Xbox live, broadband connection help!!

Keanosafc

Hi I've just bought an xbox and have a wired modem (downstairs), my pc is connected to the modem by ethernet cable.

Is there any way I can have the xbox and pc connected to internet at the same time, ie. does such a thing as an ethernet splitter exist, which would allow 2 connections.

Or would I be better opting for a wireless router and linking them both to that. (I wouldn't know where to begin with that one, in connecting and price)

Thanks in advance.

whatamess_2

Hi I run my modem for the pc by usb, then ds1 has his 360 connected by the ethernet.

Everything runs fine for me doing it that way.

Not sure about a twin ethernet.

s-j-cooper_2

I would probably buy a router. In fact I did! A router does 'split' broadband into separate ethernet ports - you don't need a wireless one to do that though. I tried setting up my xbox to go through my pc when I first joined live and it was an absolute nightmare.

volks400

go today and buy yourself a modem/router. mine is not even a branded one and being working as a gem for a year.

cdbrown

you don't need to get a modem/router, just a router will do. Unplug the cable from the pc and plug it into the router. Then plug both the pc and xbox into the router - easy.

blueperil

hi, whatamess is correct, you don't need a router for the xbox.

modem to pc by usb then a crossover ftp cable from pc to xbox...both can connect at the same time no problem.

Switan

I would probably buy a router anyway, that way you can use the xbox without the PC being on. They also contain a firewall which should help protect your PC from outside invasion.


You can get a wired router pretty cheaply: Exta Value Cable/DSL Broadband 4 port Router with Print server - £14.99

cdbrown

The transfer rate of the USB is slower than the ethernet. The only reason that these modems have both ethernet and usb is so pc's and laptop (or other devices) that don't have a network card can still use it. Otherwise it would be a 2-port (ethernet) modem like a lot of those out there.

blueperil - Kean has said the connection between the modem and pc is already ethernet. If a usb port is available on the modem then the cheapest method would be usb connect between pc and modem and ethernet connect between xbox and modem.

Kean - when you say downstairs, does that mean the modem is downstairs and the pc is upstairs and that's the same place for the xbox? If so, get the router and put it with the pc and xbox meaning you'll just have the one cable going all the way to the modem. Just trying to imagine the full setup to give the optimum solution.

Keanosafc

cdbrown wrote:

The transfer rate of the USB is slower than the ethernet. The only reason that these modems have both ethernet and usb is so pc's and laptop (or other devices) that don't have a network card can still use it. Otherwise it would be a 2-port (ethernet) modem like a lot of those out there.

blueperil - Kean has said the connection between the modem and pc is already ethernet. If a usb port is available on the modem then the cheapest method would be usb connect between pc and modem and ethernet connect between xbox and modem.

Kean - when you say downstairs, does that mean the modem is downstairs and the pc is upstairs and that's the same place for the xbox? If so, get the router and put it with the pc and xbox meaning you'll just have the one cable going all the way to the modem. Just trying to imagine the full setup to give the optimum solution.

Your right mate, the modem sits downstairs behind the tv, (it was installed when I had cable tv). The pc and xbox are in an upstairs room at the other side of the house. The ethernet cable is already running through walls etc, and I don't want to add more wires from modem.

Would this be right then, buy a router, ethernet cable plugs into router (upstairs), then I can plug both the xbox and pc into the router.

ps. Thanks to everyone who replied, particularly the link for the wired router.

cdbrown

Sorry haven't replied to this - but yes that would be the best solution. The reason for a router is you need the router to assign the ip address of the components. If your modem can assign IP addresses to the network then all you may need is a 2 or 4-port ethernet hub. Routers and ethernet hubs (or switches) allow the traffic to be sent to the correct port (pc or 360) based on the IP information in the packets. A splitter (from what I understand) sends the same packets to all ports and leaves it up to the pc or 360 to decipher the info. I don't think splitters are readily available anymore.