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How to Use an Old Wireless Router to Connect an XBox 360 to a Wireless Network

The Xbox 360 has the capability to connect to a wireless Internet connection to play against remote users, download game extras and get software updates. No matter how old your wireless router is, as long as it still sends a wireless signal, the Xbox can connect to it. All you need is broadband (cable or DSL) Internet service available in your home and a plug-in Xbox 360 wireless adapter to use an old router to connect to the Internet.

Things You'll Need

Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter

Instructions

Connecting the Router
- 1
  Connect the router to your broadband modem, if it isn't connected already. Check to see if you have all your necessary cords since it is an old wireless router; all you need is a power adapter and ethernet cable.
- 2
  Unplug the ethernet cable from your computer that is running to the broadband modem. Plug the cable into the input ethernet slot on the cable.
- 3
  Plug in the other ethernet cable into the output slot on the router and then plug the other end into the computer.
- 4
  Connect the power adapter to the back of the router and then plug it into an electrical outlook. Look at the lights on the front of the router. All of them should be a solid green. If they are not, check your cables or restart the router (by removing the power adapter and reconnecting it).
Connect the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter
- 5
  Put the installation disc that came with the adapter in the Xbox 360 disc tray. Turn the system off and on and wait for the disc to update the software. Choose "Yes, update now" when prompted. Remove the disc when it is finished and power down the console.
- 6
  Turn the console around so that it is facing you. You will see two slots located on either side of the serial number. Insert the plastic tabs on the back of the adapter into the slots.
- 7
  Stick the USB cable connected to the adapter into the USB port on the back of the console, right below where the adapter is now connected.
- 8
  Pull up the antennae on the adapter so that it can better pick up the wireless signal from your router.
- 9
  Turn on the console and wait for it to completely boot up. Configure the Xbox wireless settings. Go to "My Xbox > System Settings > Network Settings > Configure Network." Go to the "Basic Settings" tab and choose "Wireless Mode." Choose "Scan for Networks" and wait for the Xbox adapter to pick up your wireless connection. Select your wireless connection and then enter in the security key (wireless connection password) to gain access to the connection. Select "Done" when finished. Press the "B" button on the controller to finish establishing the connection.

Xbox 360