Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Does anybody know how to do this? There's no information on the NTL Website on how to do it? Thanks in advance

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

hi and :welcome: to the site , ring c.s. up and they will sort you out :)

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Ring CS up? :( Is there any other way? ;)

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

:welcome:

You can upgrade by phoning Customer Services on 0800 052 2000.

I think you can also upgrade online, via the ntlworld.com homepage.


But....

In case you didn't know, it isn't actually necessary to subscribe to the special XBox package to be able to use XBox Live.

[well...it is technically against the Terms & Conditions to use XBoxLive via ntl without paying them their extra subscription.....but it depends on how you read the Terms, & besides, they won't be able to find out if you use XBL without the ntl XBox service...see this post for my opinion on this: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...841#post215841 ]

All the ntl XBox service gives you is 2 IP addresses (1 for your PC, & 1 for your XBox).

Instead of using the ntl XBox service, you can:

1) Use a direct connection, & simply swap leads from PC to XBox (or vice versa), remembering to power cycle the modem each time. See here: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=715

2) Use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). This will let you use the PC & XBox online at the same time, although it requires the PC to be turned on to use the XBox online. See here: http://www.xbox.com/en-gb/live/start...pc/default.htm

3) Use a router. This is IMO the best option. The modem plugs into the router's "WAN Port" & the PC(s) & XBox plug into the router's "LAN Ports". The router shares the connection, enabling you to use more than one thing online at the same time. You can get a very good (& cheap) router from Amazon & other places: The Linksys BEFSR41 - it costs just over 30 quid, & is well worth it. See here: http://www.xbox.com/en-gb/live/start...er/default.htm


If you subscribe to the 2 IP service, you will be, in my opinion, wasting your money. I believe there is also a set-up fee too, which makes it even more of a rip-off.


I have been using XBox Live via my ntl broadband connection since the "Test Drive" started in December 2002 - and I have only ever used a router to connect my XBox, never the extra ntl broadband & console service. Most people I know on XBoxLive with ntl use either a router, or ICS, or a direct connection - not the ntl console service.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

I'm actually aiming for a Wireless connection, the XBox is upstairs and I don't want to lug it downstairs every time I want to go on Live, which is the best Wireless connection hardware? Also, what is the method to connect it to the XBox and get on Live?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

If you want to take your XBox wireless, then you definitely don't want to waste money on the ntl console service, as you'll have to get a router anyway (wireless router).

You will need a wireless router to connect to the modem & share the connection, & a wireless ethernet bridge to connect to the XBox & make the XBox "wireless".

A wireless router is basically a normal NAT router (with built in 4 port switch for any wired devices), *plus* a built-in wireless access point (WAP).

examples of good (IMO) wireless routers:

Linksys BEFW11S4 - wireless B router

Linksys WRT54G - wireless G router


wireless bridges:

Linksys WET11 - wireless B bridge

Linksys WET54G - wireless G bridge

or

Linksys WGA11B - wireless B "Gaming Adapter"

Linksys WGA54G - wireless G "Gaming Adapter"


Useful thread on XBox wireless gaming: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=1342

Useful thread on wireless networking in general: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=16296

Wireless security: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/kb/78/ho...reless-network

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Would I have to have the Wireless connected to the PC? Or can I have it directly connected to the Broadband connection?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

You don't have to have everything wirelessly connected, only what you want to be wirelessly connected.

e.g.

Modem is wired to the wireless router (modem's ethernet port > router's "WAN" port)

Main PC is wired to the router (PC's ethernet port to one of the router's "LAN" ports)

XBox is connected wirelessly (XBox>wireless bridge>................>wireless router)

Other PCs (if any) can be wired to the router, or can also be wireless if they have a wireless adapter.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

So basically, I plug the Broadband modem into the Router, and plug the Router into the PC?

EDIT// Would I need a B router to go with a B Bridge? Or can I cross them?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Basically thats right, your desktop PC would remain wired (best to stay wired if you can).

You would not need a b router and b bridge, b is slower than g at 11mbps vs 54mbps, both are fast enough for xbl gaming as you are only looking at 128k upload and 700k download.

I would recommend getting the router as a g product, this will future proof it and if you add other hardware this can contact at full g speed. The XBL part can be b and will happily talk to it.

b and g are compatible.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

This looks like a candidate fot Post of the Month for September.Hint hint.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Yep.

It is very easy to set-up a router, even if you don't have a great deal of networking knowledge (& if you have problems, that's what we're here for ;) :) ). The Linksys routers in particular are very easy to set-up & use, & come with a set-up CD with a "wizard".

As SMHarman, you can mix G & B devices. I'd also second his recommendation for a G router.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

So http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...570901-1376669 This and

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...570901-1376669

I would plug the bridge into the XBox and the Router into the PC?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Yes you would. :tu:

As Matt says, it's v easy to do these days-even with limited networking knowledge. :)

[Edit]-I would suggest an 802.11G bridge, rather than the 802.11B one that you mentioned.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...343596-9747848

HTH.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Hey guys
I`ve just read through this and am quite excited. I have a couple of questions though. I`s there a specific preference to linksys (i have netgear stuff) and only the 300kb service. Would this pose any problems?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

No problems at all.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

No real preferences, just user choice, I use linksys and recommend it, I can also help trouble shoot it better as a result. Others use netgear...

The 300k service only has a 64k upstream, this should be ok for playing in a game, but will not be adequate for hosting games.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Cool, thanks guys. Best i go get a bridge then.

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Just wondering, when I sign up for XBox live, I'm 16 and have my own debit card (Visa Electron) Would I be able to sign up under my own name? Or do I have to use the name of somebody who is over 18?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Sorry, got another question, since I can't edit my message, how many cables do I need? Do I just need 3? One to connect the Xbox to the Bridge, one to connect the Router to the PC and one to connect the modem to the Router. Am I right?

Re: Upgrading from 300K to 750K + XBox Live
 

Yes, but check the boxes... You may well find the bridge comes with a short patch lead. The linksys routers all come with a short 50cm lead so out of the box you can use the NTL cable and plug it into the router, the supplied lead and connect to the PC. They may well include a similar 50cm lead in the bridge kit. So you need to buy no leads as you will have 3.