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How to Bridge a Connection to Make Xbox Wireless

The Xbox 360 can connect to its online gaming service, Xbox LIVE, in a number of ways, including wired or wirelessly. Many gamers think they have to resort to purchasing a separate adapter to connect wirelessly. However, this is not the case. Users can instead use a Windows-based PC and share its Internet connection with the Xbox 360 through a process called bridging. This method can save the gamer money if they already have a computer, preventing them from buying an expensive adapter. Bridging an Internet connection works best with a laptop due to their portability.

Things You'll Need

Ethernet cable
Windows-based PC (XP or higher)
Wireless card for your PC

Instructions

- 1
  Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your Xbox 360. Plug the other end into your PC's Ethernet port.
- 2
  Turn on both devices. Wait for the PC to send a message notifying you that it recognizes a connection between it and the Xbox 360. The message will appear in the Taskbar.
- 3
  Connect your PC to the wireless network, if necessary.
- 4
  Right-click the LAN icon in the Taskbar. The LAN icon resembles a miniature monitor. A menu will appear with varying options, depending on your operating system. If you don't see the LAN icon, click the double-arrow button in the Taskbar to view more icons.
- 5
  XP: Click "Network Connections." Vista: Click "Network and Sharing Center." After a new window appears, choose "Manage network connections. Windows 7: Click "Network and Sharing Center." After a new window appears, choose "View Network Connections."
- 6
  Single-click both the "Local Area Network" connection and "Wireless Internet Connection" while holding down the CTRL key. Both connections will be selected after you release the CTRL key. Release the CTRL key.
- 7
  Bridge the two networks by right-clicking either network, and choosing "Bridge Connections."

Xbox 360