Multiple Router Home Question

Gafoto

I recently acquired an XBox 360 and since it is located a million miles from everything, I need a way to hook it up to the interbutts. The wireless router I have is in an office that has 0 space and has to stay where it is since it feeds two desktops with no wireless capabilities.

The question I have is, since the 360 can be close to phone lines, can I simply setup another router or DSL modem and run the beast off of that? I'm assuming that the 360 and the computers won't be networked but that isn't really a problem. I won't have any problems with internet service will I? Basically I don't feel like paying the shitload of money that Microsoft wants for a Xbox dongle. If this seems like it's a dumb question it's coming from a dumb person in terms of networking, so be gentle.

Aridhol

you could do another router, running a cable from the current on to wherever the xbox will be but if you're doing that why not just run a cable direct to the XBOX . I'm almost positive that another DSL modem will get you another monthly charge for DSL, which as you can imagine is not cheaper than the dongle.

Locust76

How far, exactly, is "a million miles from everything?"

Cat5 Ethernet cable can go up to 100 meters and it can be had for cheap. Could you theoretically run an Ethernet cable from your office to your Xbox? (if you have carpet, its relatively easy to pull it up and lay the cable underneath the carpet along the walls)

Getting another DSL modem will require you to get another DSL line, which would cost more than any dongle ever will.

Connecting another router will end in tears, because you will be essentially creating a second network and a second layer of NAT* which will more than likely cause fuckuppery of epic proportions. Additionally, you might want to consider having everything on the same network because game consoles like the Xbox or PS3 can stream media from PCs (something that won't work if they're on separate networks/behind other routers).

If you run a hard cable, you will also open yourself up to a myriad of other possibilities. You could theoretically get a wireless access point and stick it on the end of that cable and have strong wireless in your living room, or you could stick a switch on there and have 4-8 free network ports for any future internet-enabled devices like an Apple TV or internet-enabled Blu-Ray player.

*Network Address Translation is the process where your router "shares" a single internet connection amongst multiple devices by intercepting outbound packets and altering them, making it seem as if they're originating from the router and not some device connected to the router. One layer of NAT is bad enough to manage, but adding another one would be nightmarish, especially if you don't have networking experience.

Gafoto

I technically could run a cable, but there's nothing to run it under so it would be in the way pretty badly. I can guarantee people would trip over that thing constantly and it would look pretty terrible. Looks like I may have to spring for the dongle.

Tomanta

There are devices like this that use existing electrical outlets to expand an Ethernet network.

I cannot vouch for their quality and since I haven't looked at them much I remain skeptical about how good they would be if you were trying to do gaming, but you could do your research on them.

tsmvengy

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2007/10/02/how-to-cheap-wireless-for-your-xbox-360/

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168891

Another DSL modem isn't really an option. You're looking at $60+ or running cable from the office to the area you want the 360 in.

Six

Just spend $30 or $40 on a wireless bridge. You don't need to buy the MS adapter if you dont want to.

Kate of Lokys

1. Buy a basic, solid little Linksys wireless router for $30-40.
2. Flash the new router and your old one with DD-WRT.
3. Set up the new router as a wireless repeater, and put it right beside your 360.
4. Plug your 360 into the new router with a standard $1 ethernet cable.
5. Enjoy the freedom of having a nice strong wireless signal in the distant room, while also being able to hook up any other devices that might need internet access in that room (other consoles, DVRs, etc).
6. ???
7. Profit!