OT: Any computer network guru's on here?

[ddonaca351]

So I want to buy one device, to be able to hardwire my office computer to my cable internet conn (function as a cable modem), and talk wireless to my xbox360 (function as a wireless modem). And since thats multiple devices, I guess that makes it a router...

I found a "Linksys WCG200" that looks like it might be the right animal, but Im not 100% sure...

Since I so love the inteligent help you get at most computer type stores, I figured I ask you guys first, and save myself a headache.

Am I on the right track?

Any good brand/model to look for?

Or perhaps equally important, any bad one to stay away from?

Thanks for the help,
Dave-
(the semi-computer literate maint tech.)

 

[Repostyle]

That's what I have, and I have mine setup just like you want, except for I have an original XBOX so I had to get a seperate wireless receiver for it. My brother got the same thing and it works for his 360. the WCG200 is all the hardware you need.

 

[Repostyle]

Oh yeah, and if you decide to encrypt it use 128 not 256bit, 128 is all you need, 256 will slow down your XBOX connection.

 

[Quickshift_02GT]

Your also going to need either a wireless extender for the XBox360, or purchase the rip-off Microsoft 360 Wireless Adapter that plugs in the back.

If you choose to go your own route and buy a Wireless Extender (MUCH cheaper, MS version is $100) you won't be able to use the network security options. WEP security isn't an option with the XBox 360 unless your using the MS version for some odd reason. In order to use my XBox360 on LIVE or to connect it to my network, I have to leave it wide open for everyone else to access.


...unless someone else knows how to get it going. Because it will NOT work with the combination I'm running.

 

[lamrith]

So is that unit a cable modem and a router all in one?? I think that with waht ddonaca351 is looking for...

 

[codemonkey]

I guess since I am a former net administrator, I better post in this one. Not so sure about the BEFW11S4, but I have heard a lot of horror stories about the combo router/gateways. Sometimes you really can pack too much technology into one device, and I know some ISPs (comcast, sorry technick) have difficulties using anything other than their specified modem.

I have a Linksys BEFW11S4 wireless router, cost me about 40 bucks,

The way I have mine wired up:

Sorry for the crude network diagram there.

But just put a wire straight from your comcast modem to the linksys, then you can either configure your wireless connections, or use a network cable through one of the five ports in the back.

You should be able to run everything you want just fine, and the setup is very minimal. Make sure and lock it down with a password, and change the admin password of the router.

And repostyle is absolutely right about the encryption, 128 is more than enough and anything more will create unnessesary overhead on the xbox and the router. Who cares if someone sniffs your gaming packets anyway?

Good luck and if you need help, post here, it looks like we have enough brains between all of us to get it up and running.

 

[ddonaca351]

Hey thanks for the help guys....

muuuuch easier than letting myself get all pissed off by some comusa/goodguys/whatever sales idiot.

Time to go e-bay surfing...

Dave-


(when I get on xbox live, I'll probably pester ya with more dumb ??? )
:SNSign:


EDIT : oh yeah, just fyi... Comcast said they would come do the whole thing for me, but they wanted (get this) 150 for the unit PLUS 5 bucks a month forever.... no-thanks.

 

[TurboSnake95]

FWIW: I too am in the same situation. I went out to buy the XBOX 360 piece and was told it was crap, when I went looking for a router, I was told by a few people that I need to get a certain kind, due to the fact that my Computer and Comcast cable is in the back of the house, and my XBOX 360 is located at the fron of the house next to the 60" HDTV (approx distance of 60-70 ft). I was told that I needed a certain power rating of wireless router in order for my XBOX 360 not to be slugish when in operation. and these routers were priced in the $250+ price range. So I decided against it.

Will

 

[BadTony]

if you are to buy an "all in one" device that acts as a cable modem /router/firewall & wireless access point, the best thing to do first is call your ISP/cable modem provider and ask them what models of devices do they support? It's possible that they will send you an upgraded device that does it all and they will help you get all connected up.

 

[Repostyle]

the best thing to do first is call your ISP/cable modem provider and ask them what models of devices do they support? .

This is how I decided on mine.

It's possible that they will send you an upgraded device that does it all and they will help you get all connected up.

Looks like he already covered that.

EDIT : oh yeah, just fyi... Comcast said they would come do the whole thing for me, but they wanted (get this) 150 for the unit PLUS 5 bucks a month forever.... no-thanks.

If you get the right tech on the phone, you can probably tell them what you want and they can tell you exactly which system to go with. Don't rent, buy, don't have them install, it's pretty much plug it in, install the software that comes with it and your good to go. The hardest thing about installing new hardware is finding a place for the box until you take the garbage out next.

 

[ddonaca351]

I got a WCG200 on the way... (coming from east coast) it was like $105 with s/h. I'll be saving almost $50 on the unit (over comcast) plus $5 a month for life.

Should be pretty easy, (i hope) the hardware Im not worried about. Me and hardware are like this (holds up crossed fingers), it's the software stuff that I have a hard time with. Hope the install disk is easy to use...

Thanks again guys,
Dave-