WNCE2001 but failed at
setting it up at my Mother's place. It certainly never gave the DirecTV
box the signal it was looking for. However, at your suggestion,
yesterday I gave it another try -- this time at my place -- and soon,
with almost no effort, my desktop had a perfectly fine connection to the
Internet. Its ethernet cable was plugged into the Netgear device which
was receiving my home WiFi signal.

If I can duplicate that feat at Mom's, I should be good. I assume that
when I have her desktop connected to the internet via the WNCE2001 and
her building's WiFi, I should be able to disconnect the device from the
desktop and just reconnect it to the DirecTV ethernet port. It'll be
loaded with the building WiFi's ID and Password, so it should continue
working -- or so I keep telling myself. However, the last time I tried
this I was unable to make it work with the desktop, so it was pointless
to connect it to DirecTV.

All of this is why I wanted to try something new with the Linksys
wireless router. But first I guess it's back out to Mom's I will go
later today with the WNCE2001. I'll keep you posted. Thanks.

[Bill Anderson]

Post by Bill Anderson
Thanks once again, Paul. Actually I have been trying to crack this nut
for some time. Months ago I acquired a Netgear WNCE2001 but failed at
setting it up at my Mother's place. It certainly never gave the DirecTV
box the signal it was looking for. However, at your suggestion,
yesterday I gave it another try -- this time at my place -- and soon,
with almost no effort, my desktop had a perfectly fine connection to the
Internet. Its ethernet cable was plugged into the Netgear device which
was receiving my home WiFi signal.
If I can duplicate that feat at Mom's, I should be good. I assume that
when I have her desktop connected to the internet via the WNCE2001 and
her building's WiFi, I should be able to disconnect the device from the
desktop and just reconnect it to the DirecTV ethernet port. It'll be
loaded with the building WiFi's ID and Password, so it should continue
working -- or so I keep telling myself. However, the last time I tried
this I was unable to make it work with the desktop, so it was pointless
to connect it to DirecTV.
All of this is why I wanted to try something new with the Linksys
wireless router. But first I guess it's back out to Mom's I will go
later today with the WNCE2001. I'll keep you posted. Thanks.

Again the WNCE2001 was a total bust at Mom's. I did manage to get her
desktop PC to see the unit and even to tell me it had successfully set
it up for WiFi in the building. It saw the WiFi signal, asked for ID
and Password, which I entered correctly, and the WNCE2001's setup
routine told me it was connected properly. But unlike my experience on
my Win10 desktop at home where the unit then connected to my home WiFi
and gave me an internet connection, Mom's Win7 desktop could not
establish an internet connection. The Win7 network/internet access
troubleshooting routine told me a cable must not be connected, even
though the cable worked fine when setting up the WNCE2001 for WiFi. So
I dunno what's up. Maybe the building's WiFi knows when a high
bandwidth device is trying to connect and refuses to cooperate. Maybe.
But if so, how come Mom's Roku works? Very strange. Oh well, maybe
I'll do some more experimenting with that Linksys router. Thanks,
everybody.

[Paul]

Post by Bill Anderson

Post by Bill Anderson
Thanks once again, Paul. Actually I have been trying to crack this nut
for some time. Months ago I acquired a Netgear WNCE2001 but failed at
setting it up at my Mother's place. It certainly never gave the DirecTV
box the signal it was looking for. However, at your suggestion,
yesterday I gave it another try -- this time at my place -- and soon,
with almost no effort, my desktop had a perfectly fine connection to the
Internet. Its ethernet cable was plugged into the Netgear device which
was receiving my home WiFi signal.
If I can duplicate that feat at Mom's, I should be good. I assume that
when I have her desktop connected to the internet via the WNCE2001 and
her building's WiFi, I should be able to disconnect the device from the
desktop and just reconnect it to the DirecTV ethernet port. It'll be
loaded with the building WiFi's ID and Password, so it should continue
working -- or so I keep telling myself. However, the last time I tried
this I was unable to make it work with the desktop, so it was pointless
to connect it to DirecTV.
All of this is why I wanted to try something new with the Linksys
wireless router. But first I guess it's back out to Mom's I will go
later today with the WNCE2001. I'll keep you posted. Thanks.

Again the WNCE2001 was a total bust at Mom's. I did manage to get her
desktop PC to see the unit and even to tell me it had successfully set
it up for WiFi in the building. It saw the WiFi signal, asked for ID
and Password, which I entered correctly, and the WNCE2001's setup
routine told me it was connected properly. But unlike my experience on
my Win10 desktop at home where the unit then connected to my home WiFi
and gave me an internet connection, Mom's Win7 desktop could not
establish an internet connection. The Win7 network/internet access
troubleshooting routine told me a cable must not be connected, even
though the cable worked fine when setting up the WNCE2001 for WiFi. So
I dunno what's up. Maybe the building's WiFi knows when a high
bandwidth device is trying to connect and refuses to cooperate. Maybe.
But if so, how come Mom's Roku works? Very strange. Oh well, maybe
I'll do some more experimenting with that Linksys router. Thanks,
everybody.

Is the Wifi firewalled at all ?

It would help if you knew of some other user who had
successfully set up the same DirecTV setup.

If the DirecTV was well designed, it should try to
tunnel out over port 80. As port 80 is left open
for web surfing. Software like Skype used to use
that, as a means to bypass corporate firewalls.
Using some obscure port number on the other hand,
is only asking for trouble.

OK, from a post on the DirecTV forum.

"I am new to DTV and I had the same problem, I have a SonicWall
firewall and I could not download on demand videos and the TV Apps
didn't work. When I called D'TV's tech support and spoke to an
alleged supervisor I was VERY FRUSTRATED, he suggested replacing my
firewall. A few days later, I called DTV on a different issue and a
young lady told me I needed to open UDP port 1701/LT2P. I did some
research and once I opened the port everything worked."

More fumbling about here.

http://community.belkin.com/t5/Wireless/Directv-and-Port-1701-LT2P/td-p/448/page/2

So what we really need is

"WNCE2001 port forwarding"

And I get...

"There is no port forwarding in the WNCE2001 - it just converts wired ... traffic
to WiFi traffic and vice versa. Port forwarding s done in your router."

And that might be the router upstream of the room you're in.

I was hoping to find a recipe for "pinging" that port,
but no luck so far.

http://slickdeals.net/f/4781320-asus-rt-n56u-open-port-udp-1701-lt2p

http://www.dbstalk.com/topic/178810-tv-appsstb-service-portsnetgear-router/page-2

"I can recall at least one other poster reported a similar initializing
of APPS through the modem and then re-inserting the router back in its
place. His required the procedure to be repeated; repeat as needed. If
the DVR is using a static IP, this initializing may last longer."

So that suggests the thing can connect, if it's initialized first somehow.
Meaning, you'd need to temporarily find an Ethernet connector somewhere
and give that a try. In place of the Netgear. Then maybe going back to
the Netgear, it will continue to work.

Paul