Connect to Xbox Live Without a Wireless Router

December 25, 2009 by admin
Filed under Network Tips

Connect to Xbox Live Without a Wireless Router

So you want to know how to connect to Xbox Live without a wireless router. Xbox Live is the premier gaming network out there right now, and not just for online play.
Connecting to Xbox Live will get your system critical game updates, the ability to download demos and even free online access to Netflix’s on demand video library (assuming you have a Netflix account). Not every home comes with a wireless router to make the connection easy, however.

Instructions

Step 1

Ensure your high speed Internet is working. No matter what, to connect to Xbox Live, you will need to connect to high speed Internet at some point. Xbox Live does not work with dial-up.
Step 2

Run a CAT-6 cable (Ethernet) from your Xbox to your Cable or DSL modem. Simply plug one end in the back of the Xbox, and plug the other one into the back of the cable modem. If you already have a wire in the cable modem, you can get a splitter from Radio Shack that won’t cost more than a couple of bucks. Skip to Step 5 if this works for you. If not, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3

If running a wire is not an option, you will need to purchase a wall plug Ethernet bridge, which you can get from Amazon or Best Buy. These are significantly easier, and more secure, than a wireless network if all you need is to hook up your Xbox, and work the same way as wireless phone jacks. You will also need to pick up a second CAT-6 cable.
Step 4

Install the wall plug Ethernet bridge. Your bridge will come with two pieces–a transmitter and a receiver. Run one end from your Xbox to the transmitter, and plug the transmitter directly into a wall socket (not a power strip or surge protector). Plug the receiver into a wall socket near your cable modem, and run the second wire from the receiver to the cable modem.
See Step 2 if you already have a wire in the modem.
Step 5

Boot up your Xbox. Xbox will “discover” the new connection, and launch you into Xbox Live setup mode.