How to Network XBoxes
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| Xbox is one of the most popular entertainment systems
on the market today. The system supports many titles that
utilize network capabilities. With most games, playing
online against human players is a much more satisfying
experience then the computer's AI(Artifical Intellegence). |
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| What do you need to play online? |
| With Xbox and Xbox 360, you need a broadband connection
for Xbox Live. Xbox Live is an online service that most
Xbox games use to enable multiplayer capabilites. Connect
your Xbox or Xbox 360 to your cable/DSL modem or switch
and your Xbox will try to automatically detect your network
settings. The "Help" options are useful if you
run into network problems. |
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| What do you need for a network game? |
| A network game consists of two or more Xboxes connected
together on a LAN and/or WAN. This can be done in two
ways; direct connection with one cable or using a switching
device. |
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| A switching device is a router or switch. This device
effectively works as a middle-man and coordinates the
exchange of information between the systems. Using a networking
patch cord, Category 5e or Category 6, plug one end into
the Xbox and the other end into the switch. Newer switches
will automatically assign all the neccessary networking
information to your Xbox. There should be no or very little
additional setup required. |
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| A direct connection is done by using a crossover cable.
This cable is a network patch cable but with a different
wiring layout to enable two way communication without
a switch. |
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| In the diagram above, notice how the Green and Orange
pairs are interchanged. The Straight-Thru cable is the
common network cable and is used for connecting a device
to a switch or router. |
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| If you have cabling experience and want to try to make
your own crossover cable, you are going to need an RJ45
capable crimper, RJ45 modular plugs and Cat5e or Cat6
cable. |
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