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How to Connect Xbox 360 to the Internet
Many people have been purchasing Xbox 360s for over four years. Everyone enjoys playing the variety of games available on Microsoft’s console, leaving many of these people wanting to take their game online. Many reasons exist for playing Xbox 360 games online, such as playing games cooperatively with others or playing in a versus match against another. Getting the Xbox 360 hooked up to the Internet is an easy process, no matter what kind of connection is present within the household.
Plugging Directly Via Cable Modem
A few different ways exist that can hook up an Xbox 360 to the Internet. The first method is by means of a cable modem, directly plugging it into the console. This method is the most common among all Xbox 360 users. The cable modem method will most likely require disconnecting the computer from the Internet while playing with the Xbox 360 online.
Begin by turning off everything. This includes the computer, the cable or DSL modem, as well as the Xbox 360. Take an ethernet cable and plug it into both the cable or DSL modem and into the Xbox 360, such that they are directly connected with one another. Power up both the modem and the console.
On some occasions, users will see a message informing them that there is an error regarding their IP address at this point. The only thing to do when this occurs is to call the Internet service provider and have them verify the IP address. This should take care of the error messages. Most people, however, will have no problems using this method. For them, it will work instantly. Another solution for any errors is to call Microsoft’s support system and have them provide a guide towards the solution.
Using a Router
Connect Xbox 360 to the Internet
The second method is to use a router. This is arguably the most convenient method among other connection possibilities. Not only can the Xbox 360 carry on its gameplay while connected to the Internet, the computer may remain connected at the same time as well. Therefore, worries about having to change the ethernet cable and changing the connections ad nauseum are no longer present.
While it is perhaps the most convenient choice among the others, its required precision in installation can potentially cause problems for some people along the way. Many routers offer precise instructions one must follow to the T in order to properly install the Xbox 360′s Internet connection. These detailed instructions are present for a reason; skipping steps along the way may cause the installation to fail or otherwise malfunction.
After following the instructions and getting the basic installation out of the way, get an ethernet cable and run it from the Xbox 360 to one of the router’s empty ports. There should still be a few ports remaining for the desktop, laptop, modem or whatever else would need to connect to the router.
Wireless Internet
Lastly, there is the option to use wireless Internet. This may indeed be the costly option, but it is also a convenient choice for online Xbox 360 gamers as this also frees up the computers to be used at the same time.
Be aware, however, that this kind of connection can be unstable depending on certain conditions. Among these conditions include the bandwidth usage on the computer while trying to play an Xbox 360 game online. If, for example, a person using the computer is downloading something at a fast rate, this can dramatically decrease the bandwidth and speed of the Xbox 360 Internet connectivity. Make sure nobody is stealing the bandwidth if planning to play a game online. Convenience always comes at a price.
If a wireless router is currently in use at home, the Xbox 360 will merely need to have a wireless adapter purchased at any local gaming or electronics store. This will run a bill of nearly $100, but connection without wires and without having to deal with ethernet cables running all around the floor, it can be a worthy investment.
A menu option in connection setup on the Xbox 360 will ask to input the router’s password after finding the connection. Simply type in the password, wait a moment for it to verify its validity and Internet should work instantly once this step is completed. As with all other problems, if this does not work, first verify the Internet is working, call the Internet service provider and then try calling Microsoft’s support system.
To summarize, pick an option that works best with the distance between the Xbox 360 and the Internet setup. With the Xbox 360 set up with Internet access, not only can it allow online cooperative or competitive gaming to be played, but it also provides access to music, movies and downloadable games. As an added bonus, the Xbox 360 can connect to the computer and access media files that are stored on the computer’s hard drive. The possibilities are endless.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 10:14 am and is filed under Internet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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