How to Connect Broadband to Dish Network Receiver

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a DISH network receiver to the Internet. While you can use an Ethernet cable to connect any DISH receiver to your router, each DISH receiver also has a Wi-Fi menu you can use to keep your Internet connection wireless.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Ethernet on All Receivers

1
Determine the distance between your router and your DISH receiver. Ethernet cables can transmit a signal for over 100 meters, but if your DISH receiver is in a different room than your Internet router, you may need to buy an extra-long cable and run it along the floor (or the ceiling), or thread it through the walls.
2
Obtain an Ethernet cable. You can buy Ethernet cables at most stores which include tech or electrical departments, though it may be cheaper to buy an Ethernet cable online in an environment such as Amazon.
- If you have an option, opting for an Ethernet cable with PVC shielding will prevent the cable from tearing or breaking if you accidentally trip over it.
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3
Connect the Ethernet cable to your router. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into one of the free "Internet" ports on the back of your router.
4
Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into your receiver. It should plug directly into the Ethernet port on the back of the receiver. As long as your router is on and both ends of the Ethernet cable are securely connected, you should now have hard-wired Internet on your DISH TV.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Hopper or Wally Receiver

1
Purchase and connect a wireless adapter. Currently, Netgear model WNDA3100v2 is the only Wi-Fi adapter supported for use by Dish Network. You can buy this adapter from the DISH online store; it should plug into the USB port on the back of your receiver.
- This is unnecessary on a Hopper 3 or Hopper with Sling receiver.^{[1]
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2
Turn on your TV and select the receiver's input if necessary. Press your TV's Power
button, then switch the input to select the HDMI channel (or other connection) that you use for your receiver.
3
Bring up the DISH menu. Depending on your remote, you'll either press the MENU button once or press the HOME button twice.
4
Select Settings. You'll find it near the top of the screen. To select it, use your remote's arrows to move the selection to cover it, then press OK or ENTER.
5
Select Internet. This option is near the top of the Settings page.
6
Select Wireless Setup. It's in the lower-right corner of the screen. Doing so brings up a list of wireless options.
7
Select WI-FI SETUP WIZARD. This option is near the top of the screen.
8
Select a network. In the list of available networks, select the name of the one that you want to use.
9
Select Next. It's on the right side of the page.
10
Enter your password. Using the on-screen keyboard, type in your wireless network's password.
11
Select Save. Doing so will save your network settings and connect your receiver to the Internet.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using a Joey Receiver

1
Understand that Joey receivers connect automatically. Unless you haven't finished setting up your Joey receiver or it's disconnected from the Hopper, it should currently be connected to the Internet. The only exception to this rule is if the receiver's "Bridging" feature is disabled; if so, you can re-enable Bridging from your receiver's settings.^{[3]
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2
Turn on your TV and select the receiver's input if necessary. Press your TV's Power
button, then switch the input to select the HDMI channel (or other connection) that you use for your receiver.
3
Bring up the DISH menu. Depending on your remote, you'll either press the MENU button once or press the HOME button twice.
4
Select Settings. It's at the top of the screen.
5
Select Internet. You'll find this option near the top of the Settings page.
6
Select Advanced. Doing so opens the Advanced Settings menu.
7
Select Bridging and switch it to "On". It's in the middle of the page. Once you've selected it, using the left or right arrows on your remote should scroll through the available options, allowing you to turn on Bridging.
8
Select OK when prompted. This will ensure that Bridging Internet from your Hopper to your Joey is enabled, meaning that your Joey should now be able to connect wirelessly to the Internet.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using a ViP Receiver

1
Buy a wireless adapter. Currently, Netgear model WNDA3100v2 is the only Wi-Fi adapter supported for use by Dish Network. You can buy this adapter from the DISH online store.
2
Connect your wireless adapter to your Dish Network receiver. The adapter must be plugged into the USB port located between the HDMI and Ethernet ports on the back of the receiver.
3
Turn on your TV and select the receiver's input if necessary. Press your TV's Power
button, then switch the input to select the HDMI channel (or other connection) that you use for your receiver.
4
Select Setup when prompted. Upon recognizing your wireless adapter, your ViP receiver will prompt you to select an option in a pop-up window; select Setup to do so.^{[4]
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5
Select a network. In the list of network names, find and select your network.
6
Select Done. It's near the bottom of the list of network names.
7
Enter your network's password. When prompted, use the on-screen keyboard to type in the password you use to connect to your network.
8
Select Done. Doing so will prompt your receiver to connect to the Internet.
9
Confirm your setup. Select Done when prompted, then select OK when prompted with the signal strength test.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I connect my computer to the internet?

Community Answer

It could vary, depending on what service provider you use. In most cases, there is an option to connect to the internet. it will give instructions for how to set up the hardware, and then you will see a list of options for internet. Connect and log into the one you are using.
Question

How come I can't rent movies?

Community Answer

It might be because your internet is too slow or the satellite is messed up. Contact Dish and explain the problem you're having, they might be able to help you.
Question

How can I hook up my dish receiver to my computer?

Community Answer

You could get a TV tuner card, which will fit into your computer's PCI port and allow you to connect the setup box.

Warnings

Classic Hopper, Wally, ViP, and related models of DISH receiver cannot process wireless signals on their own, which is why you'll need to buy the wireless network adapter.

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