I'm new to the whole router/ network thing, so here's a dumb question:
I purchased a wireless router and an adapter that connects thru USB for my Tivo, so I could do the Home Media file sharing thing. This worked. My problem is that I now want to get another for my X-Box, but the XBOX doesn't have a USB out. Are there adapters that connect right into the Ethernet port? I don't want to have to hard wire my X-Box to the router because it's downstairs. It seems like ethernet connections should be the norm, but all they seemed to have at Curcuit City were USB connections.
Another question:
What is the adapter made specifically for the X-Box? Is it special in any way? It costs $130, so I was guessing it must do more than the $40 one I bought for the Tivo- or does it just look really cool and match the XBOX for the extra $90?

You need a wireless bridge. Any wireless bridge should do. A "G" version will run you over $100, the $130 is a "G" version.

so they don't make adapters with direct ethernet port connections? Only USB connnections? I can't believe that it wouldn't be more common to have to use the ether port than the USB.

there is a wireless b/g adapter that microsoft sells for $140 that plugs directly into the ethernet port of the xbox. you can find it in the xbox section of best buy. once again that price is $140!

I'm confused. Wireless bridges do plug into the ethernet port?

yes, a wireless bridge is really all you need. you need a cat5 cable and the wireless bridge. warcp wanted something that plugged directly into the xbox, and microsoft sells something like that, for the small sum of $140.

The Microsoft version of the adapter is actually going for $79.99 on Amazon right now. I had ordered it last week for $99.99 and just called and they are going to credit me the $20.00 back to my credit card.

No, the regular adapters typically only come in USB. The reason being that when you go wireless, the reason for having a network card should be gone. Hence, USB only.

Do you have a link? I still see $99, shipping from Circuit City.

Linksys also has a few nice wireless bridges if you don't feel like buying them Micro$soft one.
http://www.linksys.com/products/prod...id=38&prid=558
for the G
http://www.linksys.com/products/prod...id=38&prid=550
For the B

I've been using the B version for awhile now and it works just fine.

Does anyone know the difference between the game adapater and the regular wireless bridge from linksys?

Well, bridges are usually used when you have a bunch of older computers without wireless cards, and need to hook them up to a wireless network. In that case, going through the ethernet port makes sense.

I have a USB wireless adapter that I use for my TIVO, but it seems to me like any connection using that would be limited by the speed of the USB port. It doesn't matter much for the TIVO, which isn't really bandwidth intensive, but I think it would make a difference for games...

There shouldn't be any difference between them on the inside. On the outside, however, the "game" adapters usually allow you to set the ad hoc channel # manually, so someone without a computer doesn't have to log into the bridge & change the channel # using their internal web config pages. I'm not so sure how the game units handle SSID, but I imagine they do offer it (as well as WEP), since the units are billed as working with existing infrastructure-type units, like routers & such (that's how Microsoft spins their Xbox bridge, at least).

Thanks yukon-cornelius. The linksys game adapter is quite a bit cheaper than the normal bridge.

Can you put the modem and router next to the XBox get a wireless adapter for your PC? That would be cheaper.

Is it possible to make a hybrid network? I own a linksys BEFSR41 hardwired router and I'm interested in making my Xbox wireless, but I don't want to totally get rid of my existing network. What are my options?

Hmmm.. that linksys B adapter is look good for my Airport basestation. hopefully i'll get an xbox for xmas

You'd need to get a wireless access point for your existing router.

I have the D-Link DWL-810 wireless bridge, which works fine with Xbox Live

http://www.d-link.com/products/?pid=45

I think it was around $80 or so from Amazon.

It appears that they had three left at Amazon's price for $79.99 and when they sold out, the site defaulted to Circuit City's price of $99.99 and will now ship from them.

Regarding the "B" version: i am thinking about picking this up to use. I currently have a wired Linksys router & hate to have to but a whole new wireless router.

I read somewhere that you can buy 2 of these B adapters & hook pne into your current router & one into your Xbox. You then set the two of them on the same # and supposedly away you go.

Is this the case? Does it work like this? Do anyone have these or have tried them this way? Do they work well?

I have a slow DSL (approx 1.2 Mbps I think) so I know I don't need the G version. I just don't want to slow down my already slow connection.

They have these at my local CompUSA for $80 but I saw them online at Buy.com for around $55 a piece. I would go ahead & buy from Buy.com but I am afraid that if they don't work correctly, I will have a pain in the butt time of returning them.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I own the Microsoft MN-700 wireless G router. Can I use another company's "bridge" with my router, or do I have to buy the xbox-specific bridge for it to work? What additional things do I have to do if I use a third-party bridge?

ok. rookie here ... I have nothing but the Xbox, my pc (located 2 floors up), and a cable modem.

What ALL do I need if I want to go the wireless route. I figure the wireless router, but I'll also need the wireless connector for the xbox, right?

I use the Linksys Wireless 'B' Gaming adapter for my Xbox and PS2. I have it plugged into a linksys router (works as a bridge). it is a great unit.. Highly recommended... I have a Netgeaer Wireless Router

Sans PS2, that's my setup exactly. I second the endorsement.