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How to Connect Your Xbox with Broadband

Xbox

The Xbox doesn't require any additional hardware to connect online, it has a built in ethernet port on the back. You will infact, have to purchase a monthly subscription service through Xbox Live. The best deal you can get if you are first time Xbox Live user is to purchase the Xbox Live Starter Kit. This kit includes the Xbox Communicator (allows you to communicate through voice while playing), Xbox Live Starter Disc, Xbox Live Subscription Code and Instruction Manuals. The kit also includes a 12 month subscription to Xbox live. The average price for this kit is around $49.99 which is a steal when you consider the normal monthly subscription price is $6.99.

Xbox Live with a Simultaneous Computer Connection

If you have a computer you want to keep online at the same time you connect to Xbox Live, this configuration is for you. What you will need for this configuration is one Broadband Router, two ethernet patch cables, one cable modem and a beverage of your choice. We chose the Linksys, but any broadband router will do.

The broadband router will allow you to have multiple connections share your broadband connection all at the same time. This is very important if you want to keep your computer online while you play games through Xbox Live.

1) First thing you will want to do is shut your computer down, and unplug the ethernet cord from the computer.

2) Next you will want to unpack your broadband router. On the router, you should see a port which is labeled uplink or cable modem. You will want to plug the ethernet cable into this jack and the other end of the ethernet cable into the cable modem ethernet jack.

3) After you have completed the last step, you will want to take one of the ethernet cables, and plug one end into the computer ethernet jack, and the other end into the hub portion of the broadband router. The hub/switch should also be labeled on the router, for more details please refer to your broadband router instruction manual. You will want to take last ethernet cable and plug it into the ethernet port on the back of the xbox. The other end of the cable will plug into the broadband router hub, just like the last ethernet cable.

4) Now plug in the power cable for the broadband router, you should see the LEDs on the router start to come on.

5) You can now turn your computer on, virtually every cable modem service provider uses a protocol called DHCP. This protocol allows you to communcate with your cable providers systems and get the appropiate information to go online. You probably already have this enabled, if by chance you do not, please refer to your broadband router manual for information on how to enable it.

6) The next step is to unpack your Xbox Live Kit and place the Xbox Live CD in the Xbox DVD tray. Once you turn on your Xbox, the system's dashboard will be updated. All you have to do now is follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-up procedure. If you have difficulties please refer to the Xbox Live Instruction Guide.

7) You're all finished, enjoy that beverage!

Xbox Live with No Computer

This configuration guide will tell you how to connect your xbox directly to the cable modem. All you need to complete this is your Cable Modem, Ethernet Cable and Xbox.

1) The first and basically only real step is to take the ethernet cable, plug one end into your cable mode and the other end into the Xbox ethernet port. Make sure your cable modem is powered on and continue to the next step.

2) Next, unpack your Xbox Live Kit and place the Xbox Live CD in the Xbox DVD tray. Once you turn on your Xbox, the system's dashboard will be updated. All you have to do now is follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-up procedure. If you have difficulties please refer to the Xbox Live Instruction Guide.