Xbox Setup Guide

Getting your Xbox, or Xbox 360 online is very simple. As default, the Xbox 360 has an ethernet connection ready for use over the internet, with the original Xbox, you will require a starter kit - follow these instructions for setting up your console for use of Xbox Live. Xbox offer two different types of membership for Xbox Live - silver, and gold. Silver allows free access to download new levels, submit stats, and other features - where as gold membership (which is a subscription service) allows you to play against other gamers, and have full access to the Xbox Live service.

To begin, you will need to get your console internet ready. There are three different ways in which you can connect to the Xbox Live service. These different choices are as follows;

Direct Connection
Router Connection
Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

Direct Connection

The direct connection method is the fastest, and easiest way to connect to Xbox Live. You should choose this type of connection if you do not want to share your broadband connection with your PC (or any other device). If you still wish to use your PC with your broadband connection, you will find yourself having to plug, and unplug cables every time you wish to switch between the two - using the router method would be an easier method.

1. Turn off your modem and Xbox console.
2. Using an Ethernet cable, connect the Ethernet out port on your modem to the Ethernet port on the back of your Xbox. The majority of modems use a standard (straight-through) Ethernet cable. However, some modems need a crossover Ethernet cable. Check the instructions with your modem for more information.
3. Turn on your modem, then your Xbox console, with no disc in the disc tray.
4. From the Xbox Dashboard choose Xbox Live. Or, play a game on your Xbox Live Starter Kit disc and choose the option for Xbox Live play.

Router Connection

The router connection method is the best way to share your broadband connection with your PC - so you can use both your PC and Xbox online at the same time.

1. Turn off your Xbox, PC, modem, and router.
2. Connect the Ethernet out port on your modem to the Ethernet in port on your router using an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect one of the Ethernet out ports on your router to the Ethernet in port on your PC Network Interface Card (NIC) using an Ethernet cable.
4. Connect another Ethernet out port on your router to the Ethernet port on the back of your Xbox using an Ethernet cable.
5. Turn on your modem, then your router, then your PC.
6. Check that the PC can access the Internet. If not, your router may require a specific configuration to access the Internet through your PC. Check the instructions with your router for help with this.
7. Turn on your Xbox console, making sure there is no disc in the disc tray.
8. From the Xbox Dashboard choose Xbox Live. Or, play a game on your Xbox Live Starter Kit disc and choose the option for Xbox Live play.

Windows ICS Connection

The Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) method is the best method if you only have either a USB, or, an internal PC modem. This method will require your PC to be on whenever you want to use your Xbox online.

1. Turn off your Xbox, PC, and modem.
2. Connect the USB out port of your modem to an available USB port on your PC using the USB cable.
3. Connect the Ethernet out port on the PC Network Interface Card (NIC) to the Ethernet port on the back of the Xbox using an Ethernet cable.
4. Turn your ADSL modem and PC back on
5. Set up Internet Connection Sharing in Windows to share your Internet connection with your Xbox.
6. When Internet Connection Sharing is set up, check that your PC can connect to the Internet.
7. Turn on your Xbox console, making sure there is no disc in the disc tray.
8. From the Xbox Dashboard choose Xbox Live. Or, play a game on your Xbox Live Starter Kit disc and choose the option for Xbox Live play.