Wireless Adapters

5 Responses to “Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter A/B/G Networks Only”

1. W. Jessup Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 11:48 amYes, I would have to agree with other reviewers here, this item is on the expensive side. But I believe it is worth the price because Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter is easy to install and easy to set up. In short, it works and I don’t mind paying extra for something that works as intended with no hassels.

   To install, you simply insert the USB plug into the USB port on the backside of the Xbox 360. This Network adapter snaps into place so it never moves and the cable is just long enough preventing clutter. A very intelligent design.

   Software set up was a breeze. In my situation, it was automatic after a few menu selections. I did have a concern that there would be a problem because I am using an Apple Airport. But, no problems at all.

   Also, the range I receive is better than what others have mentioned here. I live in a two story house. My Airport (wireless hub) is located on the east side of the second floor, in a book case next to the outer wall. My Xbox 360 is located in an outer corner of the den on the first floor on the west side of the house. Basically, the signal is going from upstairs to downstairs and from one side of the house to the other. I was actually surprised that it worked without me having to rearrange either room.

   So, yes it is expensive, but it works without any problems for me. So many things I buy make you almost jump thru hoops to get them to simply do what they are suppose to.

   Rating: 5 / 5

2. Kevin Nicholls Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 12:09 pmI was using a basic Linksys wireless game adapter with my 360, and it worked fine. However, it needed to be connected to a PC for firmware updates (making it impossible for Mac users), and was generally more difficult to set up than the “official” adapter from Microsoft.

   I ended up getting this adapter on sale, and setting it up was a snap. It gets decent throughput, and saves some energy over an external adapter, because it only uses power when you have the Xbox 360 on. It was also nice to see that this supports WPA networks.

   If your time is valuable to you, this is probably worth the extra few dollars over similar products. You just snap it on, enter your network’s password, and you’re off.
   Rating: 4 / 5

3. JMotts Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 12:28 pmMy television is in a completely different part of my house from my high speed internet connection, so while I wasn’t thrilled to dish out extra money for this adapter, I have to say it was completely worth it. Since I figured out how to set up my home wireless network and coordinate that with the 360, I get a very strong connection and have had no problems staying connected.

   The only issue I had was that when I first set up the adapter I didn’t known enough about wireless networks to have everything clicking together. At first the 360 would access Xbox Live, but was using other nearby wireless networks because I did not give the 360 the password ID to access my Linksys router. I live in center city Philadelphia, and by default the adapter was picking up and using whatever open wireless networks were available. The range must be good, because it would register about six or seven other networks of varying strengths.

   Once I figured out that my Linksys router had a password code (I think it is a WEP number) I was able to punch the router’s ID into the 360 and the 360 then automatically connected to the secure wireless router in my home. I have never had a single issue since. I don’t think this delay in the optimal setup was anyone’s fault but my own, since I was pretty ignorant of how wireless networks are set up but I have a feeling it may happen to others.

   All in all, I think that having a secure wireless network at home is what will become standard in the next few years. This adapter works great, is small and disappears behind the console, reduces the clutter of wires, and allows you to keep your computer and high speed connection separate and distinct from your television area. It was definitely a worthy purchase.
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. Michael Cochran Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 2:10 pmWell, I must say after purchasing the Linksys WGA11B Wireless-B Game Adapter that while yes this adapter is overpriced, it does work and considering that I only got the Linksys adapter to work once and then it shut down in the middle of an update I must say the price looked worth it.

   I can’t vouch for your financial situations but after speading nearly 3 days trying to set up the Linksys when my wife finally said I should get this instead – this hooked up and connected instantly. No problems and I guess for the price it does look nice hooked in to the back of the Xbox. So you may not have as many problems as I do with the Linksys but if you have any questions or limited computer/networking ability this will be “worth” the price (only because nothing simplier does exist). So I would recommend this product if you want true plug-and-play which I don’t believe the Linksys to be.

   I’m sure plently of people are happy with the Linksys, it just didn’t work for me. So think first to avoid paying for both. I would go back and never buy the Linksys if I could.
   Rating: 4 / 5

5. D. Forbes Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 3:45 pmBuyer beware. The X-Box 360 wireless adapter CAN be a good investment, but be sure to do your homework first.

   I bought the adapter looking to download content from X-Box Live. After a three hour series of phone calls between X-Box and my ISP, it was discovered that the wireless adapter only works with a very narrow range of wireless routers and that, unless your router came from Microsoft, you may not be able to use the adapter at all.

   Be careful of Microsoft’s website as well; my router was listed on the site as a ‘compatible’ one, but X-Box customer service confirmed over the phone that it wouldn’t work.

   So, it’s a good idea for a product. When it works.
   Rating: 2 / 5

1. Wireless Adapter – Whenever you are having connection problems, first check to see if your wireless adapter is turned on and working properly. If you are using a PCMICA wireless adapter ensure that the card is pressed completely in. If the wireless adapter card was not plugged in when you started your laptop you may want to restart your computer for a fresh start. If you are using a laptop with a built in wireless adapter.

2. Which Wireless Network – Check the bottom right hand task bar to see if you are connected to a wireless network. Many people are connected to the wrong wireless network with a weak signal or hardly any connectivity. You want to change your wireless adapter setting to choose Infrastructure access points only so you’re not connecting to roguewireless access points.

3. SSID and ME – Next check your wireless settings for the following: DO you have the correct SSID typed in, is your encryption key typed in correctly, does your wireless router andwireless adapter have the same security settings.

4. DHCP ME – If you don’t have a manual TCP/IP address then your wireless router needs to have it’s DHCP server turned on. Connected to your web interface and turn on your DHCP server. Next go to your wireless network icon in the bottom right hand corner and disable yourwireless adapter and then enable it. This will renew your DHCP request to the routers DHCP server.

5. PING!- Next we will use a command line function called PING. Type “cmd” in the run box, this will bring up your DOS window. Now type in ping and then type in the TCP/IP addressof your default gateway. If you have not changed it your default gateway’s ip address should be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you receive a reply then you know that you are connected properly to your router.

6. WWW…WHAT – Now try and surf the web. Go to google.com or another simple page. If nothing comes up then you might have a manually configured IP address with the correct DNS servers entered. Connect to your wireless routers web interface and check the status. You are looking for the multiple DNS server IP address. Copy these IP addresses into you adapters TCP/IP settings and hit ok.

7. Google ME – Once your DNS servers are entered you should be able to surf the net. If you still can’t surf the net try restarting your computer and check you cables again to make sure you haven’t missed something.

Netgear, one of the top wireless adapter brands, intends to launch two wireless adapters that connect Ethernet-equipped home-theater components wirelessly to the Internet to stream high-def video, audio and other content.

The devices will be compatible with any Ethernet-equipped TV, game console, Blu-ray player or A/V receiver designed for streaming content.

One of the two new products, the Wireless-N HD Home Theater kit, consists of two Wi-Fi-certified 802.11a/n adapters capable of delivering multiple, simultaneous, jitter-free 1080p HD video streams wirelessly.

One adapter has two Ethernet ports, allowing the adapter to connect to two Ethernet-equipped CE devices at once. The other adapter connects to the Ethernet port of any wired or wireless home-network router. Both adapters must be plugged into AC. Additional adapters are available separately to plug into additional CE components in the same room or other rooms. Each adapter is 6.9 inches by 5.1 inches by 1.4 inches.

It’s promoted as the only solution that provides sustained throughput of HD streams exceeding 40 Mbps 99.9 percent of the time through multiple walls in an above-average single family home, the company said.

The Home Theater Kit also features plug-and-play setup, enabling them to power up, connect and work automatically, the company said. Built-in security enables users to add adapters to additional components by pressing a button.

The Home Theater Kit will be available in the third quarter in the U.S. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

Netgear’s other product is the Universal WiFi Internet Adapter, which consists of a more compact 802.11b/g/n adapter that communicates with an existing wireless router at up to 300Mbps. The 3.2- by 2.44- by 0.7-inch adapter will be available in May at a suggested $79. It can be powered via a connected component’s USB port to eliminate the need to run a power wire to an AC outlet. It features one Ethernet port and uses a CD-less smart-wizard wireless connection utility on a PC.

In areas that are served by a wireless network, you can connect to a computer network without using a cable, and surf the Internet or connect with other computers. To connect to a wireless network, your computer needs a wireless network adapter.

Adding a USB wireless network adapter is by far the easiest way to install an adapter. It’s almost as easy as plugging in a set of headphones.

Before purchasing a wireless USB network adapter

1. Find an available USB port on your computer.

Note: If you need to move your computer to reach the USB ports, you should shut down Windows to avoid damaging your computer. If you can easily reach a USB port, you do not need to shut down your computer.

If you do not have an unused USB port, you can connect a USB hub to add additional ports or install an internal adapter instead.

2. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter.

3. If you had to shut down your computer to get to the USB port, you can now turn on your computer. Insert the CD that comes with the adapter in your computer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the necessary software. If the adapter does not come with a CD, continue to the next step.

4.Connect your USB adapter to the unused USB port on your computer.

5. After a moment, Windows automatically detects and installs the new hardware, and then notifies you when installation is finished.

6. If you are installing a wireless network adapter with a separate antenna, place the antenna in a location where you can get a clear wireless signal. Typically, you will get a stronger signal (and a faster network connection) if you place your antenna away from walls and in a location where it is not blocked by your monitor or computer.

Next, set up your wireless network.

Install a wireless CardBus or CF network adapter. For portable computers, this type of adapter (also called a PCMCIA or PC Card) is easier to travel with than a USB adapter, because it is often smaller and fits securely in the PC Card slot on the side of the computer.

Install a wireless internal network adapter. If you have a desktop computer, you may prefer an internal adapter so that you can use the USB port to connect another accessory.

7Netlayers Telecom, a major Iraqi telecoms operator established in 2008, just launched a mobile wireless broadband network in Kurdistan. Chinese equipment vendor Huawei Technology will use their complete WiMax solution to provide wireless broadband services for students, SMEs, and large corporations at download speeds of up to 18Mbps.