Xbox Wireless

[LittleChrist]

I got an Xbox 360 for Christmas, and am itching to get Xbox Live. However, the computer and the Xbox are in two separate rooms. I was going to run a Cat5E cable, but the rest of the family doesn't think drilling and snaking is such a good idea. My only option is to go wireless. Now to decide which one. For that, I'll let you XKCDians help.

Linksys Wireless G Game Router:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... ess%2bgame

Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6874103016

Will Xbox Live cause other wireless connections to lag when being used simultaneously?

[Axman]

An 80' run of Cat 5E, E+ or 6 will work just fine. Peachy, even. It's designed to run 100 meters without loss.

[swifty360]

Ditto to the above unless you've got a wireless router then I'd say just get the wireless adaptor for your 360.

[LittleChrist]

We do have wireless, but its busy enough with other things. I'm considering hardline only. Can someone recommend where to buy and the approximate cost per foot of Cat 5E cable?

[Anpheus]

monoprice.com is always a great solution, and has the lowest rates for any amount of cable.

Question is, do you need it to be crimped already? Extra cable length is annoying, but so is having to buy the tool to limit the excess. Having an extra run of cable is always useful. My dad, as a network and ISP guy, has a humongous spool laying around somewhere of Cat-5E.

[spelunker]

I'm with everyone else. Ethernet would work fine!

Question is, do you need it to be crimped already? Extra cable length is annoying, but so is having to buy the tool to limit the excess. Having an extra run of cable is always useful. My dad, as a network and ISP guy, has a humongous spool laying around somewhere of Cat-5E.

Yeah, you can get yards of the stuff uncrimped, but it's probably cheaper and easier to buy a standard length made ready and everything, if you don't need the extra cord or don't have a crimper thingy.

[TheTankengine]

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/netcablesplus
I always buy ethernet cables from that account on ebay. He has 100% positive feedback. I've bought 3 cables (1 100', 2 50') from him at separate times and all arrived very quickly. They are also extremely cheap.

EDIT:It appears I have been bested by monoprice. Good find!

[zenten]

If you're using decent equipment, either way will be fine. However, many (possibly most) coax splitters aren't very good, and will degrade your modem's connection, so try to avoid them unless you know what you're using is good. Cat 5 and whatnot is meant for data, so it's much more likely to be fine.

[sethicus]

I suggest getting a length of CAT6 Plenum cable. Run this to a wall jack on both ends. I suggest this method as the solid core wire is better over long distances than stranded wire found in patch cables. Also, you're going to have to manage the cable somehow, and plenum is a bit more stiff and so won't droop as much. This method will cost a few more dollars, but it's a more elegant and neat solution.

[LittleChrist]

Well, one end is going to be coming from my Linksys Router behind my computer. Is it worth the extra effort to make a wall jack on both ends and then use shorter cables from the router to the wall and from the other wall to the Xbox? Is that even possible?

Honestly...I'm a wire n00b.

[zenten]

Well, one end is going to be coming from my Linksys Router behind my computer. Is it worth the extra effort to make a wall jack on both ends and then use shorter cables from the router to the wall and from the other wall to the Xbox? Is that even possible?

Honestly...I'm a wire n00b.

That completely depends on the layout of the house and what the walls are made of.

That being said, you can always just drill a hole in the wall (usually in a bottom corner) and run the cable through that.

[TheTankengine]

Or knock out the wall. I find it is much more fun!

[sethicus]

Well, one end is going to be coming from my Linksys Router behind my computer. Is it worth the extra effort to make a wall jack on both ends and then use shorter cables from the router to the wall and from the other wall to the Xbox? Is that even possible?

Honestly...I'm a wire n00b.

Yes, it is possible. In fact, that's just like a normal data run except you're running from a wall jack to another wall jack instead of to a patch panel / Punchdown block.

I personally think it's worth it. But I spend a lot of time running cables in the hospital so that we don't have to use patch cables that stretch on forever. One, because it's safer, but two, because I can't stand untidy cables.

[Anpheus]

Or knock out the wall. I find it is much more fun!

Heck, they should just knock down the house it'd be a lot simpler to move the xbox, router, and TV closer that way!

[LittleChrist]

Seeing as its a 90 year old house, taking down walls/putting holes in walls is not as easy as it sounds. The walls are not drywall like newer homes. Its sheetrock, which is tougher and thicker. I also don't know whats back there for insulation/wiring/plumbing and heating (hot water radiators). It is possible, with a little effort to install and connect two wall jacks. I think that's the path I'll take for now.

[sethicus]

I WIN!

[LittleChrist]

Well, seems that the rest of the family isn't exactly enthused about me drilling holes and running wires. I've been given two options. Which wireless adapter seems better suited? They both do the same thing, does anyone have experience to tell me that one is superior?

Linksys Wireless G Game Router:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... ess%2bgame

Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6874103016

[SomeoneElse]

I have a 25-metre cable running from my router to one of my PCs, and it has no performance problems. Not quite sure at what length the performance drops.

With wireless... well, personally, I connect my xbox 360 to my laptop's ethernet port, then use the laptop's wireless connection by way of a network bridge. Works fine, although the performance is probably shite (although so are most b/g connections). The only reason I do it that way is because i found the needed wireless adapters too expensive to bother with.

[rrwoods]

I connect my xbox 360 to my laptop's ethernet port, then use the laptop's wireless connection by way of a network bridge. Works fine, although the performance is probably shite (although so are most b/g connections). The only reason I do it that way is because i found the needed wireless adapters too expensive to bother with.

Would someone mind describing how to get this to work, exactly? I've done the following:

- Connected my XBox to the ethernet port of my computer with a crossover cable (I also have a regular cable on hand if that is what is needed)
- Enabled Internet Connection Sharing on the computer
- Tried both DHCP and manual IP (192.168.0.25) on the wired connection

No dice. I have the cable hooked up before I turn on the console. Any help?