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Home > Archive > Xbox forum > November 2004 > Setting up wireless Xbox Live
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| Author |
Setting up wireless Xbox Live
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| There are 2 wireless adapters that I have found to allow me to play Xbox
over my wireless DSL connection.
One is the Microsoft branded one for $99, it is 802.11g
The other I believe is from Linksys for $69 it is 802.11b
Can the DSL in my apartment even take advantage of 802.11g speeds? Are there
any advantages to buying the more expensive Microsoft branded wireless
adapter?
Thanks.
| |
|
|
"Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
news:unS%23vEuyEHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
quote:
> There are 2 wireless adapters that I have found to allow me to play Xbox
> over my wireless DSL connection.
>
> One is the Microsoft branded one for $99, it is 802.11g
>
> The other I believe is from Linksys for $69 it is 802.11b
>
> Can the DSL in my apartment even take advantage of 802.11g speeds? Are
> there
> any advantages to buying the more expensive Microsoft branded wireless
> adapter?
>
> Thanks.
>
No, DSL cannot take advantage of speeds above the 802.11b connection.
However, if you have other devices on your wireles network I would suggest
getting the g connection, since a b device on a g network actually slows
down the connection for others g devices interoperating among themselves (if
on the same wireless router/access point). If this is not a concern for you
now or in the future, or if the other devices only hit the web, etc. then go
for the b.
..02
| |
|
| what would be an example of using the xbox wirelessly without using the dsl
and being able to take advantage of 802.11g?
thanks.
"xTenn" <xTennRemovePart@tds.net> wrote in message
news:eCB9l1yyEHA.1396@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
quote:
>
> "Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
> news:unS%23vEuyEHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>
> No, DSL cannot take advantage of speeds above the 802.11b connection.
> However, if you have other devices on your wireles network I would suggest
> getting the g connection, since a b device on a g network actually slows
> down the connection for others g devices interoperating among themselves
(if
quote:
> on the same wireless router/access point). If this is not a concern for
you
quote:
> now or in the future, or if the other devices only hit the web, etc. then
go
quote:
> for the b.
>
> .02
>
>
>
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-15, 5:46 pm |
| Steve wrote:
quote:
> what would be an example of using the xbox wirelessly without using the dsl
> and being able to take advantage of 802.11g?
There really is no example that would fit that scenario. System link
games don't really stretch limits of even 802.11b.
I'm running 802.11b in my house. I have no complaints at all. Take a
peek at my layout:
http://home.kc.rr.com/camsoper/network.pdf
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|
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"Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
news:eajCY8zyEHA.1400@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
quote:
> what would be an example of using the xbox wirelessly without using the
> dsl
> and being able to take advantage of 802.11g?
>
> thanks.
>
>
As I stated, using a 802.11b wireless device on a 802.11g router has the
capacity to drag the other wireless communications on the smae access point
down below rated g speeds. This would be the major reason to use a g device
for only internet communciations (such as xbox "live").
For example, you have two wireless g laptops that push around a lot of 3
megapixel+ pictures or watch hefty videos, and you suddenly notice a drop
in connection speed when someone is play live on the 802.11b device through
the same router. The folks using the other devices to hit the web, etc.
will not notice a difference, only at times of large transfers or (in my
case) nice video streaming will you see the difference.
Also note that the drop in speed is more noticeable at the edge of
communication ranges, since the drop can make the difference in a video
playing smoothly or not. When the signal strengths are good then the 11mb
802.11b is great for most uses.
Probably not an issue, especially if you are the only major user. For
example, I almost constantly use a pocket pc with a b connection on the home
g+ netowork. I take a speed hit when it is used, but I don't notice since I
am the major user and not doing anything else on the network at the time.
To note, Cam has a good layout worth checking out in his reply, if you have
not done so already.
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|
|
"xTenn" <xTennRemovePart@tds.net> wrote in message
news:OD7Z4k0yEHA.1404@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
quote:
>
>
> To note, Cam has a good layout worth checking out in his reply, if you
> have not done so already.
<duh>. Of course, by Cam I meant to say Bloody Templar.
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-15, 5:46 pm |
| xTenn wrote:
quote:
> <duh>. Of course, by Cam I meant to say Bloody Templar.
Dammit, man! You've spoiled my secret identity! Now I have to join the
Superhero Protection Program! ;)
I apparently misread his question to say "What benefit would I have with
my Xbox (and only my Xbox) using wireless-G instead of wireless-B?" It
didn't occur to me that he may have other devices on his network. 
| |
|
| Thanks for all the help. Here is what I am still confused by:
1. I was told that DSL can not even reach speeds of 802.11g, so even if I
had a 802.11g router sending signal throughout my apartment, it would only
be working at b speeds.
2. So if I understand correctly, as soon as the "b" adapter is plugged into
the xbox and starts receiving signals from a "g" router, it will drag the
speed of the everything else on the "g" network down to a "b" speed?
Thanks for your patience!
"Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
news:OjxDf40yEHA.344@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
quote:
> xTenn wrote:
>
>
> Dammit, man! You've spoiled my secret identity! Now I have to join the
> Superhero Protection Program! ;)
>
> I apparently misread his question to say "What benefit would I have with
> my Xbox (and only my Xbox) using wireless-G instead of wireless-B?" It
> didn't occur to me that he may have other devices on his network.
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-15, 5:46 pm |
| Steve wrote:
quote:
> Thanks for all the help. Here is what I am still confused by:
>
> 1. I was told that DSL can not even reach speeds of 802.11g, so even if I
> had a 802.11g router sending signal throughout my apartment, it would only
> be working at b speeds.
DSL can't even reach speeds of 802.1<b>, let alone g. At least, that's
what is supposedly true. I do notice, however, that my hardwired
Linux box pulls down 3 Mbps using broadbandreports.com's speed tests,
but my Windows 98 box on the wireless segment can only muster 1 Mbps,
and the wireless bridge on this segment is physically only 10 feet away
from the router, separated by a floor and a drop ceiling.
Then again, it could be that ancient 133 Mhz Pentium trying to run a
speed test via a Java applet. I can't imagine the JRE v1.4.2 is
optimized to run on a 133 Mhz machine.
quote:
>
> 2. So if I understand correctly, as soon as the "b" adapter is plugged into
> the xbox and starts receiving signals from a "g" router, it will drag the
> speed of the everything else on the "g" network down to a "b" speed?
>
I don't know that it will slow down to "b" speed, or just slow down to a
degree. xTenn can speak to that.
quote:
> Thanks for your patience!
Sure, don't mention it. Thanks for asking a lucid, well thought-out
question.
Oh, wait a minute. I nearly forgot: this is Usenet.
| |
| John Doe 2004-11-16, 12:45 am |
| First I got the Linksys because it was cheaper. The box says that's its
Xbox compatible, sort of. It's not plug and play meaning that you need to
configure it with a PC before hooking it on your Xbox. Even then, it won't
show up in the dashboard. However, it works.
I only had problems when I upgraded my wireless router from a B to a G.
Things got messy. I had to "reboot" or turn off and on the router everytime
I wanted to play. I then bought the MS one. It is really plug and play.
Just connect it and it shows up in the dashboard. No problems since.
My advise, spend a few bucks more.
"Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
news:unS%23vEuyEHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
quote:
> There are 2 wireless adapters that I have found to allow me to play Xbox
> over my wireless DSL connection.
>
> One is the Microsoft branded one for $99, it is 802.11g
>
> The other I believe is from Linksys for $69 it is 802.11b
>
> Can the DSL in my apartment even take advantage of 802.11g speeds? Are
> there
> any advantages to buying the more expensive Microsoft branded wireless
> adapter?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
| |
| Nick Wilson 2004-11-16, 12:45 am |
| One thing that I would note -- the LinkSYS Wireless Gaming adapter vs the
Misoft XBox adapter -- you need a PC to configure the LinkSYS gaming
adapter, while you can easily configure the Microsoft XBox adapter inside
the XBox dashboard. MUCH easier -- although I wish both products had
webbased setup. WEP enablement is soooo painful with the LinkSYS.
Nick Wilson
GamerTag: StalkerofHades
nfwilson@nospam.hotmail.com
"Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
news:unS%23vEuyEHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
quote:
> There are 2 wireless adapters that I have found to allow me to play Xbox
> over my wireless DSL connection.
>
> One is the Microsoft branded one for $99, it is 802.11g
>
> The other I believe is from Linksys for $69 it is 802.11b
>
> Can the DSL in my apartment even take advantage of 802.11g speeds? Are
> there
> any advantages to buying the more expensive Microsoft branded wireless
> adapter?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
| |
| Steve 2004-11-16, 12:45 am |
| I thought the box for the Linksys one showed that it didn't need a pc?
Thanks again everyone for all the advice and input.
"Nick Wilson" <nfwilson@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ei3su93yEHA.1264@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
quote:
> One thing that I would note -- the LinkSYS Wireless Gaming adapter vs the
> Misoft XBox adapter -- you need a PC to configure the LinkSYS gaming
> adapter, while you can easily configure the Microsoft XBox adapter inside
> the XBox dashboard. MUCH easier -- although I wish both products had
> webbased setup. WEP enablement is soooo painful with the LinkSYS.
>
>
> Nick Wilson
> GamerTag: StalkerofHades
> nfwilson@nospam.hotmail.com
> "Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
> news:unS%23vEuyEHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>
>
| |
| Steve 2004-11-16, 12:45 am |
| Thanks for the help and compliment
"Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
news:OMW$0E1yEHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
quote:
> Steve wrote:
I[vbcol=seagreen]
only[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> DSL can't even reach speeds of 802.1<b>, let alone g. At least, that's
> what is supposedly true. I do notice, however, that my hardwired
> Linux box pulls down 3 Mbps using broadbandreports.com's speed tests,
> but my Windows 98 box on the wireless segment can only muster 1 Mbps,
> and the wireless bridge on this segment is physically only 10 feet away
> from the router, separated by a floor and a drop ceiling.
>
> Then again, it could be that ancient 133 Mhz Pentium trying to run a
> speed test via a Java applet. I can't imagine the JRE v1.4.2 is
> optimized to run on a 133 Mhz machine.
>
into[vbcol=seagreen]
the[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> I don't know that it will slow down to "b" speed, or just slow down to a
> degree. xTenn can speak to that.
>
>
> Sure, don't mention it. Thanks for asking a lucid, well thought-out
> question.
>
> Oh, wait a minute. I nearly forgot: this is Usenet.
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-16, 6:45 am |
| Steve wrote:
quote:
> I thought the box for the Linksys one showed that it didn't need a pc?
It does not need a PC to be used, but you do need a PC to configure it
for your network.
| |
|
| what is WEP enablement?
"Nick Wilson" <nfwilson@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ei3su93yEHA.1264@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
quote:
> One thing that I would note -- the LinkSYS Wireless Gaming adapter vs the
> Misoft XBox adapter -- you need a PC to configure the LinkSYS gaming
> adapter, while you can easily configure the Microsoft XBox adapter inside
> the XBox dashboard. MUCH easier -- although I wish both products had
> webbased setup. WEP enablement is soooo painful with the LinkSYS.
>
>
> Nick Wilson
> GamerTag: StalkerofHades
> nfwilson@nospam.hotmail.com
> "Steve" <steveatnowhere@nowdoesnotexist.com> wrote in message
> news:unS%23vEuyEHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>
>
| |
|
| I see, what kind of info do I need to configure it?
"Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
news:e0MXcG6yEHA.1932@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
quote:
> Steve wrote:
>
> It does not need a PC to be used, but you do need a PC to configure it
> for your network.
| |
|
|
"Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
news:OMW$0E1yEHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
quote:
>
> I don't know that it will slow down to "b" speed, or just slow down to a
> degree. xTenn can speak to that.
>
Cool, here is a little info if you want to get more details:
http://www.proxim.com/learn/library..._investment.pdf
The above is a bit weighted, but it does show the effect 802.11b potentially
has on 802.11g networks. Of course, given the dropping price of b wireless
routers nowadays you can always run dual routers (b and g+) if desired at
some time in the future, keeping the wireless bands separate but both
wireless routers hooked into the same network. Personally I think this is
the best route for growth, but to each their own. And don't forget, this is
only an issue if you move larger files or stream higher-bandwidth videos
around on your own network, not smaller things directly from the web.
| |
| Chris H. 2004-11-16, 5:12 pm |
| A segmented Local Area Network may be the way to go. Microsoft MVP and Geek
Goddess Barb Bowman has information on the how-to's regarding this in an
Expert Zone article from last January:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...man_segnet.mspx
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
"xTenn" <xTennRemovePart@tds.net> wrote in message
news:eOxDwC7yEHA.1396@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
quote:
>
> "Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
> news:OMW$0E1yEHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
>
>
> Cool, here is a little info if you want to get more details:
>
> http://www.proxim.com/learn/library..._investment.pdf
>
> The above is a bit weighted, but it does show the effect 802.11b
> potentially has on 802.11g networks. Of course, given the dropping price
> of b wireless routers nowadays you can always run dual routers (b and g+)
> if desired at some time in the future, keeping the wireless bands separate
> but both wireless routers hooked into the same network. Personally I
> think this is the best route for growth, but to each their own. And don't
> forget, this is only an issue if you move larger files or stream
> higher-bandwidth videos around on your own network, not smaller things
> directly from the web.
>
>
>
>
>
>
| |
|
|
"Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%237S6%23B$yEHA.2012@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
quote:
>A segmented Local Area Network may be the way to go. Microsoft MVP and
>Geek Goddess Barb Bowman has information on the how-to's regarding this in
>an Expert Zone article from last January:
>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...man_segnet.mspx
>
"Although 802.11g is backward compatible with 802.11b, I prefer to segment
my network into 802.11b segments and 802.11g segments using separate
hardware"
Cool - they agree with me.
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-16, 5:12 pm |
| Steve wrote:
quote:
> what is WEP enablement?
Wireless Encryption Protocol. A reasonably strong (yet not bulletproof)
encryption standard for 802.11b/g.
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-16, 5:12 pm |
| Steve wrote:
quote:
> I see, what kind of info do I need to configure it?
Plugging the Linksys Game Adapter into your PC, you will run a setup
disk that will walk you through the settings. Through this wizard you
will setup its wireless settings so that it knows to associate with YOUR
wireless network, and not others that it sees.
You will also have the opportunity to set up WEP in this wizard (see
other post).
| |
| Chris H. 2004-11-16, 5:12 pm |
| Of course. 8-)
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
"xTenn" <xTennRemovePart@tds.net> wrote in message
news:u1txSr$yEHA.1564@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
quote:
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:%237S6%23B$yEHA.2012@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>
>
> "Although 802.11g is backward compatible with 802.11b, I prefer to segment
> my network into 802.11b segments and 802.11g segments using separate
> hardware"
>
> Cool - they agree with me.
>
>
>
| |
| Nicholas Andrade 2004-11-17, 6:47 am |
| xTenn wrote:
quote:
> Cool, here is a little info if you want to get more details:
>
> http://www.proxim.com/learn/library..._investment.pdf
>
> The above is a bit weighted, but it does show the effect 802.11b potentially
> has on 802.11g networks. Of course, given the dropping price of b wireless
> routers nowadays you can always run dual routers (b and g+) if desired at
> some time in the future, keeping the wireless bands separate but both
> wireless routers hooked into the same network. Personally I think this is
> the best route for growth, but to each their own. And don't forget, this is
> only an issue if you move larger files or stream higher-bandwidth videos
> around on your own network, not smaller things directly from the web.
>
While I agree a segmented network is generally a decent route, if you're
using nonstandard G speeds (above 55Mbps) you will likely run into
problems. The most common method of achieving the ~108 speeds is by
channel banding (which has the side effect of flooding the spectrum and
knocking off other devices). This is only an issue when your using the
full bandwith, but it's something to be aware of.
| |
|
|
"Nicholas Andrade" <sdnick484@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:ZQCmd.18694$zx1.8665@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
quote:
> While I agree a segmented network is generally a decent route, if you're
> using nonstandard G speeds (above 55Mbps) you will likely run into
> problems. The most common method of achieving the ~108 speeds is by
> channel banding (which has the side effect of flooding the spectrum and
> knocking off other devices). This is only an issue when your using the
> full bandwith, but it's something to be aware of.
So I've read, but so far I've been pretty lucky when using 108 and 802.11b
devices at the same time, albeit on different hardware. For the record the
routers in use were a linksys and a netgear wgt624 (v2). On top of that
I've got some 2.4ghz phones in the vicinity as well. Well, at least the
speeds reported by the connections were favorable.
| |
| Nicholas Andrade 2004-11-17, 5:49 pm |
| xTenn wrote:
quote:
> "Nicholas Andrade" <sdnick484@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:ZQCmd.18694$zx1.8665@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
>
>
>
> So I've read, but so far I've been pretty lucky when using 108 and 802.11b
> devices at the same time, albeit on different hardware. For the record the
> routers in use were a linksys and a netgear wgt624 (v2). On top of that
> I've got some 2.4ghz phones in the vicinity as well. Well, at least the
> speeds reported by the connections were favorable.
>
Yeah, I'd say for most intents and purposes your in good shape, but try
streaming a DVD over the lan via VLC and you can usually see the
effects. I mean from where I'm sitting right now I can see 16 different
networks (and who knows how many phones) and there's only 11 channels in
2.4 of which only 3 are distinct, so obviously you do have some lead way.
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-18, 5:51 pm |
| xTenn wrote:
quote:
> Oh, and Xbox Rocks. ;)
Even when you get your XXX handed to you on Halo 2? ;)
| |
|
|
"Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
news:%233ukR7XzEHA.1392@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
quote:
> xTenn wrote:
>
> Even when you get your XXX handed to you on Halo 2? ;)
Why, yes I did/ it does. I was doing my impression of a target... rather
too well, actually...
For the record, Bloody Templar is Bloody Good at Halo2. The next time you
take my Banshee from me is the next time I'll remember to FLY the darn
thing, not ground skim within jumping distance. 
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-18, 5:51 pm |
| xTenn wrote:
quote:
> Why, yes I did/ it does. I was doing my impression of a target... rather
> too well, actually...
>
> For the record, Bloody Templar is Bloody Good at Halo2. The next time you
> take my Banshee from me is the next time I'll remember to FLY the darn
> thing, not ground skim within jumping distance.
Hey, thanks for the props. But I'm not THAT good. ;)
| |
|
| so how does the MS version of the adapter handle the wireless settings so
that it does not pick up someone else's network?
"Bloody Templar" <camsoper@yahoo.com.Spammers.Suck> wrote in message
news:%23zx2e0$yEHA.2752@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
quote:
> Steve wrote:
>
> Plugging the Linksys Game Adapter into your PC, you will run a setup
> disk that will walk you through the settings. Through this wizard you
> will setup its wireless settings so that it knows to associate with YOUR
> wireless network, and not others that it sees.
>
> You will also have the opportunity to set up WEP in this wizard (see
> other post).
| |
| Bloody Templar 2004-11-20, 12:47 am |
| Steve wrote:
quote:
> so how does the MS version of the adapter handle the wireless settings so
> that it does not pick up someone else's network?
The MS adapter lets you configure its settings via a utility disk they
give you for your Xbox (I think the utility integrates into the
dashboard, and may be part of the current version of the dashboard, anyway).
|
| |
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