Note
This FAQ assumes a certain level of networking knowledge, and uses terms which some may not be familiar with. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the terminology and information contained in this FAQ may wish to visit this FAQ.
Network Settings on the Xbox 360
From the "System Blade" of the Xbox 360 Dashboard, you can select "Network Settings". Inside this menu are "Test Xbox Live Connection", "Test Media Connection", "Edit Settings", "Windows Connect Now", and "Restore to Factory Defaults".
Network Settings
"Test Xbox Live Connection" will test your connection to Xbox Live, obviously. This menu will help you and others troubleshoot your connection. If the Xbox Live connection fails, and you are unable to solve your problem, make a concise and coherent post in the Technical Issues Forum. A common mistake that people make when asking for help with their connection is not informing those who wish to help what exactly the problem is. The step the connection failed at ("IP Address", "DNS", etc) is absolutely needed for others to help you. If you're asking for help, you will also want to post your router model number, ISP, NAT type (which is supplied by the Xbox 360 "Test Xbox Live Connection" menu, that is if you are able to connect to Live) and network setup. Network setup includes anything on your network. This means hubs, routers, switches, computers, modems, etc. Anything that attaches to your network is important to post about. You will also want to post the model numbers, operating systems, firmware versions, hardware revisions, what networking hardware is attached to what, configuration information, and any other information you think may be relevant. If you do not know how to access this information, make sure to say that when asking for help.
"Test Media Connection" is great troubleshooter for helping you connect your Xbox 360 to your computer, allowing you to transfer media files. This is a great FAQ to help you with your Media Connection issues. If you need additional help, you can post here, following the same rules as posting for Xbox Live help.
"Windows Connect Now" allows you to automatically configure ALL network settings via a USB stick and a Windows XP SP2 computer. This article on Xbox.com is a great resource for that, and makes network setup much less of a hassle.
"Restore to Factory Defaults" is an option that should be used as a last resort. This will reset all of your network settings to default.
Edit Settings
Now, for those of you out there who are brave enough to try and solve your issue on your own, there is the "Edit Settings" menu.
When you first select "Edit Settings", you will be brought to a screen that has two menu tabs, "Basic Settings" and "Additional Settings". Under "Basic Settings", you will find "IP Settings", "DNS Server", and possibly "Wireless Settings".
Basic Settings
Under the "Basic Settings" menu, and IP settings you have the options of "Automatic" and "Manual". Automatic will allow your IP Information to be assigned automatically by a DHCP server. These types of servers are often included with routers-- although you may need additional configuration to enable them--as well as on the ISP side of your modem. If you have a DHCP server running on your network, are directly connecting to your modem, or use Windows ICS, you can select this option (and must for Windows ICS). If you do not, you need to manually configure.
Under "Manual", you have "IP Address", "Subnet Mask", and "Gateway".
IP Address and Gateway Address
IP address is in the form of x.x.x.x, where all "x" (called octets) must be numbers between 0 and 255, usually excluding 0 and 255 from the last "x" in the IP address, and 0 from the first octet, although the actual amount of available IP addresses on the home network is much less. Gateway address is the IP address of the gateway on your network. Subnet mask determines what part of your IP address is the LAN (Local Area Network), and when it would need to send traffic outside the LAN or to another subnet.
Gateway IP address must be the network Gateway of your network, usually your router or computer, depending on your network setup. If you are unsure about this, and your computer is using the same router/gateway as your Xbox 360, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter the IP address from where it says "default gateway" into your Xbox 360 Gateway.
IP Address will almost ALWAYS need to match the first three "x" in your Gateway IP address if you have a router running on your network. Very few times with the default settings of networking hardware will this be able to deviate (and even with that configuration, you can still have the first three "x" match your Gateway IP).
The last "x" in your IP address must be one that is not already being used on your network by another network device. You have 254 choices (1-254).
Subnet Mask
Subnet mask for home networking hardware is most often "255.255.255.0". If you don't believe this is correct, and your computer is using the same router/gateway as your Xbox 360, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter "Subnet mask" into your Subnet mask on the 360 network settings menu.
DNS Settings
Under "DNS Settings", you can choose automatic or manual. You can usually use automatic if your router has a DHCP server running, or if you're directly connecting to your modem.
If you do not have your IP address being assigned automatically, you will want to copy your computer's DNS settings. If your computer is using the same router/gateway as your Xbox 360, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter the values under "DNS Server" into your Xbox 360's DNS settings menu.
Wireless
If you use the Xbox 360 wireless adapter, you will be able to select "Wireless Settings". Under this menu, you will usually have three options. The option to select a network, usually named something like "default" or "Home". Any networks listed will allow you to select them. If an access point has WEP or WPA encryption enabled, it will not say "No Security" under the option, and you will need to enter your encryption key. You will want to consult your router's configuration page for this information, or post for help in the Technical Issues forum.
You can also choose to "Specify Unlisted Network" and "Create Ad-Hoc" network. These are advanced settings for users with certain security features on their router enabled, or in the case of "Ad-Hoc", no centralized home wireless access point. For help with these settings, consult your router's configuration page, documentation, or post for help in the Technical Issues forum.
PPPoE
Under the "Additional Settings" menu tab in the "Network Settings" menu of the "System" blade, you will find "PPPoE" settings, and "Advanced Settings".
If you use DSL, you may or may not need to enter PPPoE information into the PPPoE section. If you directly connect and your modem does not also function as a router (being necessary to allow you to enter PPPoE login information), if you have a router that forces other network devices to authenticate to your ISP via PPPoE, or every network device on your network must authenticate to communicate, you must enter information in this menu. If you do not have DSL, you do not need to use this menu.
The information you need to enter into this menu (if applicable) would be provided to you by your ISP. Still, most routers will allow you to enter authentication information into them. Many times, you will also be able to have one network device authenticate via PPPoE. If this is not the case for you, it is best to post for help in the Technical Issues forum.
Advanced Settings
The "Advanced Settings" menu provides you the options to enter a host name for your 360, if required by your ISP, as well as an Alternate MAC Address. If you directly connect to your modem, switching between Xbox 360 and computer, and have trouble getting your Xbox 360 to pass the "Connect to Xbox Live" step in the troubleshooter, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter "Physical Address" into your Alternate MAC Address field.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Although there is no setting on the Xbox 360 dashboard to govern NAT, it is an important factor in the quality of use on Xbox Live. When connecting to Xbox Live on the Xbox 360, via the "Test Xbox Live Connection" troubleshooter, once you have connected to Xbox Live, you will see your network’s "NAT" type. NAT will never hinder your actual connection to Xbox Live, or downloading things such as downloadable content from Xbox Live, but it can cause in game problems such as voice issues and connectivity issues in certain games. Your network’s NAT type is governed by your network Gateway. There are three types of NAT: Open, Moderate, and Strict. The table on this Xbox Live support page indicates how this can cause issues. Persons with Open NAT can connect to anyone with Open NAT, Moderate NAT, or Strict NAT. Persons with Moderate NAT can connect to persons with Open NAT and Moderate NAT. Persons with Strict NAT can connect only to people with Open NAT. These do not mean your network is more or less secure, it just indicates how your router handles traffic.
Now obviously you want to be able to connect to any user’s and communicate with them, regardless of their own network setup. So how do you change your NAT type? Well first off, whenever buying a router, you should by network hardware listed as compatible here. With those routers—compatible firmware installed—you should need little or no configuration to connect your machine to Xbox Live. If you have a router that is not listed as compatible, you can try forwarding ports (otherwise called Static Routing) UDP and TCP ports 3074, and UDP 88 to the Xbox 360’s IP address on your LAN. This IP address must be static (not assigned by DHCP), or the DHCP server must always assign your Xbox 360 the same IP address. You can also try putting your Xbox 360 into a "DMZ" (Demilitarized zone), which will (usually) allow your Xbox 360 to receive traffic properly, though sometimes this can cause issues of its own.
If you need help with port forwarding or DMZ configuration, try posting in the Technical Issues Forum.
Network Settings on the Xbox
From the main Dashboard menu, "Network Settings" can be found under "Settings".
In this menu, you will find "IP Addresses", "DNS Servers", "PPPOE Settings", "Advanced", and "Connect".
Connect
"Connect" will help you troubleshoot your Xbox Live connection. If the Xbox Live connection fails, and you are unable to solve your problem, make a concise and coherent post in the Technical Issues Forum. A common mistake that people make when asking for help with their connection is not informing those who wish to help what exactly the problem is. The step the connection failed at ("IP Address", "DNS", etc) is aboslutely needed for others to help you. If you're asking for help, you will also want to post your router model number, ISP, NAT type--NT value from "Connect", pressing "Y" and then "A" after the connection is done--and your network setup. Network setup includes anything on your network. This means hubs, routers, switches, computers, modems, etc. Anything that attaches to your network is important to post about. You will also want to post the model numbers, operating systems, firmware versions, hardware revisions, what networking hardware is attached to what, network hardware configurations, and any other information you think may be relevant. If you do not know how to access this information, make sure to say that when asking for help.
IP Settings
Under the "IP settings" menu, you have the options of "Automatic" and "Manual". Automatic will allow your IP Information to be assigned automatically be a DHCP server. These types of servers are often included with routers-- although you may need additional configuration to enable them--as well as on the ISP side of your modem. If you have a DHCP server running on your network, are directly connecting to your modem, or use Windows ICS, you can select this option (and must for Windows ICS). If you do not, you need to manually configure.
Under "Manual", you have "IP Address", "Subnet Mask", and "Gateway".
IP Address and Gateway Address
IP address is in the form of x.x.x.x, where all "x" (called octets) must be numbers between 0 and 255, usually exlcuding 0 and 255 from the last "x" in the IP address, and 0 from the first "x". Gateway address is the IP address of the gateway on your network. Subnet mask determines what part of your IP address is the LAN (Local Area Network), and when it would need to send traffic outside the LAN or to another subnet.
Gateway IP address must be the network Gateway of your network, usually your router or computer, depending on your network setup. If you are unsure about this, and your computer is using the same router/gateway as your Xbox, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter the IP address from where it says "default gateway" into your Xbox Gateway.
IP Address will almost ALWAYS need to match the first three "x" in your Gateway IP address if you have a router running on your network. Very few times with the default settings of networking hardware will this be able to deviate (and even with that configuration, you can still have the first three "x" match your Gateway IP).
The last "x" in your IP address must be one that is not already being used on your network by another network device. You have 254 choices (1-254).
Subnet Mask
Subnet mask for home networking hardware is most often "255.255.255.0". If you don't believe this is correct, and your computer is using the same router/gateway as your Xbox, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter "Subnet mask" into your Subnet mask on the 360 network settings menu.
DNS Settings
Under "DNS Settings", you can choose automatic or manual. You can usually use automatic if your router has a DHCP server running or if you're directly connecting to your modem.
If you do not have your IP address being assigned automatically, you will want to copy your computer's DNS settings. If your computer is using the same router/gateway as your Xbox, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter the values under "DNS Server" into your Xbox's DNS settings menu.
PPPoE
Under the "PPPoE" menu, if you use DSL, you may or may not need to enter PPPoE information into the PPPoE section. If you directly connect and your modem does not also function as a router (or at least allowing you to enter PPPoE login information and have it authenticate), if you have a router that forces other network devices to authenticate to your ISP via PPPoE, or every network device on your network must authenticate to communicate, you must enter information in this menu. If you do not have DSL, you do not need to use this menu.
The information you need to enter into this menu (if applicable) would be provided to you by your ISP. Still, most routers will allow you to enter authentication information into them. Many times, you will also be able to have one network device authenticate via PPPoE. If this is not the case for you, it is best to post for help in the Technical Issues forum.
Advanced Settings
The "Advanced Settings" menu provides you the options to Enter a host name for your Xbox, if required by your ISP, as well as an Alternate MAC Address, and wireless settings. If you directly connect to your modem, switching between Xbox and computer, and have trouble getting your Xbox to pass the "Connected to Xbox Live" step in the troubleshooter, you can go to your computer's "Start" menu, then "Run". After that, type in "cmd", and press enter in the "Run" window. This will bring up the Windows command line. After that, type in "ipconfig /all". Enter "Physical Address" into your Alternate MAC Address field. "Wireless" will allow you to configure your Xbox to connect to a wireless network if you have the Xbox Wireless adapter or a compatible wireless adapter connected.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Although there is no setting on the Xbox dashboard to govern NAT, it is an important factor in the quality of use on Xbox Live. When connecting to Xbox Live on the Xbox, via the Xbox Live Connection Troubleshooter, once you have connected to Xbox Live, you can see your network’s "NAT" type by pressing "Y" inside the connection troubleshooter, and then pressing "A" on "OK". Your NAT type is the "NT" value, 1 meaning Open, 2 meaning Moderate, 3 meaning Strict. NAT will never hinder your actual connection to Xbox Live, or downloading things such as downloadable content from Xbox Live, but it can cause in game problems such as voice issues and connectivity issues in certain games. Your network’s NAT type is governed by your network Gateway. There are three types of NAT: Open, Moderate, and Strict. The table on this Xbox Live support page indicates how this can cause issues. Persons with Open NAT can connect to anyone with Open NAT, Moderate NAT, or Strict NAT. Persons with Moderate NAT can connect to persons with Open NAT and Moderate NAT. Persons with Strict NAT can connect only to people with Open NAT. These do not mean your network is more or less secure, it just indicates how your router handles traffic.
Now obviously you want to be able to connect to any user’s and communicate with them, regardless of their own network setup. So how do you change your NAT type? Well first off, whenever buying a router, you should by network hardware listed as compatible here. With those routers—compatible firmware installed—you should need little or no configuration to connect your machine to Xbox Live. If you have a router that is not listed as compatible, you can try forwarding ports (otherwise called Static Routing) UDP and TCP ports 3074, and UDP 88 to the Xbox’s IP address on your LAN. This IP address must be static (not assigned by DHCP), or the DHCP server must always assign your Xbox the same IP address. You can also try putting your Xbox into a "DMZ" (Demilitarized zone), which will (usually) allow your Xbox to receive traffic properly, though sometimes this can cause issues of its own.
If you need help with port forwarding or DMZ configuration, try posting in the Technical Issues Forum.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, PM the FAQ author, Shadowed Ghost.
However, with respect to personal networking issues, please make sure to read all other relevant FAQs for information; posting the problem in the Technical Issues forum if neccessary. If you are unable to resolve your problem through those avenues, and you wish for me to assist you, please send me a concise and properly spelled Private Message, including all relevant details about your network.
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0x41.0x3b.0xea.0xa6Marble Blast Ultra = Geometry Wars Evolved 2 > *
