"Static" DHCP enables devices on your network to always grab the same IP address from your router's DHCP server, with no complicated static IP settings needed on each individual device (you can plug in the MAC addresses and desired IP addresses into a setup screen in your router all at once).

In order to use static DHCP, you need a router that supports it. A Linksys WRT54G/GS (versions 1-4) loaded with third-party firmware (such as Tofu [WRT54G] and Thibor [WRT54GS]) support this (go to Linksysinfo.org and get the appropriate one for your router). There is a "sticky" at that bulletin board that tells you how to identify the version of your WRT54G/GS.

Another option is the Netgear MR814v2 (the functionality is in the stock firmware).

In order to use static DHCP, you need to know the MAC (physical) address of your USB-ethernet adapter. If you still have the box for the USB-ethernet adapter, the MAC address should be printed on a label somewhere on the box. If you no longer have the box, here are two ways to get the MAC address:

• Telnet to your TiVo and type ifconfig. Note the "HWaddr" of your USB adapter.


OR


• Plug it into a Windows box (and install the correct driver, if needed). Go to Start Menu > Run > cmd. At the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all.
  Note the MAC address of your USB adapter.

To enter the MAC address(es) of your adapter(s) into your port forwarding settings in your router:

Linksys WRT54G/GS with Tofu/Thibor

http://192.168.1.1/sdhcpdns.asp (use colons, not dashes, for the MAC address). Make sure you click the "Save Settings" button.

Netgear MR814v2; taken from the manual

When you specify a reserved IP address for a PC on the LAN, that PC will always receive the same IP address each time it access the router's DHCP server. Reserved IP addresses should be assigned to servers that require permanent IP settings. To reserve an IP address:
1. Click the Add button.

2. In the IP Address box, type the IP address to assign to the PC or server. (choose an IP address from the router's LAN subnet, such as 192.168.0.X)

3. Type the MAC Address of the PC or server. (Tip: If the PC is already present on your network, you can copy its MAC address from the Attached Devices menu and paste it here.)

4. Click Apply to enter the reserved address into the table

After you have entered the desired settings into your router, telnet to your TiVo(s) using the current [DHCP] IP address, and type /etc/rc.d/rc.sysinit.author restart. You will lose connection to your TiVo while it grabs the new IP address. Test the new IP address by telnetting to it.