Assignment: Instruction Manual

How to connect your Xbox 360 to a wireless

network without $100 adapter

Date: 11/4/09 Name: Joel Birlingmair

Instructor: Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay
Course: ENC 3254
Semester: Fall 09
How to connect your Xbox 360 to a wireless
network without $100 adapter

This guide will give you step by step instructions concerning how to use a computer
to connect an Xbox 360 to a wireless network. This guide will also work for other game
systems or computers that can connect to a network using an Ethernet cable, but this guide
will have additional benefits for Xbox 360 users. Such benefits may include opening
Network Address Translation setting so that the Xbox will be able to access Xbox Live under
the OPEN category. The primary benefit of this guide is to alleviate the need to buy the
$99.99 wireless attachment from Microsoft for the Xbox 360.

This will save you more than $100!

No knowledge of computers is needed to use these simple step by step instructions.

No need to tamper with your Xbox!

The steps in this guide are perfectly legal.

All program components come installed on Windows Operating Systems.
Uses Windows Internet Connection Sharing

Section 1: Materials Needed

1. Computer running Windows XP/Vista/7 with wireless capability(laptop preferred)

2. One Ethernet Port (located on computer)
3. One Ethernet Networking cable (any length)
4. A Wireless Network
5. Xbox 360 and components (or other device)
• Xbox console
• power adapter
• A/V hookups
• TV
• controller

Section 2: Materials Description

1. Computer running Windows XP/Vista/7 with wireless capability
This should be a laptop or notebook computer but it not limited to be so. The reason
that a laptop is the preferred device is because it is more movable. Desktop computers
cannot be as easily moved. Therefore this manual will focus on laptop computers.

It must also be running one these three Windows Operating Systems: XP/Vista/7.
Without one of those this manual will not work. Another one would be required.
 How to check to see which Operating System you are running

1. Turn on your computer.

2. When it turns on log in (if needed)

3. When looking at the home screen Start Orb

which should look somewhat like one of the
two screens below click on the corresponding
button that you see or
• Start Orb (windows vista and 7) Start Button
• Start button (Windows XP)

The Start Orb or Button is Normally located in the bottom left corner of the screen but not always
It will most likely look somewhat like one of these with maybe a different background image

4. Then right click Computer and select 4 .Then right click My Computer and select
properties. properties.

The window that pops up will tell you what Operating system you are running.

If it is not Windows XP, Vista or 7 then this manual cannot help you. Most likely you have one of
these three operating systems, and you can continue easily.

2. One Ethernet port

An Ethernet port will be located somewhere on the body of the computer. On a laptop
most likely it is on the back just below the screen it will look like the image below.
 3. One Ethernet Cable
An Ethernet networking cable is available at most electronics stores and is a common
item in households and businesses. It looks like the image below.

4. A wireless network
This will be the wireless network which you desire to connect to. Take note of the
broadcasting name of the network (SSID) and the password if it is encrypted. Also,
there are different types of encryption. If you are unsure of your encryption type,
name, or password contact your network administrator.

You may want to take the time to write them down here.

Name of network(SSID): ___________________

Password/Encryption type: ___________________/_________

5. Xbox 360 and components

If you have found and decided to follow this guide. You must therefore have the
materials needed to use your Xbox 360 which includes the controller and TV. This
will not discuss how to set up your Xbox as you must already know how to do that.
The primary thing is to make sure you have a playable Xbox that you wish to connect
to a wireless network.

Section 3: Setup
1. Set up your 360 where you would like to play. Then setup your laptop
computer close by. It must be close enough for the Ethernet cable to reach between them.
2. Power on your laptop computer and connect to your wireless network.

How to connect to a wireless network

Use the appropriate column for your operating system.
If you do not know your operating system see section 2-1.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista Windows XP
1. Click on the Start Orb 1. Click on the Start Button

2. Click on Control Panel 2. Click on Control Panel

3. Click on Network and Internet 3. Click on Network and Internet Connections

4. Click on Connect to a Network 4. Click on Network Connections

5. Right Click on Wireless Network Adapter
6. Choose Connect
7. Choose your network and then click 7. Choose your network and then click
Connect Connect
8. Type in your password if you have one and 8. Type in your password if you have one and
click OK. click OK
9. Your Computer should now connect to 9. Your Computer should now connect to
your wireless network (this may take a few your wireless network (this may take a few
minutes) minutes)
3. Using the Ethernet cable connect the Ethernet port on your laptop to the port on
your Xbox 360.
4. Power on your Xbox 360 and TV.

Section 3: Prepare your Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

This Section will help you change some settings that will make ICS run more smoothly.
Note: If you do not know which operating system you are running refer to Section 2-1

Steps for Windows Vista and Windows 7 Steps for Windows XP

1. Click on the Start Orb 1. Click on the Start Button

2. Right Click on Computer 2. Right Click My Computer

3. Click on Manage
4. Now go to the left hand column of
3. Click on Manage
this guide to step 5 as the directions
4. On the window that opens double click
for this section are the same from
on Services and Applications
here on.

5. Double Click Services

6. Scroll down and find Internet

Connection Sharing (ordered
alphabetically)
7. Double click on Internet Connection
Sharing
8. On the Window that opens change the
drop down menu next to "Startup Type"
to Automatic

9. Click on the Recovery Tab at the Top

of this page.
10. Then change the drop down menus next
to "First Failure", "Second Failure", and
"Subsequent failures" to Restart the
Service and the value next to "Restart
service after:" should be changed to 0.
The result should look like this image.
 11. Click OK and close the "Computer
Management" window.

Section 4: Share your Internet connection to the Device (Xbox)

This section will offer simple step by step instructions on how to allow another computer or
device to connect to the internet through your computer's wireless internet connection.
The instructions are slightly different based on which operating system you are running.
Please use the correct column.
Note: If you do not know which operating system you are running see Section 1-2.
Note: Please complete Section 3 before this section as it will better prepare your computer
for Internet Connection Sharing.

Steps for Windows Vista and Windows 7 Steps for Windows XP

1. Click on the Start Orb 1. Click on the Start Button

2. Click on Control Panel 2. Click on Control Panel

3. Click on Network and Internet 3. Click on Network and Internet

Connections

4. Click on Network and Sharing Center 4. Click on Network Connections

5. In Windows Vista Click on Manage 5. Now jump to the left hand column
Network Connections in the left sidebar at Step 6 as the directions are the
In Windows 7 Click on Change same from here
Adapter Settings

6. Right click on Wireless Internet

Connection

7. Select Properties

8. Select the Sharing tab at the top of the

new window
 9. Check both boxes underneath Internet
Connection Sharing

Note: if your screen shows a drop

down menu between the two
statements, choose Local Area
Connection
10. Click OK

Section 5: Configure your Xbox Internet Protocol (IP)

This section will provide simple step by step instructions for networking your Xbox to your
computer. It will manually assign an IP Address to your console. The directions are only
slightly different between operating systems. Use the correct column.
Note: If you do not know which operating system you are running see Section 1-2.
Note: This section only networks the Xbox to the computer.
In order to access Xbox Live Section 4 must be completed as well.

Steps for Windows Vista and Windows 7 Steps for Windows XP

1. Click on the Start Orb 1. Click on the Start Button

2. Click on Control Panel 2. Click on Control Panel

3. Click on Network and Internet 3. Click on Network and Internet

Connections

4. Click on Network and Sharing Center 4. Click on Network Connections

5. In Windows Vista Click on Manage 5. Right click on Local Area Connection

Network Connections in the left
sidebar
In Windows 7 Click on Change
Adapter Settings 6. Select Properties

7. In the "Local Area Connection

Properties" window select Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)

6. Right click on Local Area Connection

7. Select Properties 8. Select Properties

8. In the "Local Area Connection

9. On the "Internet Protocol Properties"
Properties" window select Internet
window select Use the following IP
Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
address:
10. Next to "IP Address type in this value
192.168.0.1
11. Next to "Subnet Mask" type in this
value 255.255.255.0
12. Leave the field next to "Default
gateway" blank
13. Select Use the following DNS server
addresses:
14. Next to "Preferred DNS server" type
in this value 128.227.47.6
15. Next to "Alternate DNS server" type
in this value 128.227.47.7
16. The finished window should look like
 this image below

17. Click OK on this window

18. Click OK on the "Local Area
Connection Properties" window

9. Select Properties

10. On the "Internet Protocol Version 4

Properties" window select Use the
following IP address:
11. Next to "IP Address type in this value
192.168.0.1
12. Next to "Subnet Mask" type in this
value 255.255.255.0
13. Leave the field next to "Default
gateway" blank
14. Select Use the following DNS server
addresses:
15. Next to "Preferred DNS server" type
in this value 128.227.47.6
16. Next to "Alternate DNS server" type
in this value 128.227.47.7
17. The finished window should look like
this image below
18. Click OK
19. Click Close on the "Local Area
Connection Properties" window

Section 6: Test your connection on your Xbox

This section will provide information on how to test you connection on your Xbox 360
console.

1. Make sure the Xbox and TV are powered on

2. From the home screen slide to the "My Xbox" tier using an Xbox 360 controller
3. On this tier slide all the way to the right and press the A button on "System Settings"
4. Press down until "Network Setting" is highlighted
5. Press the A button
6. Highlight "Test Xbox LIVE Connection" and press A
This will begin the test which should not take longer than about 4 minutes
7. At the conclusion of this test you will be notified of your Network Address
Translation (NAT) settings if they are not at the recommended level.

Section 7: Troubleshooting FAQ

This section addresses many common questions people have when following this manual.

1. How do I find out what operating system I am running?

2. How do I set up my Xbox 360?
3. Will this manual work for a wired connection?
4. What is an Ethernet Networking Cable?
5. How come when I test my Xbox LIVE connection it says "Cannot obtain IP
Address"?
6. How come when I test my Xbox LIVE connection it says "Cannot resolve DNS
Server"?
7. How come I cannot connect to my wireless network?
8. How come when I connect to my wireless network, it says "Limited or no
Connectivity?"
9. Why does it say that I am "not authorized to make changes"?
10. How come when I test my Xbox LIVE connection it says "No connection can be
detected"?

1. How do I find out what operating system I am running?

Please refer to section 2-1 to resolve this issue.

2. How do I set up my Xbox 360?

Please refer to the instruction manual that came with the Xbox 360 console for
help regarding this issue.

3. Will this manual work for a wired connection?

Yes, it will. If you use your Local Area Connection when this manual refers to
"Wireless Internet Connection" and your Local Area Connection as the Xbox's
connection which is referred to as "Local Area Connection" in this Manual
everything should work the same.

4. What is an Ethernet Networking Cable?

An Ethernet Networking Cable is used to connect two or more computers or
devices together. Any local electronic store should carry them. Ask a floor
salesman in Best Buy or Radioshack if you still need help finding them.

5. How come when I test my Xbox LIVE connection it says "Cannot obtain IP
Address"?
Your connection has failed the first of three tests. Make sure you have very
closely and carefully followed the instructions in Sections 3, 4 and 5. Most likely
you have typed in the wrong IP setting in Section 5-Step 11.

6. How come when I test my Xbox LIVE connection it says "Cannot resolve
DNS Server"?
Your connection has failed the second of the three tests. As with question five
check the setting set by Sections 3, 4, and 5. Most likely you have typed in the
wrong DNS setting in Section 5-Step 15.
7. How come I cannot find my wireless network?
It is possible that your laptop may be too far out of range or the network may be
set to invisible. Also your internal wireless adapter may be turned off. Please
 contact your network administrator for further assistance.

8. How come when I connect to my wireless network, it says "Limited or no

Connectivity?"
Try disconnecting and reconnecting. Double check the password. Is it the same
password and encryption type you wrote down in Section 2-4? Also not that
sometimes it nay take a few moments to fully connect. Allow at least 45 seconds.

9. Why does it say that I am "not authorized to make changes"?

You are trying to change settings on a User Account that is not an Administrator
of that computer. Contact an Administrator and ask them to help you out.