Description of the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter

The article describes the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter.

Overview

You can use the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter to connect your Xbox 360 console to a wireless network.

Note The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter works exclusively with the Xbox 360 console. You can use the wireless adapter to connect to Xbox LIVE, connect to a Microsoft Windows-based computer, or create a system link match.

Supported wireless standards

The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter supports the following wireless standards:

• 802.11b: This standard has a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency that allows up to an 11 megabits per second (Mbps) throughput.
• 802.11g: This standard has a 2.4GHz frequency that allows up to a 54 Mbps throughput.
• 802.11a: This standard has a 5.0GHz frequency that allows up to a 54 Mbps throughput.

The 802.11g and 802.11a standards allow for the highest throughput. The 802.11a standard is also less affected by interference from other wireless sources. Many other devices, such as wireless phones and microwaves, use the 2.4 GHz frequency. These devices frequently reduce the quality of the wireless connection.

Because the 802.11a standard is less affected by interference, we recommend that you use this standard if you want to stream audio or video from a Windows-based computer to your Xbox 360 console. You can also use the 802.11g standard. However, other wireless devices may interfere with the video quality.

Connect an Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter to your Xbox 360 console

To connect your Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter to your Xbox 360 console, insert the adapter in the USB port on the back of the console.

LED status

Use the following list to determine the status of your Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter by viewing the multicolor LED:

• Black (no light): The adapter is not connected to your console correctly, or your Xbox 360 console is not turned on.
• Green: The adapter is connected to your console correctly and the adapter is connected to a wireless network.
• Red: The adapter is connected to your console correctly, but the adapter is not connected to a wireless network.
• Flashing red: A flashing red light indicates a possible failure of the adapter.

How to use the antenna

You can position the antenna to help achieve the best wireless signal strength. Because the sides of the antenna radiate signals more than the top of the antenna, you should position the antenna on the same level as the wireless router. For example, if the wireless access point or router is located on the same floor as your Xbox 360 console, position the antenna upright to allow for maximum signal strength.

Note You can only move the antenna in one direction. The antenna was not designed to be twisted from side to side. This type of movement can damage the adapter.

Network modes

The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter supports Ad Hoc network and Infrastructure network modes. Ad Hoc networks let you connect two devices directly to each other. With Ad Hoc network mode, you can participate in system link play between multiple Xbox consoles.

Infrastructure networks let you connect multiple devices together through an access point or router. Typically, you use infrastructure networks to connect an Xbox 360 console to a network.