WDTV Live Plus + Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N = FAIL!, USB wireless netgear rangemax Options

[AgnosticAnarch]

I picked up the Live-Plus the other day hoping it would work the the Netgear wireless USB NIC I already had, but no good. Ah, well. It wasn't on the list anyway.

So I printed out the list, and I went by Fry's this evening to pick up an approved wireless USB NIC. I bought the Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter with the model number wnda3100. Since it was dual-band I thought it might be useful for other things. Also, it comes with a nice little USB extension cord and a holder so you can mount it like an antenna.

But when I plug it into the new WDTV-Live-Plus... NOTHING! The network settings screen didn't change at all.

So I turned everything off, plugged it in, and turned everything back on. Nothing.

So I left everything on, plugged it in, went to the network settings screen... nothing.

So I'll admit that this adapter has an asterisk by it on the list, "Not Listed*" with some notes about revision numbers. I'm not sure if this is what they're talkin' about, but on the box it has the part number WNDA3100-100NAS and the "TA" number is 100-13587-01R19. Maybe this is "revision 19" or something.

Anyway, I would avoid the Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter wnda3100. Wish I'd known before I bought it. Now I'm going to have to argue with Fry's about returning it. I'll be sure to buy something else that does not have an asterisk next to it on the list from now on.

~AA

[Rev Drew]

not sure by your message if you did this or not but remove the power cord from the back of the live plus, insert the usb network adapter, then re-apply power, if it isn't there upon power up it wont be recognized.

I haven't tried wireless as I have a network switch in my entertainment center for other things, it just made sense to have it wired when I started into divx movies and built my first XP-MCE PC years ago.. now there are 5 devices plugged into the switch.
I know that's not possible for some folks, just glad I incorporated it before I knew I needed it..

[quistd]

Just got my third USB N connector in 3 days with the Netgear WNDA3100 and it failed. So far I have tried Netgear WG111 FAIL. Got a Linksys AE10000 FAIL. And now the Netgear WNDA3100 FAIL.

I can only say that this is a failure of Western Digital and their firm ware. Interesting though because Bestbuy pushes it so hard and only sells the WNDA3100. Oh did I mention that it FAILED.

[Rev Drew]

maybe you should look at the approved hardware list before arbitrarily buying a USB wireless NIC...

this applies to some that you have listed, others you mention aren't even in the list...

*If your Wireless adapter has a revision number on the box, the product may be a newer revision than what was validated and may not work. The tested device did not have a version number listed for the hardware on the box or the device. Wireless suppliers have a history of changing the actual hardware (the electronics design and chip), but keeping the model numbers the same and adding a revision level on the box and/or the device.

[quistd]

Believe me I agree with looking at the approved USB adapter BEFORE you go to the store. That side os the experiment is on me. However, when you finally learn from your mistake and then print out the list and take it in only to discover that BestBuy only carries one, and I looked for all of them, it is a little frustrating. WD needs to put out a firmware update or have a way for you to hook up wired and get support. Not saying tha they should suppor tevery USB adapter but I am looking at mainstream brands.

I am going to call Customer Support today or tomorrow and speak to them live. Maybe there is a secret.

On a happier note I did hook it up wired and am really impressed with it. Can't wait to get it fully working.

[quistd]

Finally Success!!!

Had to ask someone at BestBuy but the Netgear WN111-100NAS works. Really simplyfiing. Just finished testing NetFlix.

When I get my HTPC built I will test streaming video, DVD, and Live TV.

Thanks to BestBuy for allowing me to return all the failures.

[Rev Drew]

that's good to hear, thanks for the update. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[henryzhou]

Hi,

I encounter a similar issue.

I've tried both wnda3100v1 and wnda3100v2. Notice, this model wnda3100 has two different hardware revision.

v1 can be recognized while v2 not.

but v1 only works under 2.4ghz, if you try to connect with 5ghz wireless router, the connection can never be established although you can find the ssid in 5ghz.

I'm about to try 3rd custom firmware to see if this driver issue (I guess) can be resolved.