Airport Express/Direct TV

Would you still be of the opinion I need to change the Network name ?.

Yes. Several tests that I've done with DirecTV equipment indicate that you should not exceed a total of 20 characters in the network name (fewer is better) and that there should be no blank spaces in the name.

If you are already doing this, and it will not work, then I am out of ideas. I cannot explain why it works for several neighbors that I have helped, other than guess that DirecTV may have made some changes.

Check again to make sure that the AirPort Express is providing a 2.4 GHz network. I was never able to get a DVR to connect using 5 GHz.

You might want to try the DirecTV Support Forums to see if they have any other suggestions. Good luck!

http://forums.directv.com/pe/index.jsp

Bob.....thanks for the DIRECTV Cinema Technical Forums link, have to re-read all the entries & replies. Found it very interesting the number of problems on the installation of DIRECTV Wireless Cinema. I used a DIRECTV contract installer, anticipating challenges, and installation was cancelled, installer took the kit with him. Installer did not have any criteria on using with Apple Express and the specifics on Network name and " security Code/password " for the Cinema Kit. Neither did the installers Company.

Updated DIRECTV Customer Services, will try again. They informed me I cannot talk directly with a DIRECTV Tech. Hoping now the Tech will call

Apple Tech Support will be calling me tomorrow to verify settings, names, passwords, etc., etc on Airport Express.

Within Apple, is there a differtence in a Airport Express password and a separate security code ? One of the replies on the DIRECTV Forum implied, my interpretation, there are 2 separate and distinct codes ?

There are two passwords for the AirPorts.....a base station or device password and a wireless network password.

You have may have heard something about a network "key" that is very rarely required.....I have never used anything except a normal 8 character password with DirecTV...something like....

2ysu7bc6

I cannot imagine needing to input the actual "key".....it is a long 64 digit code and I doubt that DirecTV would allow this many characters in the password slot.

If you have some time, and can experiment a bit, we can narrow down the possibilites.

Change the wireless network name on the Express to something simple 12-16 characters or so using all lower case letters and numbers with no spaces, if you have not already done so.

Make sure that the Radio Mode is set to a compatible settting like 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible).

Temporarily, change the Wireless Security to "None" on the AirPort

Update the settings and see if the DirecTV DVR will connect that way.

If it will, then you know you have a security setting issue. Try WPA2 Personal (Not WPA/WPA Personal) and see if that will work.

If the DVR will not connect with no security....it is pretty obvious that something else is causing the problem. It is also obvious that it will never connect with security if it will not connect with no security.

Report back on your progress, please.

Hi Bob

When ordering the DIRECTV Wireless I selected the option " with Professional Installation " When the DIRECTV device established communication with my Airport Express , the next screen on the TV asked for a password due to a protected network. The DIRECTV device would not accept my 8 position alpha/numeric Airport password , indicating invalid password

DIRECTV installer did not know the wireless requirments settings required for the DIRECTV device to proceed with entering an acceptable password. Hence, the installation was terminated, installer took the DIRECTV device with him and departed. I desired to retain a protected network for the long term.

Then I wanted to know more about how to make the 2 devices work prior to reordering.

I have changed the setting in Airport Utility to " WPA/WPA 2 Personal " on recommendation of the Apple Tech based upon previous assistance connecting DIRECTV.

Apple Tech has confirmed from their point of view the password has to be a minimum of any 8 characters , network name can be as few as any 6 characters.

Awaiting now a reply from DIRECTV Customer Services for specifics on both the password and network name, length, alpha/ numeric etc The customer, that's me, cannot talk directly to the DIRECTV Tech. The installer was not able to obtain the specifics on what the required settings were for their wireless from the company he works for.

Apple Tech indicated they had received a number of inquiries on having the Airport Express work with the DIRECTV Wireless

Will attempt again once I hear from DIRECTV as to their setting requirments on the Airport Express.

Bob, thanks for your time and info, it's been helpful for me to understand. When I installed the Apple TV myself, did not encounter any challenges, i.e. no learning curve, it just worked.

The next time if the password is not accepted but communication is established I plan to immediately contact Apple Support while the DIRECTV installer is present....if he will wait.

Way to go Bob!! Checking ALL 3 of these items was the answer for me. For those who are not sure how to do this just open you "AirPort Utility" under Applications-Utilities-Airport Utility (on your mac), then go thru each tab and make sure bob's 3 parts are correct. Thanks Again Bob

DirecTV is quite finicky about wireless networks.

The name of your wireless network should be comprised of only lower case letters and/or numbers....and it should not exceed 20 characters in length.

for example, your network name might be something like.......cb427wireless

Set the Wireless Security on your network to use WPA/WPA2 Personal security.

The "security code" is your normal password. Make sure that it is at least 8 characters in length and use only lower case letters and/or numbers in the password.