Krispy Kirk Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Apologies in advance if this is the wrong forum for soliciting technical assistance with a video streaming device... I bought a Roku 2 last week and I'm having a devil of a time getting it set up on my home network (Verizon Fios). Before I call Verizon and get the runaround I thought I'd try asking here since there's a decent likelihood that one of you has dealt with this exact situation. The set up: I have a wireless router installed in my home office at one end of my house. It is currently the sole router in the house and is Ethernet-connected to my PC. I have a Verizon set top box connected to the same daisy-chained Verizon coax in my home theater at the other end of my house. I have been advised by Roku owners to not even attempt to run my new Roku 2 wirelessly from my existing router since the distance is great (60+ feet) and allegedly the Roku is happier when connected via Ethernet cable. The problem: I found a spare router that Verizon told me I could keep a few years ago after they upgraded routers for their customers in my area. It is the same brand (Actiontec) and a similar model to the current one. I swapped it out in my office and my PC connected to the Internet fine via the old router so I know it works. But when I add it to my home theater in place of my set top box and then attach the Roku via Ethernet cable, the Roku is unable to access the Internet and establish my account. The solution that failed: After an afternoon's research on "Setting up multiple routers on a home network" and trying everything that was advised (including reassigning device IP addresses, disabling DHCP, resetting the entire network, etc) I'm no closer to having an Internet-connected Roku than when I started. The ultimate question: Can I use my spare router to provide my new Roku 2 with a hard-wired Internet connection or must I live with a Roku that is wirelessly-connected to a router that sits on the other end of my house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Have you even tried the wireless connection to the Roku? If your primary router is strong, is on a clear channel, and is set properly (not behind the TV or behind a bookshelf speaker, etc), 60 feet shouldn't be a big deal. Give it a try first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avguytx Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Just try it and see. If it's 2.3ghz, they have good range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincymat Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 You could look into a wifi range extender to boost your signal. I used one in our old (mid 1930's) three story to get wifi signal to the upstairs. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 (edited) To use two routers on one network wireless between routers see this Personally I turn off the wireless function (make a bridge) on the router closest to my modem (and office) and then use the router most centrally located in the house as the access point. Edited January 13, 2016 by USNRET Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krispy Kirk Posted January 13, 2016 Author Share Posted January 13, 2016 Thanks for all the responses. I ironed out a few kinks in my network and then I discovered the "hidden wi-fi set-up page" on my Roku and did some tweaking. I'm now streaming wirelessly and the quality seems very adequate (at least as good as a Verizon STB) and the lag when first beginning a show/program is minimal, maybe two or three seconds at most. I'm going to live with it for a while before further customizing my home network to support dual routers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 (edited) My old Roku XD/s began having HDMI handshake issues needing a power cycle on startup so I picked up a new Roku 4 today. The wife being mostly deaf likes the headphone connection / volume control on the remote and I like the remote finder so I can find it for her. I haven't tried it wireless yet as I stay mostly wired Edited January 13, 2016 by USNRET Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 And the Roku 4 is going back. It won't wake from sleep or handshake when changing inputs without a power cyle; I'll try a 2015 Roku 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Powerline adapters also work very well at least for me they work better than wifi.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MRVJY2U/ref=s9_zgift_hd_bw_g147_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=07T08BM3KH90RAFE97NX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=5e5cfe52-d523-4330-be64-0f800c4a9f03&pf_rd_i=1194444 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Powerline adapters also work very well at least for me they work better than wifi. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MRVJY2U/ref=s9_zgift_hd_bw_g147_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=07T08BM3KH90RAFE97NX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=5e5cfe52-d523-4330-be64-0f800c4a9f03&pf_rd_i=1194444 I agree totally. Solid reliable connections like true hard wiring. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Powerline adapters also work very well at least for me they work better than wifi. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MRVJY2U/ref=s9_zgift_hd_bw_g147_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=07T08BM3KH90RAFE97NX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=5e5cfe52-d523-4330-be64-0f800c4a9f03&pf_rd_i=1194444 I agree totally. Solid reliable connections like true hard wiring. Bill They work much better if on the same leg of the circuit. Noisy appliances on that circuit may degrade the signal but I have used them with good results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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