Xbox Live

Tennisjon2002

Tennisjon2002

CAGiversary!
I have cable internet (RoadRunner) and an xbox live starter kit. The problem is my computer is on my second floor and my xbox is in my basement. I have a cable port right next t my TV. What is the best (also meaning CHEAPEST) way I can get internet hooked up doen there. I was thinking about trying to get a wireless network but I am having trouble talking my parents into buying it (cause I am too much of a cheapass to pay for it). What should I do? can I unplug my cable modem on my computer and plug it in in my basement? or will that not work? also If i get a wirless network I will need a very strong signal because it would have to go through 2 floors to reach my xbox. What should I do?
 
Best bet would be to get a wired network--but would you be able to get a wire into your basement? If not, you either need to call RR for a second modem, or get a wireless router.
 
A wireless router is your best bet. If you're gonna get one though, get one with a lot of gig power. My 2.4 router and 2.4 cordless phone would intercept rendering the other useless for small amounts of time.
 
I already have a second modem but I don't have service on it. To get service on it is like getting another RR subscription so it would be like $40 a month!!!! and my mom would never let me run an ethernet cable through my house i won't even bother asking. I am lookin at routers I was thinkin maybe the D-Link DI-624 2.4 GHz AirPlus Xtreme G Wireless Router. From what I heard it is pretty good but I will just have to wait to find a good deal on it. Is there any way to stop the interception on the phone cause I have 4 2.4 Ghz phones in my house?
 
I have RR, and you can set it up on any working cable outlet. If you have a TV already using the outlet, just ask your cable company (or go to Radio Shack) for a signal splitter. Should work fine as long as you only have one cable modem connected and powered on at a time. Since you have an extra modem, you should be able to just unplug your main modem and power up your secondary one whenever you want to play Xbox.
 
Thats what I would suggest...you pay for the service there for you can have it ANYWHERE in your house...they cant charge you for more than one connection...Well they can but they wont...thats what they used to do for TV's but they stopped because everyone just split their cable
 
Id suggest moving the modem into your room with the Xbox if you have the a cable port in there then connecting to your computers wirelessly. Its much less expensive then buying a wireless router and adapter to just hook up your xbox.
 
for what its worth, i use a Linksys Wireless - G router (2.4 GHz) and its great!! I have the router beside my computer (my PC is hard-wired to it), and I got one of those Nyko Net extenders for $99 for my XBox and PS2 to use. the signal has to travel through 3 walls and it has no probs.

But, like hutno said above, it would be cheaper to get a wireless router, then put it and your modem by your XBox in the basement, and then get a wireless PCI card for your PC (these are much cheaper than the Net extender that I got...).

Good luck!
 
Does the wireless router have to be directly hooked up to your computer? I think i saw the wireless PCI cards for $30 at office max after rebates.
Thanks everyone for your help, I can't wait to get my xbox live
 
A wireless or wired LAN is the only affordable option. Paying the cable company more per month is not a good idea.
 
[quote name='Tennisjon2002']Does the wireless router have to be directly hooked up to your computer? [/quote]

Yep, router to the computer and then adapters sending signals to the router. Any other way (if there is one) won't work as good.
 
Actually, it's cable outlet -> modem -> router -> computer or Xbox.

Also, hooking up the second modem and just unplugging the first has a good chance of not working. Chances are RoadRunner looks at the MAC address of connected modems and allows access that way. So the first modem might be the only one that works.

If you can't run any ethernet cable, then you shouldn't even be considering a regular router. The router will just allow you to hook multiple devices to one connection. You would still have to run cable from the Xbox to the router.

With wireless, you might run into a problem with signal strength since you are going from 2nd floor to basement. I doubt you'd be able to do wireless for cheap.
 
preach on brother PsyClerk. Linksys makes a wireless extender that piggybacks onto yout router to boost the signal. So you are lookin at around $200 for router. extender and xbox wireless adapter. I would get the wireless router and xbox adapter first, if that doesnt work get the extender. If that doesnt work return it all and run a wire!
 
Had the same problem recently.. Computer on top floor, PS2 and Xbox in basement. I put my modem and router in the basement (so now I can hook up another ps2 or Xbox and they will be networked) and ran ethernet cable outside, up the house, and back inside. It's a little scary drilling holes in a house, but just make sure you seal them properly when you are done with silicone or something. the 50ft of ethernet cable can be had for less than $10 on the net, and a router can be nearly free after rebates these days. All you would have to do is find someone competent enough to drill holes and run cable.

I doubt RoadRunner will let you have two cable modems for one price (because technically, you could go to your friends house and get access with that modem as it is MAC address dependent). Wireless routers are expensive and you are going a long way with one meaning a net extender (access point) is likely necessary. This all seems expensive and not guaranteed to have a flawless connection.

Of course, you could just keep bringing down the modem and hooking it up to the cable you have in your basement and then directly into your xbox, but with $20 and some balls (for drilling through an exterior wall), you can just turn on your xbox and go.
 
regarding^^^:
yeah, i had drilled holes and fished CAT5 ethernet cables though walls and under my house (my wife got tired of the cable running down the hall!) before i got my wireless setup; it was a bit of a pain in the ass, but it only took an hour or so and was definitely worth it.

BTW, i have experience in home renovations, so running and fishing cables and knowing where to drill the holes without shaq-fuing something up was a bit more intuitive for me than it might be for you. you might want to get some help if you go that route, especially since you live with the 'rents!

good luck!

EDIT: whoa! post 200! whoo-hoo!
 
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