Windows ICS Connection

Microsoft Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) uses your PC to share one Internet connection with multiple devices, including your Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

Use Windows ICS to set up your PC as a host through which your Xbox 360 system can access the Internet. ICS essentially lets you use your PC like a router, which is definitely convenient—but it requires that you turn on your PC when you want to play games on Xbox LIVE.

Xbox LIVE access through Windows ICS works with the Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows 98SE operating systems.

You need to use a Windows ICS connection (rather than a router or gateway connection) to access Xbox LIVE in either of these scenarios instead of a traditional Ethernet connection to a stand-alone router, gateway, or modem.

1. You're using a USB connection to a stand-alone modem for your cable or DSL high-speed Internet access.
2. You're using your PC's internal modem for your cable or DSL high-speed Internet access.

Please see the page appropriate to your connection.

If you will not be using one of these connections to access Xbox Live, choose a router connection, a gateway connection, or a modem connection.