The network mode of computer games has always attracted gamers. But in the days of the Internet, everything was limited to computer clubs or self-designed local networks.
At the present time, when a significant part of the games allows players from different points of the globe to be combined into one session, manufacturers of game consoles are actively using this opportunity to attract gamers. Microsoft with its Xbox Live service is no exception.
Xbox Live is a multimedia entertainment web service for owners of Xbox consoles that offers not only games, but also a wide variety of contents: it offers users a huge media library of films, music, various shows and interesting programs, sports broadcasting, etc. all content can be accessed from anywhere in the world, you only need an Internet connection and your favorite console.
To take full advantage of the Xbox Live service, you need to figure out how to connect your Xbox 360 to the Internet. Like a personal computer, the Microsoft console connects to the World Wide Web either via cable or wirelessly.
Cable connection
Such a connection is most preferable because it ensures no loss of speed, does not depend on the signal level of the wireless network, and is also not subject to the negative influence of various kinds of radio interference.
In fact, connecting the Xbox 360 to the Internet via a cable is no more difficult than performing a similar operation with a desktop computer or laptop. Regardless of the type of connection (ADSL or Ethernet), you can connect a LAN cable to the set-top box directly or through a router. The only difference is the need for additional steps to configure the Xbox.
Connect your Xbox 360 to the Internet using an ADSL modem
After connecting the cable to the set-top box, the connection must be configured. All the necessary information is available in the contract for the provision of communication services: this is a username and password. It is these data that will need to be entered in the appropriate fields in the Xbox 360 settings. This is done as follows:
- By pressing the button with the Xbox logo on the controller, open the main menu.
- Go through the items "Settings" - "System Settings" - "Wired Network".
- Click "Configure Network", followed by "Advanced Settings", and then "PPPoE Settings".
- Name and password are entered in the appropriate fields, then the settings are saved.
- Restart the console. You may need to do this again.
Direct LAN cable connection
You can connect your Xbox 360 to the Internet either directly or through a router. It does not matter if the router is connected to the modem or to the provider line: all the necessary parameters are already set. Consoles need only be allowed to get these settings automatically. To do this, an Ethernet cable is connected to the de-energized set-top box, after which the console remains just turned on. In rare cases, you may need to reset the console network settings. It is performed in the same menu as the PPPoE connection setup: in the "Advanced Settings" section, click "Restore Default Settings" and then reboot the device.
Computer connection
This method allows you to both connect the Xbox 360 to the Internet and organize a home network, thereby gaining the ability to run multimedia files on the console from your home PC. However, it has its own nuances: firstly, the home PC will have to be equipped with another network card, to which the console will connect. And secondly, using a PC as a gateway involves turning it on whenever a user has a desire to launch online mode on his Xbox. In addition, the price of the simplest router is now slightly higher than the cost of a network card, and arranging a connection through it is much simpler than setting up Windows to work in this mode. Therefore, at this point in time, this method of connecting the console to the Internet is no longer relevant.
Wireless connection
Connecting your Xbox 360 to the internet via WiFi is pretty easy. You must go to the "System Settings" from the main menu and find the name of your network in the "Network Settings" section. Then enter the specified password (if any), confirm with Start, and then agree to the proposed network connection check. Wait for it to end and that's it: the console is online, and the question of how to connect the Xbox 360 to the Internet wirelessly has been resolved.
This type of connection can be arranged even using a mobile phone by running it in the access point mode. However, one should take into account the signal strength of the cellular network and the volumes of outgoing and incoming traffic.