General questions about how the external WVB works

You can hard wire the Gemini using coax and a DECA BB. The rest is correct.

I was purposefully limiting the scope, the tricky stuff will follow, trust me, I will reach the limits of the group  ;-)

I will get into the hard wiring stuff... will watch for a few more comments.

Next I want to expand on the Mini, since I already have some confusing stuff there, and it does not involve any extra hardware than what I have. I'll wait a bit and then go to the next step.

Greg

OK, so no more comments, so now I have my next question (bear with me I am taking this step by step)

Still on the Genie Mini and WVB in my garage.

 So, looking at the WHOLE HOME menu information (accessible from any client), the EXTERNAL WVB in the garage reports it is connected to the Genie Mini by Wi-Fi.

So again Dish LNB >>> Genie 2 >>> COAX >>> WVB >>> WiFi >>> Genie Mini

Right?

Questions:

1. The RJ45/Ethernet on the WVB would be used on a non-wireless client?
2. Why does my Genie Mini need an Internet connection? (on demand, or the "TV apps"?)

Thanks, Greg

Greg, to answer your first question, the RJ45/Ethernet on the WVB can not be used to connect a non-wireless client. This connection is done through a coax cable from the SWiM connection to the Genie Mini. Regarding you're second question, the internet connection is only optional for on-demand channels and for ordering PPVs by the remote. You can still order some PPVs over the phone or online from your computer without the DIRECTV boxes themselves being connected to the internet. Likewise, you will have an amazing feature named "SignalSaver" If you experience a signal loss, you may be able to continue watching in HD via live stream using your home's high-speed internet connection. DIRECTV is here to help you in case you have further questions. Danae, DIRECTV Community Specialist

OK, so just want to be clear.

Question 1, so what is the rJ45 / Ethernet connector in the WVB used for? You have told me what it is not.

Question 2: Your response is a bit confusing: "only optional". So let me try, the Genie Mini's wireless connection is used for on-demand channels, and ordering PPV. I would assume that it is also used for the "apps" that are "in" the Genie Mini, like Pandora, Music Choice, I heart radio", right?

Thanks, Greg

DirecTV utilizes a coax cable connection to get a signal from the satellite dish. The Wireless Video Bridge Ethernet port will be disabled. On the other hand, the Internet connection is used to access On Demand, DIRECTV Cinema, Pandora, and streaming apps. Greg, we'll meet you in a PM to continue assisting you. Danae, DIRECTV Community Specialist

AFAIK there is no use for the RJ45 jack on the WVB but it appears that it was based on the CCKW that did use the RJ45 jack to connect a non SWM receivers to the internet.

It is the Genie that gets the On Demand channels and everything else, the WVB just sends a audio/video signal to the minis and relays the remote commands to the Genie.  The Gemini does the same except it can also stream apps through the Genie internet connection.

@gregeusa 

1. The RJ45/Ethernet port is currently not used on the consumer side. Whether for DirecTV's in-house use, or future proofing is unknown. It is not for wired Clients as they connect by the coax just like regular receivers.

2. DirecTV is service by satellite. Being internet connected is optional to give you additional features like On Demand (including Restart from the Beginning), ordering PPVs by remote, any of the limited TV apps (Pandora, etc.), and sending anonymous viewing data.

Earlier models you needed each HDDVR connected to the internet. With Whole Home DVR, DirecTV's Multi Room Viewing (MRV), one box serves as the connection to the others. If you have a Genie than it is the one to be used as is designed to work like a server.

Long ago, boxes were supposed to be connected to a phone line. This was to send PPV orders, anonymous viewing data, and receive software updates. Now those updates come through the satellite and the other features go through internet as that is the age we are in. (Which is why Caller ID on TV hasn't been supported in years and is no longer available in newer boxes as people don't need to be encourage to be connected to a phone line anymore).

3. Yes it is coax to the WVB and then wireless to the Client. The WVB is essentially the antenna for the main box, which the Genie-2 is the only model to have a WVB built-in. You can use an external WVB if you've got any wireless Clients that cannot get good signal to the built-in one.

It is a proprietary wireless network. In theory 2.4GHz should have longer range but 5GHz having faster connection in the shorter distance. A common issue is the 2.4 band has become so oversaturated over the years with more devices that use it, the 5GHz might get through easier in some cases.

Thanks guys, this is exactly the in depth detail I was after.

I'm researching how the interfaces are used, and it's a little involved to untangle.

Clearly my Genie Mini, which is some distance from the Genie 2 is using the WVB nearby to get various things from the server. What is interesting is the Wifi connections, and the weird choice of 2.4 GHz on the short range stuff, but 5 GHz on the WVB, seems backwards, i.e. I would think the WVB would be set up for as much range as possible, i.e. 2.4 GHz, and that band is well within the speeds necessary. Perhaps this is why some people have issues.

Decoding what is going on has been helped by matching up MAC addresses of the devices. In some cases the "WiFi part" of a hardware part is referred to as an "AP", and it does indeed appear they do function as an Access Point to the server/client.

This investigation into what is connected to what and how started from my initial installation, which was plagued by video fits and starts, and was cured when I would up connecting my clients to my wireless network (as well as the WVB network).

No performance issues since then. I'll be using sniffers to see if there are any times the local network is used for anything but Internet access. (This is also how I found how to block the obnoxious ads).

Almost got the whole thing mapped out. Now if I could only turn off CEC/HDMI control on the Gemini, I would be great. But I've overcome all my other control issues with a SofaBaton for the Gemini system, and a combination of RF and IR remotes for the Mini.

Thanks again,

Greg

If you mean 2.4 for the wireless CCK built into the Genie-2, that supports 5GHz as well. The externals ones for non-Genie setups (or 1st Genie HR34 that doesn't have it built-in) only have 2.4GHz.

not sure what CCK stands for, sorry.

No, was directly commenting on the WVB using only 5 gig WiFi.

My post: "but 5 GHz on the WVB, seems backwards"

Greg

so, help me with my education.

What is in the CCK?

looking on ebay:

https://www.amazon.com/DIRECTV-Wireless-Cinema-Connection-DCAW1R0-01/dp/B005RCZEIY

looks like a WVB and a power injector for the LNB.

So, let me know if that is it. I also get you don't need the power injector in all cases (in my case the WVB is in the garage where the Genie Mini is, the "main" wire from the LNB is going to the Genie 2, and clearly that is powering the LNB.

I know a lot about WiFi, and I was just commenting on the strange choice of 5 GHz, which has less range than 2.4.

Wireless CCK isn't available for Genie 2 (HS17) as it is already built-in.  Can I help you with any other request? Jairo, DIRECTV Community Specialist

No, I have no other requests related to the topic. I think you needed to read the whole thread. It was a discussion on the Genie Mini and the WVB. I have the WVB (both the external one and the internal in the Genie 2) connections all mapped out in my house. All is well.