Continue from Part 1

The Wireless Network Adapter includes two tabs that fit perfectly into the two slots on the back of the Xbox 360. Once connected, plug the Wireless
Network Adapter’s cable into the USB port on the back of the Xbox 360 and swivel the antenna so it points straight up.

After connecting the Wireless Network Adapter, power on the Xbox 360 and use the D-pad to select the System tab. Select Network Settings followed by Edit Settings. If you haven’t configured any security options on your wireless router, your Xbox 360 may automatically connect to your network. Press B to return to the previous menu.

To configure your wireless settings, select Wireless Mode. In most cases, your router will broadcast its SSID and you’ll see your network listed. Select your network from the list. If your network doesn’t appear, select Specify An Unlisted Network and provide the proper SSID. Next, select the security method you use. Options include WPA2, WPA Passphrase, 128-bit WEP, 64-bit WEP, and No Security. Enter the key or passphrase from your wireless router. When finished, the Xbox 360 should connect to your wireless network. Select Test Network Connection in the System tab of your Xbox 360.

Once you’ve finished configuring your network, press B to return to the Network Settings screen and select Test Xbox Live Connection. If you’ve configured a PC to share media with your Xbox, select Test Media Connection. If you fail a test, select More Info to find out what you need to do to solve the problem.

If you’re connecting to another Xbox 360, connect a Wireless Network Adapter to both Xbox 360s. Select the System tab in the Xbox 360 Dashboard and select Edit Network. Enter the same wireless network settings for both units.

In most cases, it’s relatively easy to connect to a wireless network, but when you do have problems, it’s not always easy to track them down. If you’re having trouble connecting to your wireless network, start by making sure there’s not a physical problem. Check the LED on the Wireless Network Adapter. If the LED isn’t on, the Wireless Network Adapter isn’t getting any power. Make sure you’ve plugged the Wireless Network Adapter into the USB port.

A flashing red LED indicates a hardware problem. Try unplugging the Wireless Network Adapter and plugging it back into the USB port. If this doesn’t clear up the problem, your Wireless Network Adapter may have a problem.

A red LED indicates that the Wireless Network Adapter is functioning properly, but not connected to a wireless network. Start by checking the Xbox 360’s wireless settings and ensuring that they match the settings on your wireless router. If you still have problems, try temporarily disabling your wireless network’s security settings and seeing if you can connect. If you can connect without security enabled, try using a different security option and see if it helps.

Although radio signals can pass through walls, structures do weaken the signal. Microsoft recommends not having more than two floors and/or two walls between your wireless router and your Xbox 360. Wireless networks typically have a range of about 300-feet. If you have too many structures or too much distance between your wireless router and your Xbox 360, try moving one of them.

If you’re having performance issues, make sure you don’t have any devices that are interfering with your wireless connection. Keep cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other devices as far away from your router and Xbox 360 as possible. Ideally, turn off any competing devices. If you’re trying to stream audio or video from a desktop PC using 802.11g, make sure no 802.11b devices are connected and slowing down the network.

Once you have everything configured properly, you’ll enjoy the freedom of wireless networking. Not only do you not need to run an Ethernet cable across the floor, but you can easily move your Xbox 360 from one room to another while staying online.