Technologically Challenged

Karaokemonk · #1 07-31-2021, 05:52 PM

Yes, that would be me.
Today I discovered that my Roku still works even when my router is unplugged. I thought they needed a wifi signal. So how is the Roku connected? I would have thought that unplugging the router would stop it from working but that is obviously not the case.
Thanks for your replies!

1neeto · #2 07-31-2021, 07:21 PM

Maybe the device picked up your phone network?

robj144 · #3 08-01-2021, 02:37 AM

Either you thought it was your router and it wasn't or it's a wired connection.

Gitfiddlemann · #4 08-01-2021, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karaokemonk

Yes, that would be me.
Today I discovered that my Roku still works even when my router is unplugged.

When you say "unplugged", do you mean that your Roku unit was not physically connected to the router via ethernet cable?
If so, that would explain it. You or someone must have connected it (to the Internet) via your WiFi network. That would be the only other way, i.e. WiFI.
(then it wouldn't need to be physically connected to the router.)

Karaokemonk · #5 08-01-2021, 08:05 AM

Aside from the electrical plug in, the only thing the roku has been connected to is the TV.
My "unplugged" comment meant I pulled the electric plug of the router.

Gitfiddlemann · #6 08-01-2021, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karaokemonk

My "unplugged" comment meant I pulled the electric plug of the router.

The Roku doesn't need to be physically cabled to a router, but it does need an internet connection. If your Roku works, and it's only connected to your TV, then that internet connection has somehow been established through WiFi.
Otherwise you wouldn't be able to stream anything.
Let me ask you this: Do you have a laptop or computer (not a smartphone) that is connected to the internet? If so, how is that done in your house?

yaharadelta · #7 08-01-2021, 11:26 AM

Go to the ROKU Home screen, toggle down to settings, you'll see the word "Connection", that will tell you what the source of your internet connection is.

brad4d8 · #8 08-01-2021, 11:33 AM

If your cable company is also your internet provider, Roku is probably picking up the signal from the TV.

robj144 · #9 08-01-2021, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad4d8

If your cable company is also your internet provider, Roku is probably picking up the signal from the TV.

What do you mean? Do you mean the Wifi signal?

Jim Owen · #10 08-01-2021, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaharadelta

Go to the ROKU Home screen, toggle down to settings, you'll see the word "Connection", that will tell you what the source of your internet connection is.

This is what I’d suggest. My roku is connected through a wifi signal.

rllink · #11 08-02-2021, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karaokemonk

Yes, that would be me.
Today I discovered that my Roku still works even when my router is unplugged. I thought they needed a wifi signal. So how is the Roku connected? I would have thought that unplugging the router would stop it from working but that is obviously not the case.
Thanks for your replies!

Did you figure it out? I'm still curious.