Router help

[Pashapup]

So, I'm looking to buy a wireless router so I can have LIVE finally. Whats the most inexpensive one that's compatible with Xbox 360? Do I need the Xbox Wireless Adapter too? I'm hoping both together cost less than $100.

[rashberry]

Although you don't have to, looking for a router that has been tested with Xbox Live is a good start. See this Microsoft webpage: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/944293?sd=xbox

You can connect your Xbox to your router via a network cable, or if it's further away and the cable won't reach, you'll want the wireless adapter. I'd use a cable if you can, it'll save you money and be easier to setup.

Rashberry

[Pashapup]

Thanks, and I think I have another question.

I tried a long time ago getting connection by connecting the Xbox to the home computer's router, but had issues with the IP address. I looked up solutions for it, tried them, and nothing worked. A friend brought over a laptop with wireless router, and when I plugged it to that, it work perfectly.

Do you know anything about IP addresses, and why it wouldn't work on the home computer but worked fine on the laptop?

[FeralKitty]

Routers usually give out temporary IP addresses to devices that are connected to them. (It's called DHCP.) Probably what happened is that your friend's wireless router was setup to give out IP addresses, and your home router wasn't. When your Xbox was plugged in to your home router, it couldn't obtain an IP address, so it couldn't connect to Xbox Live.

You probably don't need to get a second router. Just check your router's settings and make sure dynamic host addresses is enabled. If you're not sure how to do that, try googling your router's model number for specific instructions for that router.

Alternately, you could setup your Xbox to use a static IP address. Make sure that the network matches your home network, and the host address is not used by other devices. DHCP is much simpler to use, so definitely try that way first.