Cheaper Wireless Networking for Xbox360

I was looking to add wireless networking to my Xbox360, but really didn’t want to spend the $100 for it. I happened to have a Wireless G Access Point around that wasn’t being used, so I looked into whether I could use it to deliver a wired connection from a wireless router. I found that you could do it with no problem. I was using a Linksys WRT54G Wireless router already, I just wanted to get that signal downstairs to the Xbox.

I know for this particular setup you need Linksys devices on both ends, I would assume it is the same for any other manufacturer that supports a similar setup. I have not looked into whether you could use two wireless routers to accomplish the same thing, but if you could, I see those are going for only $49 today.

The whole things was pretty simple. First thing you need to do is set the Access Point to Wireless Bridge Mode. Then enter the MAC address for your router that is connected to the internet. The Router and Access Point need to be set to the same channel, and if you have WEP or WAP turned on for your Router, just enter them into the Access Point the same way. Nothing more to working with security than that. DHCP has to be turned on in your router, but I would assume most people have that turned on anyway. Finally, there are requirements on firmware levels of the devices, below is what I used as a guideline.

All you do now is connect your Xbox360 ethernet port to the Access Point port and you have your network connection. With an Access Point going for $79, you can save an easy $20 over the Microsoft accessory. I have been using it this way for a couple months, and the speed and stability are great. Gears of War matches have been running non-stop ever since.