Complete Wireless Network - probably with NTL/VMedia

[Geezer69]

You have probably all read problems like this before loads of times and I do consider myself quite PC literate, but I have never set up a wireless network before. This basically what I want/would love to have if possible.

1. I am going to use my desktop as my main PC in my house, but I want to connect my XBOX 360 also, which is downstairs and my old laptop also - which I want to use .... well..... everywhere (garden, downstairs, kitchen etc.....) I am currently subscribed to NTL, but I am moving into my new house in April and I am looking at how to set up. I have just read about V+ and love the sound of it (hiDef etc.....) so it looks like I will go with them. I think I'm right in saying that this effects which type of router I get (not ADSL), right? Anybody got any recommendations, type etc.... Would love a good connection speed and reliability.

2. I realise also that I need a wireless bridge for my XBOX 360 and laptop. But do I have to buy the official microsoft one - it seems rather expensive when I have seen routers shipping with USB bridges.

3. Finally, and this is a big ask, can anybody help with a step by step guide to setting this up. I think I have a rough idea (modem - wireless router - PC - bridges in XBOX 360 and laptop). I think!!

Any advice on any of these matters would be greatly appreciated.

[videodj]

Routers - either a linksys - something like WRT54GS, which I use with upgraded firmware DD-WRT or a netgear WPN824 (which has a good range and speeds), which I set up for a mate, which also works well, he has his Wii connected wireless and Xbox 360 wired.

I have found that with the 360 you do get some lag online sometimes. You will need the microsoft adapter as far as I'm aware because many network adapter require drivers.

Wireless is pretty simple to set up, just ensure you encrypt the network.

Connections:

Modem>Router>PC(wired)>Xbox, Laptop(Wirless).

You will need to setup from a wired connection, so your main PC, go to router homepage and set port forwards, encryption etc, takes about 15 mins.

If possible though I would recommend using a wired connection for the 360 (as I do) I have found it to be more reliable and especially when chatting over xbox live etc.

I brought my linksys router (to replace my old belkin) a couple of weeks ago from Amazon for 39.99 with free delivery.

Xbox live port is 3074

[Geezer69]

Many thanks for the info - what do you mean by "Xbox live port is 3074"

[deathtrap3000]

Originally Posted by Geezer69

Many thanks for the info - what do you mean by "Xbox live port is 3074"

I think he meant that if you came into any trouble connecting to xbox live then you should open that port on the routers firewall.

[Geezer69]

Cheers