HD DVR constantly disconnects from the internet

That should have been HR24-500 not HR20-500

That is a big difference. HR20 would have been the first HDDVR that was Whole Home DVR compatible. The HR24 is the last regular HDDVR made, no new model (yet).

What model is the Genie?

Is that one box the only one that keeps disconnecting?

Do you have one connection to the internet (via the Genie) or do you have any other boxes with a separate connection?

With those issues a couple things to suggest. First verify coax is finger tight to each box, in particular the HR24 that keeps disconnecting. Red button reset the Genie as that acts as a server for Whole Home and should facilitate the internet connection. Then once complete do the same for the HR24. That should allow the 2 to sync back up.

If needed, instead of a simple reset you can unplug power for at least minute (still one at a time). This clears residual memory, which might get rid of any bad data causing the issue. However unlike the regular reset, this clears the guide data which would be fully downloaded within 24-48hrs (for satellite and On Demand channels).

If available, move the HR24 to another spot in the home. The issue following the box or not would narrow down if the HR24 needs a warranty replacement or you might need a service call to fix a connection issue to that room.

The HR24 is hard wired to the internet but connects to the genie through the whole home network via a WVBRO25.

The HR24 should not connect through another device. The wireless video bridge (WVB) is for connecting the Genie to wireless Mini Genie Clients (C41W and C61W).

Whole Home is designed that one box serves as the internet connect. The Genie being built as a server prioritizes the connection. So if you have multiple boxes with their own connection, they fight against each other. If the HR24 is your sole connection that can be an issue with a Genie setup because that is supposed to be what runs the system.

The whole story is the Genie HR24-200, 2 mini Genies connected wirelessly and a 4k Genie wired to the dish. Then there is the HR24-500 wired to the internet and by cable to the dish and an HR 24-200 wired to the dish . I can reconnect the HR24-500 to the Genie when it disconnects from it by rebooting the Genie. I get your explanation about the connection to the Genie but why does it also disconnect from the internet since it is wired to it? That's why I was wondering about replacing it.

If 2 boxes connect to internet and both are on the Whole Home network (not like having a box in a detached building that is physically separate), they fight against each other.

The Genie is DirecTV's Advance Whole Home HDDVR. So Whole Home is required for this one as is built to run the connection for both Whole Home and internet for all the other boxes (Clients and receivers). Having another HDDVR connected to internet, but physically on the same dish and cabling as the Genie, can cause conflicts as the system was not built for that exact setup. So the Genie is trying to provide the internet connection as intended but the HR24 fights it because of being connected as well.

As for the WVB, the only purpose is connecting wireless Clients to the main Genie. So if the HR24 is truly connected with it as you originally stated, then that makes the connection more problematic as even if it seems like it is working the WVB wasn't built to handle a full receiver.

So it appears the primary problem is you have a non-supported setup, so the connection between the boxes are fighting each other on which one is supposed to handle certain functions. I wouldn't replace the HR24 unless you still have the issue after fixing the setup to begin with.

If in the end the HR24 still needs replacing, call DirecTV and that is $19.95 delivery. Do NOT "upgrade" as that wouldn't get you anything better. HDDVR is HDDVR, so you get the same model or newer and HR24 is the last one made. Naturally do not "upgrade" to a Client or HD non-DVR as that would be functionally a downgrade.

You have done an amazing job analyzing the network and the problem. Just in case I left anything out, the wired boxes are wired through an un-powered DTV distribution system in the basement and it is what is connected directly to the dish but you probably guessed that. Some of the cable runs are long so would replacing the distribution with a powered one, if available, help? You also suggested fixing the setup but how?

May need more specifics on that basement distribution system (a few other posters will be more knowledgeable about that part than I).

Just so all bases are covered, what model Genie do you have?

The Genie is an HR-200 Gen 3. The basement dish connection seems to be a simple splitter - non powered. I can get a model # but that will have to wait awhile as I have an appointment.

Your Genie model number is incomplete. However if it is Gen 3, then that should be either HR54 or HR54R1 (revised version, hence the R1).

No worries, post back when good for you. There are a few other experts who should be able to clarify anything needed on that distribution setup sometime later (don't know their schedule as we are all customers).

The Genie data on the unit itself  and on the on screen menu says simply HR54-200 the software is 0x12d2. I got the Gen 3 from my account of the DirecTV web site, it's not on the unit. The splitter, and it is a splitter, is a Swim MSPLIT8R1. It looks like the manufacturer is WNC and it is an 8 way splitter.

Yes the HR54 is the 3rd generation Genie. You originally posted HR-200, so were missing the '54'. Just wanted to be sure you got the information based on the correct model.

So disconnecting the Ethernet from the HR24 and doing a full reboot should take care of most if not all the issues. That way the internal Deca is enabled again to properly work with Whole Home DVR and you don't have a secondary internet connection fighting the one going thru the Genie.