Xbox Live® play does not require a home network. You can connect your Xbox 360™ console directly to a cable or DSL modem with a standard Ethernet cable for a fast, trouble-free setup.
A direct connection has its disadvantages, however, including:
Your PC and your Xbox 360 system cannot access the Internet at the same time.
Swapping the modem connection between your Xbox 360 system and your PC gets old quickly.
Unless your Xbox 360 console and your TV are right next to your modem, you'll need to drape Ethernet cable across your house to enjoy an Internet connection.
Note In most cases, you will need to use a PC to initially configure your high-speed Internet connection before directly connecting your Xbox. Contact your Internet provider for details.
Why would I want a home network?
Setting up a home network isn't as intimidating as it sounds, and the advantages are many:
You don't have to unplug your computer from your cable or DSL modem and reconnect your Xbox console every time you want to play.
You can play Xbox Live while someone else in your household is sending e-mail or surfing the Web, though this may cause some decrease in speed.
If you have a USB or internal PCI modem (as opposed to Ethernet), it's the only way you'll be able to access Xbox Live.
What Kind of Network is Right for Me?
You can connect your Xbox 360 system directly to your Internet service provider's modem, to a router, to a gateway, to a hub/switch, or even to a Windows-based PC running Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Not sure exactly what the devices above are? For more information about a particular connection type, see:
