So, what do you need to get onto the Microsoft Xbox Live Gaming Service? There are so many different options available to you. But below is a list of must haves:-

Choose a model of Xbox to buy

Xbox Storage

(Required to store your Xbox profile, you may already have storage included with the purchase of your Xbox)

A Broadband Connection

A Broadband connection (Cable, ADSL, VDSL FTTP preferred). Microsoft do not state a bandwidth requirement and in speed terms "broadband" means different things to different people, but I would recommend a minimum of 512k downstream, 128k upstream per Xbox.

Xbox Live does not use massive amounts of downstream bandwidth , the more upstream/upload you have the more players you can host if you are the host

A connection from your Xbox to your Broadband Router

(Other options are available, the most popular ones are shown below)

Option 1	Option 2	Option 3	Option 3	Option 4
Ethernet Cable Cat5/Cat5e or Cat6 any length up to 100m	Official Wireless Adapter	Built in Wireless N Adapter (Xbox 360 S 250GB a.ka. Slim only)	Connect via Wireless Laptop/PC Find out how to do this here	Homeplugs/ Powerline Adapters
Pro's - Very cheap, no interference, high speed, very easy to set-up. The best possible connection.	Pro's - A tidy solution	Pro's - No cost	Pro's - Cheap, you can re-use the wireless connection on your PC/Laptop as long as it has a spare Ethernet port available.	Pro's - High Speed, interference not usually an issue like wireless, second best option compared to a wired connection
Con's - None really, although if your Xbox is sited far from the router running a long Ethernet cable could be unsightly unless done neatly.	Con's - Quite expensive and if not set-up correctly could affect gameplay, although wireless interference issues can usually be solved.	Con's -None	Con's - Requires the PC/Laptop to be powered up while you are gaming	Con's - Homeplugs work best when connected into a power socket of its own, generally do not like to be connected to surge protected extension sockets
Best Option all round	Tidy solution	Zero cost if you already have a wireless router	Cheap to setup Find out how to do this here	Great if wireless distance is an issue for you and cabling out of the question

An Xbox Live Gold Subscription

If you want to play online gaming on the Xbox Live network you will need an Xbox Live Gold Subscription and there are various methods to purchase one. You can buy 1, 3, 12 or 13 month subscriptions (13 months via membership cards only)

Click here to see the difference between Silver and Gold Subscriptions

PLEASE REMEMBER

If your Xbox is new you can sign up to Xbox Live via your Xbox Dashboard (VERY IMPORTANT TO DO THIS FROM THE XBOX ITSELF and not Xbox.com) and sign up for a silver membership, by doing this you will automatically be given a free one month trial for your gamertag, this can be done for up to three different gamertag's per Xbox. After that you can buy a membership using one of the options below before your trial runs out.

Option 1	Option 2	Option 3	Option 4
Via the Xbox Dashboard	Via Xbox.com	Membership Card Available in store or from online retailer	Membership Card (Emailed) Available from various websites
Pro's - Easy to do	Pro's - Easy to do, can be done in advance of getting your Xbox	Pro's - Cheaper than buying direct from Microsoft, you are in control of when the subscription ends(no auto-renew), widest range of payment method	Pro's - Cheapest option and can be up to £15 cheaper for a 12 month subscription when compared to buying direct from Microsoft. You are in control of when the subscription ends (no auto-renew) Fast e-mailed delivery/Wide range of payment options (depending on website used)
Con's - Joint most expensive option, your credit card details will stay on file and your subscription will automatically renew when it comes to an end unless cancelled.	Con's - Joint most expensive option, your credit card details will stay on file and your subscription will automatically renew when it comes to an end unless cancelled	Con's - Cheaper options available, may have to wait for delivery in the post or have to travel to store	Con's - Human error could lead to you getting a duplicate membership code as codes are usually scanned, but usually easily rectified. Sometimes not instant as security checks to prevent fraud can be required.
Most Expensive	Most Expensive	Good all round option	Best Option

Here is a useful flash presentation that could also help you decide how you would like to get access to Xbox live

For recommendations on Networking Equipment see the Equipment section.

To see the different connection methods available, see the Diagrams section.