So you’ve got your new 360 and need to know how to get online? Don’t worry your covered.
Pre-face:
The intent with the guide is to help the large amounts of new live members that are expected to be joining soon with all these smash games coming. The goal is to take out all the guess work of what’s needed and how to get onto what is possibly the best online service around.
Contents:
1. Bare Basics
2. Wired Connection Options
3. Wireless Connections
3b. Wireless Security
4. What you need to do on your console
5. Profiles Types
6. Basic things of Xbox Live
6b. Game Updates
6c. Dashboard Updates
7. Routers and Networking Issues
Q: Is there any piece of equipment that I absolutely cannot get away with not having to get online?
A: There is one but if you already have a high speed internet connection you likely already have this and that is a modem. You need some way to get the internet out of your phone line or cable into your devices
Q: Can I use my dial-up internet with Xbox live?
A: No. Xbox live uses more bandwidth then a dial-up line could handle.
2. Connection Options
Once you’ve got your modem bringing in the internet you have several options. We’ll cover 2 of the most common setups.
Q: I already have a router or I plan on purchasing one how do I proceed?
A: This is the easiest method because it requires you to only one time mess with cables and power sources. Taking an Ethernet cable and plugging one end into your modem and the other into your WAN port on your router gives your router access to the internet. After you’ve got that you can plug an Ethernet cable into each LAN port and the other end(s) into a PC or for our guide an Xbox. Once you’ve done that you’re connected. Steps you need to take on your console are covered later in this guide.
Q: At the moment I just have a modem and just want to connect to live. How can I do this?
Ayes you can. All you need to do is take an Ethernet cable put one end in the modem and the other into your 360’s Ethernet port. Then unplug or reset your modem wait for it to power back up and your connected. Steps you need to take on your console are covered later in this guide.
Q: I have a USB modem how can I get one live (this also applies if you have a PC as well and you’d like both to be connected at the same time).
A: Well you can and it’s a fairly simple process. My friend Shad0wmanUK has already compiled a very good screenshot guide on ICS or Internet Connection Sharing. You can view the page on his site below:
For Xp computers
Vista Computers
3. Wireless connections
Q: I have a wireless router is there anyway I can use it’s wireless features to connect to live?
A: Yes and there are a few ways to do that. The easiest in terms of setup is to purchase the official Microsoft wireless adapter. It clips on to the back of your console and uses the rear USB port.
Q: I’m not in love with the other adapter’s price and I don’t mind setting up a little bit. Is there any alternative?
A: Yes. Several companies make devices called bridges specifically for game consoles. The most popular model being the Linksys WGA54g gaming bridge. You can walk into your local electronics store like a best buy or circuit city ask for a gaming bridge and they’ll know what you want. You might also hear it referred to as a Wireless Access Point or WAP.
Q: I have this USB wireless adapter can I use that?
A: Sorry but no. Only the official Microsoft USB adapter will work with the Xbox 360 because most of the other ones out need drivers.
Q: I have a wireless laptop and want to use an ICS type method to connect my wireless PC to my internet. What do I do?
A: Again Shadowman’s site has a guide in place of the process you need. This connection method is called Bridging. It works on the same principal as ICS does but because of the fact your connection you want to share is wireless you would end up with NAT issue.
Bridging
3b. Wireless security
If you have security enabled on your wireless network you will need to enter in your keys into the 360’s network settings. To get to were you need to be from the dash go >system blade>network settings>edit settings Then Go down to the 3rd box on that first tab and press A to edit the info. It will then search for networks with an SSID being broadcast or you can specify a hidden network. Once you’ve clicked connect you’ll be prompted for your WPA/WEP key. You will need your actual key because the 360 doesn’t support pass phrases. After you have connected to your network you can run an Xbox live connection test or run a media test. You’ll need to at least start one of them for your settings to be saved.
Now that your console is all ready to connect to live you can go through and either create a new Gamertag or recover one you made on Xbox.com
Q: What is a Gamertag?
A: A Gamertag is your online alias. It’s the name that other people online will see you as. If you’re reading this guide there’s a good chance you already made one on xbox.com so you have an understanding of what this is for. For example my Gamertag is: duzzyman.
When you’re on the Xbox live blade of your 360 you’ll see a few boxes. There are 2 that concern us here. If you don’t have a Gamertag yet then you’ll want to select the join Xbox live option. If you already have on you made on Xbox.com then you want the recover Gamertag option.
In either option you’ll be asked for a Gamertag. If you’re recovering one then enter it exactly as it appears on xbox.com Later you’ll be asked for your passport email and password. If your making one you’ll pick a name and then specify an email address that is a passport account or you’ll add your email as a passport account. From here on out the process is self explanatory.
5. Profile Types
After making a profile or recovering your xbox.com one you’ll be given a free 30 days of gold membership status. Gold status allows you to play online multiplayer games. Once your 30 days of free gold are up you have 3 options. The first being allow your profile to turn into a silver profile. Silver's can still download content from marketplace, play offline games, and your Gamerscore still actively updates to xbox.com as long as you’re signed in. However silver profiles cannot play multiplayer games over Xbox Live. Your other 2 options have to do with renewing your gold membership. You can either enter a credit card into your profile info or you can go to your local store that sells Xbox software or hardware and pick up any denomination of pre-paid cards. Once you have the card at your house scratch off the code and while signed in with a silver or gold profile you want to renew or add more time to you can go to the marketplace blade select redeem code and then enter in the code. You can stack up to 36 months or 3 years onto a profile.
Well now that you’re connected and you’ve played around a little there are a few more things you need to know about your Xbox Live.
6b. Game updates
Once in a while individual game updates might be rolled out. You’ll put in one game you want to play and it will ask you to update or disconnect from live. You can select the update now and your game will restart after the update is completed. These are called “Title Updates” and once in a while developers will put out new ones that will fix bugs in a game or add new features.
Twice a year a special console update will be rolled out. The updates have become known as “The Fall update” or “The Spring Update”. These dash updates add new features that are available for you and some hidden features to keep the service moving along swimmingly. In addition to the normal feature packed dash up dates there are occasional random updates that add support for new devices for example the more recent being support added for the wireless guitars in Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band.
This section will not follow the Q&A format of the earlier guide it’s a help and how to section.
Looking for a router?
If you’re in the market for a router you’d be wise to go with something off the official compatible list. While almost any router can be configured to work you can save yourself a lot of headache by going with a live tested one. You can view that list here.
If you’re looking for a personal recommendation I like linksys and D-link products so I’d say the linksys WRT54G is good for the price if you have a little more look for a BEF series. In Dlink the DGL series is solid.
Networking Issues:
I run a Connection test and my NAT comes back as moderate or strict.
Check to see if your router supports a setting called UPnP. UPnP is a protocol on most new routers that will automatically forward the ports your devices need.
Linksys router owners with NAT issues read this! This may also apply for others.
Some of the linksys routers had earlier issues with UPnP. If enabling it on your linksys router does not open your NAT verify you have the most recent version of the firmware for your router or the version indicated on the live compatible hardware list.
If your router does not support UPnP then you’ll need to try forwarding the ports to your Xbox’s IP. The process for this is:
Log into your router: enter the IP address of your router default is usually 192.168.1.1
Use the username and password: admin, admin
Find a tab either called port forwarding or on linksys it will be under the applications and gaming tab.
Enter in the ports:
88 UDP
3074 TCP & UDP (some routers in the arrow drop down menu you can just select the both option)
Enter the IP of your Xbox
Check the enable box if there is one
Save the settings.
If port forwarding does not work!
Then as a last resort you need to create a DMZ. This will not expose your Xbox to viruses (don’t worry it can’t get them anyways) or anything of the sort but it does expose it to traffic it just doesn’t need. Follow the same process you did for port forwarding to log into your router. Find the DMZ option. Select enable and then enter the IP of your Xbox. Save and your done.
You can also find help on the Xbox.com website:
Original Xbox LIVE connection source page: LINK
Xbox 360 LIVE connection source page: LINK
Final Word:
You’re connected to live. Feel Free to ask in this thread if you have any more questions or need clarification.
Welcome to Xbox Live
Version 2.0 by duzzyman.
2.0-revision:
Added Information on ICS and Bridging via Shad0wmanUK’s Site viewable here
Amended opening wording.
Klamperl Killer wrote:Nice. This will help lots and lots of people. Now i can put this link on my site for my clan.. Is it ok if i copy it and give you credit?
Fine with me just link the original so I can explain more if needed.
mozartjune wrote:great job did you use attacksloth's guide to make this guide??...
Nope. Didn't even know his was here untill I posted mine up.
actually, i was talking about this one
http://forums.xbox.com/14517471/ShowPost.aspx
Awesome job Duzzyman. Very nice work.
Mister Magnus wrote:What's an optimum connection speed to use?
Ultimately, the faster the better. For hosting games, I would suggest having an upload speed of at least 800kpbs and that's for a smaller amount of players.
Hi,
how do you change your gamercard on the profile. I wank something different other than the standard ones you get with xbox live.
please help. thanks
MonsterWerewolf wrote:I'm connected through the modem, and not the router. I've tried connecting through the router but it doesn't work. I tried cycling it to no avail. Connected as I am through the modem, my Dad cannot connect to the internet on his computer. He is hooked up through the router. The xbox is connected via an ethernet port.Dad demands that I get this fixed, or else.Any suggestions or help that anyone can provide would be appreciated.
What happens when you connect though your router? The modem's ethernet should go to your router's WAN port and then the PC and the 360 each get there own LAN ports.
Svaxzach wrote:Yeah I'm having a problem getting connected too. My internet router/connection is all the way on the top floor and my 360 is in my basement and I have the wireless game bridge, the 360 adapter, AND a wireless connection extender and it still won't pass the MTU test. And yes, I checked and my MTU setting is set to 1500 which is a lot higher than what I actually need. Whats the problem???!!!!!
I wish this was changed but maybe 1/10 times is an MTU failure actually an MTU issue. Verify your DNS information on the 360 and if its incorrect set it to manual and add your DNS in manually. It will be the same address as your router's gateway.
You can redeem a subscripton code by going to the marketplace blade (left from were the console starts) and then clicking the redeem code button.
duzzyman wrote: You can redeem a subscripton code by going to the marketplace blade (left from were the console starts) and then clicking the redeem code button.
I'm not sure if that's what he meant. I took it as that he paid for live on this site, so he would already have gold on that profile he posted with. I think he would need to do a recovery. That's the only thing I could think of I guess.
X Frank West X wrote: duzzyman wrote: You can redeem a subscripton code by going to the marketplace blade (left from were the console starts) and then clicking the redeem code button. I'm not sure if that's what he meant. I took it as that he paid for live on this site, so he would already have gold on that profile he posted with. I think he would need to do a recovery. That's the only thing I could think of I guess.
Yea I wasn't real sure either but what I posted was the only thing that sounded logical to me.
I have my Xbox 360 on Live using a long cable that stretches to my computer, which I use with a 2wire modem, and now I have to move my Xbox further away so I bought the Xbox wireless adapter and I got it set up and it says connected and the green light comes up, but the IP address test fails everytime, and I have tried everything I could think of... Anyone have suggestions?
Mfrauz33 wrote: I have my Xbox 360 on Live using a long cable that stretches to my computer, which I use with a 2wire modem, and now I have to move my Xbox further away so I bought the Xbox wireless adapter and I got it set up and it says connected and the green light comes up, but the IP address test fails everytime, and I have tried everything I could think of... Anyone have suggestions?
Try re-connecting to the wireless network by editing the 3rd box on the edit settings option. Fill in your security if you have any and test again. If it still fails your router might not have DHCP enabled or a few other things.
duzzyman wrote: Mfrauz33 wrote: I have my Xbox 360 on Live using a long cable that stretches to my computer, which I use with a 2wire modem, and now I have to move my Xbox further away so I bought the Xbox wireless adapter and I got it set up and it says connected and the green light comes up, but the IP address test fails everytime, and I have tried everything I could think of... Anyone have suggestions? Try re-connecting to the wireless network by editing the 3rd box on the edit settings option. Fill in your security if you have any and test again. If it still fails your router might not have DHCP enabled or a few other things.
Ya, it's still not working