FAQs

An alternative to the Official Wireless Adapter

( 0 Votes )

Details: Parent Category: Frequently Asked Xbox Live Questions; Created on Friday, 07 May 2010 11:17; Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 April 2013 12:53; Written by Administrator

I use the official adapter and its a great piece of kit. But some people are put off by the price tag.

You can use a third party Ethernet adapter/bridge instead, but they are usually more difficult to configure, there is more info on them here

You can also connect to xbox live without the official adapter and use your wireless PC/Laptop to share its internet connection to the Xbox, which is an alternative to the xbox 360 wireless adapter look here for more info.

You cannot use a PC USB Adapter, as explained here

Why not consider the use of Homeplugs instead?

They plug straight into the mains socket (one near your 360 and one near your PC or Router).

Here's four great reasons to use them:-

Easy to use, securing a wireless connection can be difficult for some people. Homeplugs are already secured.
Some people have distance and or interference worries with wireless. You wont get any with Homeplugs.
The price!!!! You can get a pair of 14mb Homeplugs for the same price as the official 360 usb adaptor!!!
With a 14mb homeplug setup you will get 1.75 MBytes a sec throughput. With a wireless G network you may only get 1.5mb-2mb a sec throughput, the transfer rate for wireless is dependant on location of kit in your home, and interference from other devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, digisenders. You don't have the same worries with the homeplugs

If you are planning to use Homeplugs to watch HD video (from Media Centre) I would recommend the AV or 200mb versions of Homeplugs

For more information on homeplugs see this website:- www.homeplugs.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: Homeplugs prefer to be plugged directly into the electrical socket, rather than into "gang" extension sockets (see below). They will still work but the transfer rate may not be as good.

You may also have heard that both homeplugs need to be on the same ring main (circuit) to work. Customers have found this not to be true and the connection will work if you are using the same circuit box/breaker