• Get High-Speed Internet
• Get a StarterKit
• Choose a Connection Type

• Direct
• Router
• Windows ICS

• Guide to Home Networking
  How to set up your own home network quickly and painlessly.
• Xbox Live and Routers
  Everything you need to know about routers on XboxLive.
• Diagnosing Xbox LiveConnections
  Use the Xbox Dashboard to solveICMP, MTU, and NAT issues.
• Support Webcast
  Customersupportlives it upwith the latest tips for connecting, signing up, and features.
• Lose the Lag
  We've got a few pointers to help you avoid laggy games and host lag-free ones.
• Glossary
  Finding this is all pretty new to you? Let the glossary help out.

Introduction |Preparation

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 Livesupports: The router connection and theWindows 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 a shared 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 up a 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 wireless devices are fast enough for XboxLive, 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.

Introduction |Preparation