Hobbies And Interests
Satellite
For many homes, especially in rural areas, a DSL line is simply not an option. This is usually because the hardware required for DSL is not available in these areas. Satellite is often used as an alternative to cable in remote and rural homes, and many companies now offer satellite Internet. This technology allows users to hook up a modem (much like a standard cable or DSL modem) to a satellite receiver. This receiver picks up broadband-speed Internet from a satellite anywhere there is a clear view of the northern sky. From there, simply plug the Xbox into the modem via standard Ethernet cable.
Cable
If no DSL line can be run to your home, cable is a popular second option. Many cable companies now also double for their customers as Internet service providers. Cable Internet works through the same hardware as cable television, delivering high-speed Internet through the cable line to a receiver with an Ethernet connection that either connects to devices directly or connects to a modem. Once Internet has been added to the cable service, simply connect the provided modem to the Xbox with an Ethernet cable or (if your service includes a wireless router) connect the Xbox by purchasing and installing the Xbox wireless Internet receiver.
Cellular
Smart phones are getting to be more like multimedia devices and portable computers. As a result, many cellular phone service providers now have added extensive Internet services to their arsenal, including cellular Internet receivers (e.g., the Sprint Overdrive Mobile Hotspot) that act as wireless transmitters of cellular Internet. These devices are useful anywhere there is cellular phone reception, and can provide high-speed Internet to multiple devices. These devices usually require a contract with the cellular service provider, and usually do not include wire inputs for Ethernet cables. This means an Xbox must be fitted with the wireless receiver in order to use cellular Internet.