Home Networking: The Basics
Do I need to have a home network?
You don't need a home network to play on Xbox Live®. You can connect your Xbox console right to your cable or DSL modem with an Ethernet cable. That's a direct connection. It's fast and simple to set up. But there are disadvantages to the direct connection:
- Your PC cannot access the Internet if your Xbox console is using the connection.
- Unplugging the Ethernet cable from your Xbox console and back into the PC every time you need to use your PC gets old real fast.
- Unless your TV and Xbox are right next to your PC, you'll have lengths of cables underfoot. The second time you trip over them, you'll want to find another solution.
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 there are many advantages:
- 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.
- You can hide unsightly cables and equipment.
- If you have a USB or internal PCI modem (as opposed to Ethernet), it's the only way you're going to be able to goLive.
What kind of home network should I use?
There are two kinds of home networks that Xbox Live supports: The router connection and the Windows ICS connection. Which one you use depends mainly on whether or not you have a USB or internal PCI modem as opposed to an Ethernet modem. If you don't have high-speed Internet service yet, and you have a choice, you should definitely try to get an Ethernet modem and opt for a router connection. If you already have a USB modem, you'll need to use ashared PC connection. Or, you can ask your high speed Internet provider if they support Ethernet modems, and replace your USB modem with an Ethernet modem.
What about wireless networking?
Wireless networking eliminates some of the Ethernet cables that connect your devices to the Internet. To set up your wireless connection to Xbox Live using your Xbox Dashboard, you’ll need a wireless-to-Ethernet bridge with the Xbox Compatible logo.
The Microsoft MN-740 is available now in North America and can be used to set upa wireless connection to Xbox Live.
Microsoft is currently testing devices from other manufactures. Check back on Xbox.com to find out when a new Xbox Compatible device is available in your region.
However, not all wirelessdevices are fast enough for Xbox Live, and Xbox Live customer support does not help you troubleshoot wireless connections using non–Xbox Compatible devices.
Some of our wireless partners do offer and support wireless networking solutions that work with Xbox Live. For more information, see Xbox Live and Wireless Networks.
Now that you've got an idea of what you're dealing with, go on to Preparation.
