Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

I have 600k broadband with ntl and the x box live service. My younger son now wants his own xbox connected to live and I wonder of anyone can tell me if its possible to have 2 xboxes connected to Live at the same time and what I need to do this.
Please could you make it as simple as possible as I'm not very good with the technical stuff!
Regards
jenny

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

Maybe this topic will help > http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=11172 :)

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

:welcome: to the site Jenny41. :)

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

With 600k bb you have a 128k return path to NTL and XBL. Both XBoxs will be fighting for this capacity.

With 1Mb you have a 256Kb return path doubling this. So retaining the current bandwidth per XBL. This will cost an extra £13 a month though.

Connecting them both through a router should be a simple affair though, you have not explained how you are currenly connected and how you intend to connect both, as I assume they are in different parts of the house.

Do you have the NTL XBL package. This will not support a PC and two XBLs.

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

ooooh, now thats something different, why not?

Its supposed to support a 3 PC's so shy not the above?
Whats the difference?

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

I meant the gaming package £5 a month where they least you a second IP. 1 PC and two X boxes need 3 IPs if connected through a hub.

The OPs solution needs ICS on the PC or a router. The router is the most sensible route to take every time. More future proof, less electricity, quieter and more reliable.

The number of items connected the other side of the router was not the point i was making. At the mo we don't know how the OP connects the one XBox and PC, maybe through the gaming package.

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

I use my PC and both Xboxes on the 600k service, active hub connected to the Ntl cable modem, swapping out the PC lead and 1 of the Xboxes when necessary (so 2 devices are always online). I pay the extra £5 a month. Everything works fine, although can only host up to about 6 players on R6 and can't play Topspin at all - far too laggy.

Got some Qs for you connection experts:
- do I actually need to be paying the extra £5?
- I have a Linksys wireless router and access point. I suppose I should be using them but am scared I'm going to knock out the connection somehow and be left with nothing working! Any advice?
- am I doing something wrong that, if corrected, will reduce my lag problems with games like Top Spin?

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

Game wise I can't give much advice, but with the 128k downstream, 6 players is pretty good. Topspin may need to send more, and as such have problems, but it could be a ntl network issue.

The linksys. Go for it. Switch of the SACM and the PC and the Xbox. Plug the SACM into the Linksys, the Linksys into everything else, switch on the Modem, Wait a couple of mins until the lights settle (to the ones you see on at the mo), turn on the Linksys, wait until the power light stops blinking, turn on everything else and your done.

You can then cancel the £5 a month as you only present 1IP addy to the NTL network.

Then look for stuartbe thread on securing wirless networks.

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

Hi
Thanks for all the replies. I do have the £5 xbox live package with ntl. At the mo the pc is connected to the cable modem by usb and the x box is connected by the ethernet cable. I presume I need a router bur which one? I am still not sure if its all going to work would the xboxes be able to play the same game at the same time? I would be prepared not to have pc on when both xboxes are on. What does everyone think should I go for it?
Can you recommend what router I would need?
Thanks
Jenny

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

Definitely agree with SMH! Set up the Linksys, then get rid of the NTL XBox service. Better connection / set-up, plus less money.

TopSpin - I think this may be due to the game. I've got the normal 1meg service from NTL, & even with that it can be quite laggy sometimes when playing TopSpin when the PC is also on (whereas other games are fine).

Stu's "secure your wireless network" thread: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ecure+wireless

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

The Linksys BEFSR41 is a good & easy to set-up router, & also very cheap.

e.g. BEFSR41 at Amazon.co.uk - £32.74

If you get a router, you'd need to get a network card for your PC (unless it already has one), as it connects to the PC via ethernet not USB.

You should be able to use both XBoxes online with a router. But, if you really wanted to use two XBoxes at the same time, it would probably be best if you had the 1meg service rather than the 600k service, as the 1meg has a higher upload speed.

If you get a router, you'll no longer need the £5/month (soon to be £2/month apparently) NTL XBox service at all.

Also, have a look (if you haven't already) at this link Neil posted earlier in this thread: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=11172

Re: Connecting 2 x boxes to Live at same time
 

Or, you could get ADSL & then both Xbox's would have the same upload as 1 Xbox on NTL... :D
(my next plan)..