Do You Need Two Ethernet Cables to Hook Up Your Xbox to Live If You Have Dial-Up?

Xbox Live Performance

• The performance of Xbox Live will vary by Internet service provider and network conditions on the Internet. The faster your connection, the better the performance. When networks experience high traffic volume, connection speeds may decrease. Xbox Live recommends at least a DSL line for connection but doesn't guarantee the performance over any network. Not all Internet service providers support Xbox Live play. Dial-up and satellite Internet services aren't supported mainly because the speed is too slow for quality performance.

Connection With Dial-Up

• To connect to Xbox live using a dial-up connection, you must already have a subscription to the Internet service provider and have a computer connected to the Internet. The computer must have an Ethernet port that isn't connected to the Internet or any other device. Use one Ethernet cable to connect the output jack of the Xbox 360 to the Ethernet port on the computer. Set the computer up to see the Xbox as part of the network, and allow the Xbox to access the Internet via the computer.

Computer Settings

• Click the Windows orb on the computer, followed by "Control Panel" and "Network and Internet Connections." Open the "Network Setup Wizard" and press "Next" then "Next" on the following screen. Click "This Computer connects directly to the Internet" and press "Next." Click "Dial-up Internet" as your default and press "Next." Click "Local Area Connection," then "Next" and "Next" on the following screen. To share files with the Xbox, click "File and Printer Sharing" and "Next." Click "Next" again to apply all changes, and then reboot the computer and reestablish your Internet connection.

Xbox Settings

• On the Xbox 360 Dashboard, select the "System" section, then the "Network Settings" option, then "Test Xbox LIVE Connection." The Xbox will seek the correct connection on the Internet via your computer, but the connection will be slow and limited. You can update your console and games, access MSN messenger and get themes and game pictures. You can also download new games but it may take an hour or longer. The connection will be too slow to use the multi-player feature to play with other users online or get movies on demand.