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Connect to Xbox Live

Router Connection

A router connection, like a gateway connection , is great for Xbox Live® access since it allows both your PC and your Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system to access the Internet at the same time.

For a list of Xbox Live Compatible routers, see Compatible Home Networking Equipment .

Required Hardware for a Router Connection:

Three (3) Ethernet cables (one is supplied with the Xbox 360 system; none is included with the Xbox 360 Core system).

An Xbox Live Compatible router.

A PC with an NIC (network interface card). If your PC has an Ethernet port (also referred to as Cat5 or RJ-45), it has an NIC. An Ethernet port looks like a standard telephone jack, only bigger.


To make a router connection to Xbox Live:

  1. Before you connect any cables, turn off your router, modem, PC, and Xbox 360 console. (Unplug your modem from its power source to turn it off.)
  2. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your modem and the other end to the Ethernet input port on the back of your router.
  3. With another Ethernet cable, connect one end to one of the router's Ethernet output ports. Connect the other end to your PC's Ethernet port.
  4. With the third Ethernet cable, connect one end to another of the router's Ethernet output ports. Connect the other end to the Ethernet port on the back of the Xbox 360 console.
  5. Turn on your modem, then your router, then your PC.
  6. Make sure your PC can access the Internet. If not, you may need to configure the router for Internet access. For help configuring the router using your PC, check the instructions that came with the router.
  7. Turn on your Xbox 360 console with no disc in the disc tray.
  8. If you've already used your Xbox 360 system for offline play, the Xbox Dashboard will open to the Xbox Live area. Select the Xbox Live banner. When you see the Xbox Live Marketplace you'll know you're connected to Xbox Live.

If this is the first time you've turned on your Xbox 360 console, see Create Your Gamer Profile to get started with both the Xbox 360 system and Xbox Live play.

If you're unable to connect to Xbox Live, the Xbox Dashboard provides an automatic network troubleshooter in the System area (under Network Settings) to help you connect.

For an additional resource, step through our handy Connectivity Wizard .

Join Xbox Live

Not yet a member? For the easiest way to join Xbox Live, go to www.xbox.com/live .

To create an Xbox Live membership from the Xbox Dashboard, see Join Xbox Live .

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