Squeezebox help needed

Don_S · « **on:** 8 Dec 2007, 08:34 am »

I just purchased a new Squeezebox and I can't get it to connect to my Linksys router. I keep getting the error message "Encryption failure.....". How do I check to make sure I have my encryption password/key correct? I found a place on the computer that lists my password as ******** but does not show the letters or case (caps/lower). The number of *s do not agree with the password/key I wrote down so I suspect a problem. I use WPA personal encryption.

My desktop is hardwired into the Linksys and my laptop is wireless into the Linksys. Both have worked fine for over a year so I know the router is installed correctly.

I hope someone can help. Otherwise it is back to the store with the Squeezebox. I do not need the aggravation. I have serious reservations about mixing computers and music. All I want to do is listen to some net radio to find some new music to buy. I am not trying to set up a music server.

Thank you for any help.

darrenyeats · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 11:54 am »

I use WEP personally but it's the same principle.

If you don't know the exact passphrase you should be able to get it from your wireless access point (or all-in-one wireless router). Usually there's a web interface and somewhere in the menus the wireless settings including WEP keys/WPA passphrases are stored.

If you don't know how to do it ask a knowledgeable friend.

IMO you're wasting the Squeezebox to use it just for Internet Radio. But anyway, just concentrate on getting it working for now - its other delights can come later!
Darren

denjo · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 12:07 pm »

Don_S

This might be worth trying! Switch off the SB3 and disconnect the umbilical feeding the SB3. Go and make yourself a coffee and come back 15 mins time. Plug back the umbilical and try again. I've had a similar problem before and the above worked just fine! When you switch it off totally and let it lie for a while, it erases whatever memory that is causing the connection problem. It should be as easy to connect wirelessly as your notebook.

If this does not work, can you try a wired ethernet cable from the router to your SB3?

Internet radio is great! Once you get it going, you won't want to spin another CD!

Best regards
Dennis

darrenyeats · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 12:20 pm »

Quote from: denjo on 8 Dec 2007, 12:07 pm

It should be as easy to connect wirelessly as your notebook.

You can't connect your notebook easily unless you have no encryption or, if you do, you know the encryption passphrase.
Darren

bpape · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 01:05 pm »

I use long key WEP. Works just fine wirelessly to the SB3. Yes, it's a LONG hex key to enter. I'd step through things slowly to get used to where things are.

Kill the encryption on your network to start with and make sure you're connecting OK. Then, step up to WEP and get that working at both ends. WEP will generate a long hex key code based on a human readable word that you type in. Enter that hex code into the SB3 setup. Once you get that going, we know everything is OK - THEN you can play with trying to get past the WPA. Honestly, I've not tried it against WPA.

Bryan

avta · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 03:58 pm »

Another common problem area is the firewall. If you're still having problems after following these suggestions turn off you Windows firewall or any firewall associated with another program. I would agree that disconnecting the power to the SB is a good place to start. You should then be able to enter your WEP or WPA code(s) and connect.

Don_S · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 06:31 pm »

Gentlemen, Thank you for your suggestions. I appreciate the input. Project is temporarily on hold. I keep losing my internet connection. The young man in India thinks it is my Linksys router. I think it is the same seasonal issues I have with ATT’s local underground lines. When it rains I can have connectivity problems. I am now running without the router as a test. Therefore suspended SB experiments. The router is still on but not connected to DSL. Should that matter for establishing SB connectivity to the router (without music)? I think my router is fine and a dry day or two will “fix” what ATT refuses to do.

I do have some questions and responses to your suggestions. I had typed a response to your comments and then lost them (connection) just as I was posting them. So here goes again—this time MSFT word then copy/paste. I hope I answer everybody’s comments.

I think the key is finding out exactly what (letters and case) my encryption key is. The number of ****** displayed on my laptop is different from what I wrote down. Can anyone tell me how to verify what the WPA key is? It is useless to continue without verifying the proper key.

SB will not turn off or go into sleep mode. Is that a function of not being completely set up? I did unplug it overnight and had the same issues this morning—when I still had a net connection. It remembered the key I had entered.

I turned off the firewall but that did not help.

Not feasible to run a CAT5/6 cable. I will return the SB before I go through that pain.

My laptop remembers the key so I do not have to enter it each time. It works great and I do not want to lose that by messing with the encryption key. Obviously I do not know what I am doing and the potential for disaster is high (level orange at least).

I have a couple of audio buddies who love the SB for net radio so I thought I would try it. I would like to find some new artists that I like. Then I would buy their CDs. With the current level of my system the biggest upgrade I can make is finding some new music. I already have a music server so I do not need or want the SB functions there. Unfortunately my server does not have net audio.

Thanks again for your help.

avta · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 08:18 pm »

If you are planning to use the SB in wireless mode then you must have a stable wireless connection. If your computer is able to get on the internet using the router you have then the SB should be able to connect too. Try setting up the router without security just so you can test the connection. I'm not familiar with your router but that usually requires that you use the setup disc that came with it to return to the initial setup scheme. I'm not sure what you mean by the SB won't turn off. When it's plugged in the screen is always lit up. The only way to turn that off completely would be to unplug the SB. What equipment are you using in you system? Preamp/amp etc.

Tweaker · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 08:19 pm »

I've never been able to make my Squeezebox work with WPA for some reason.

Don_S · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 08:47 pm »

Quote from: avta on 8 Dec 2007, 08:18 pm

........... Try setting up the router without security just so you can test the connection. I'm not familiar with your router but that usually requires that you use the setup disc that came with it to return to the initial setup scheme.
edit....
I'm not sure what you mean by the SB won't turn off. When it's plugged in the screen is always lit up. The only way to turn that off completely would be to unplug the SB. What equipment are you using in you system? Preamp/amp etc.

There are two buttons on the remote "power" and "sleep"

I am not going to change my router settings. My laptop works great now and I do not want to lose that.

Don_S · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 08:49 pm »

Quote from: Tweaker on 8 Dec 2007, 08:19 pm

I've never been able to make my Squeezebox work with WPA for some reason.

Tweaker, Not what I wanted to hear but thanks for the truth. Anyone else experience WPA connection issues?

JLM · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 09:23 pm »

2006 was my year of the Squeeze Box. I took delivery of a modded SB3 to use for listening to ripped CDs and internet audio streaming. A good AC friend spent an hour over the phone helping me through the setup. Then the routine connectivity and other technical glitches. A variety of issues would cause me to be without my system for days at a time until I, wife, or others could help me through them. Except for ripping and the need for the PC, convenience was wonderful and the sound was great. Most of the problems were due to my computer ignorance, the network being setup by wifey (and her being available to help), or the modding which limited some of the internet audio streaming channels that I would accidently try to access.

The SB3 has been sold. Moved on to a Ah! Tjoeb 4000, but it developed problems too. Somehow I've had good luck/results with tubes either.

So I'm one of a few that have been there and am currently back to spinning CDs on an Oppo and saving up for a DAC.

YoungDave · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Dec 2007, 11:04 pm »

Don,

I had a lot of trouble getting my SB3 to work at first, but it was all network trouble - I didn't know my way around things like DNS, gateways, dynamic and static addresses, WEP, WPA, etc. EVENTUALLY I figured out enough to get connected, and gradually learned my way around those other networking terms.

I started out with a D-Link router, bought new at the same time as the SB, because this model was so highly rated here. Worked great! I must add, though, that I had no internet at the router. Can't get cable or satellite here. Still, it worked just superbly as a home network device. I used WPA and the SB is great at that. Happy, Happy.

I eventually learned of a high-speed internet service provided by the cellphone company. To get that onto my home network I had to junk that great D-Link router and get a TopGlobal router made specifically to support the cellphone internet connectivity. The TopGlobal is a terrible router. It constantly drops the wireless connection to my home network, and the SB goes down until the router comes back up.

Hence, I reverted to the old reliable ethernet from a dedicated laptop and NAS. No problems, now, but no wireless SB, either.

Bottom line - the SB3 handles WEP and WPA just fine. In my experience, its wired and wireless network performance is also superb and reliable. Sadly, a lame wireless network, such as one implemented by a TopGlobal or other unreliable router, just won't get it.

My advice - get your network all set, completely reliable, then connect the SB with ethernet cable temporarily, and then, when all works properly, start in on the wireless SB setup - first without encryption. Then put your encryption back on when long-term connectivity, almost certainly a router issue, has been proven satisfactory.

Papajin · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 01:27 am »

Quote from: Don_S on 8 Dec 2007, 06:31 pm

I think the key is finding out exactly what (letters and case) my encryption key is. The number of ****** displayed on my laptop is different from what I wrote down. Can anyone tell me how to verify what the WPA key is? It is useless to continue without verifying the proper key.

Don,

Have you ever considered just setting a completely new key and reconfiguring both your laptop and the SB? That seems like it'd be the easiest route, as then you're SURE you have the right key information.

Also, I don't know if the Linksys you're using supports it, but another thing to check for is a MAC address filter for the wireless portion. Basically what this does is disallow any device but the ones I already have configured from connecting via WiFi. I use it to decrease the chance of someone nearby latching onto my wireless connection for free internet service. Only problem is when you forget you have it on, and try to connect a new device -- it looks like the connection is just simply failing for some unknown reason.

Don_S · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 01:52 am »

Papajin, As I said before, my laptop works great and I do not want to lose that. I am afraid that if I try to redo the router I will lose what I have and the risk is not worth it. Do I reload the Linksys disc or is that only for initial installation? Do I use the HP installation wizard on my laptop? What do I do to erase the set up I already have. Do I need to do anything with my hardwired desktop? You see, computers are not my friend.

Is it not possible to verify my password?????

I am about to tell Logitech what they can do with their Squeeze Box and move on. I have already spent too much time and pain on it.

bpape · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 02:38 am »

The issue is not with the SB. The issue is that you don't know for sure your password nor the hex code generated from that human readable password. Without that hex code, you're not going to connect with the network.

I hate to be a downer but you're going to have exactly the same issue with ANY other type player that has to connect to your network wirelessly. ANY player (or any other device) is going to have to be allowed to connect and for that it will need the code.

Bryan

Don_S · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 02:42 am »

Is the hex code what I am seeing when I see ********? Would it be the same number of characters as my password? I wrote down my password when I set up Linksys. What is confusing me is the different number of ***s compared to my password and the issue with the SB not connecting. The password/key may not be the problem.

Bigfish · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 02:49 am »

Don:

Do you still possess the software that came with your router? I believe most routers can be reset to the factory setting with something like a straightened paper clip inserted into the reset button and held in for possibly 1 min. You could then reload the software on your computer and install a new password.

If you type the correct WEP Key into the Squeezebox it will connect to your network. Piece of advice: tape your wep key and password onto the side of your router so you will never forget it in the future.

Good Luck,

Ken

bpape · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 03:03 am »

Probably not. The *****'s are just hiding and masking - the length isn't even necessarily right.

Do you have a PC connected in a wired fashion to the network? If so, go to 192.168.1.1

If you haven't changed the defaults, the username will be nothing and the password will be admin.

That will take you to the Linksys Router Setup screen. You should see a menu for wireless and one under that for wireless security. In there, it should tell you what the WEP key is.

Bryan

Tweaker · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Dec 2007, 03:03 am »

Well, I thought I'd try my luck with WPA again since upgrading from FW15 to Squeezecenter and FW83. It worked. I found this on Slimdevices site which hopefully will help:
If you're using WPA encryption:

* Double, possibly triple check that the password is entered correctly in your SB2/SB3 setup. One incorrect or misplaced character, or a space where there shouldn't be one will cause a failure.
* If you're using WPA2 with AES cipher, try changing your router/AP to use WPA1 with TKIP cipher instead and see if that works.
* If you're using WPA1 (aka WPA Personal or WPA-PSK) ensure that the cipher is set to TKIP and not AES in your wireless router/AP setup.
* Keep in mind that WPA passwords are case sensitive and must be between 8 and 64 characters in length.