With all the problems people are having finding “Compatible” Wireless USB Dongles for their WD’s, I would recommend the following:
Do NOT USE ONE!
If Wired is NOT an option for you, use a Wireless BRIDGE instead.
This is a device that will plug into the Ethernet Port, and then go Wireless from there. The BRIDGE is user-configured to be a “Client” on the wireless network (you configure it separately to work on your network).
The WDTV will be configured using the WIRED Ethernet Port (which is connected to the bridge.)
There’s NO compatibility issues between the WDTV and any bridges, since the bridge is “Transparent.” The WDTV thinks it’s on a wired network, thus no wireless configuration required on the WDTV.
As a bonus, you can position a bridge for best reception a LOT easier than having to move your WDTV.
Examples of Wireless Bridges: (These are NOT recommendations, only used for example.)
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-Dual-Band-Wireless-N-Gaming-Adapter/dp/B001QVQ7JU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277304747&sr=8-6
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Cisco-Linksys-WET610N-Wireless-N-Bridge/dp/B0038T65JU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277304747&sr=8-8
http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Wireless-Gaming-Adapter-TEW-647GA/dp/B0024G48VA/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277304747&sr=8-11
Cisco-Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming and Video Adapter: ~ $90
D-LINK DWA-125 USB Wireless Adapter: ~ $25
Are you joking?
Re-read the very first line of my post and then ask that question again.
gulyasameister wrote:
Cisco-Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming and Video Adapter: ~ $90
D-LINK DWA-125 USB Wireless Adapter: ~ $25
Are you joking?
I think you’re cherry picking a little.
How about the following example:
TRENDnet Wireless N Gaming Adapter: ~$50
D-Link DWA-160 Xtreme N USB adapter: ~$65
The bridge is cheaper! ;)
Tony’s point is that you can simplify your setup and potentially obtain a stabler connection. He makes no claims regarding cost.
I used to use an old Linksys WAP54G (~$60?) connected to my Live without issue before realising I had a spare Belkin N USB adapter lying in my drawer. I now get a better connection with the Belkin (N versus G, no surprise) but like Tony says, once the bridge is set up, it’s like being on a wired LAN.
For some people, cost will be a factor and it might make more sense to invest in a long USB extension cable for better signal strength / dongle placement. But you still need to have / find a suitable USB adapter, and WD’s list of supported devices is disappointingly small / increasingly outdated.
-edit-
Bill’s latest post made me a liar! :D
There is now a lot more choice on the updated supported hardware list:
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3805
