Subscribe by EmailHOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360
October 2, 2007 by Geeks are Sexy | 184 comments
This project will help you change a cheap wireless router into a wireless receiver for your Xbox 360. The total cost of this project can be as low as twenty or thirty dollars, compared to the one hundred dollars Microsoft wants for their little wireless dongle.
Also, please note that if you are NOT a technical person, you are better off getting Microsoft’s official wireless adapter. The cheapest place where you can get it is at Amazon.com, right here, and with the recent release of the N adapter, the price has dropped even further!
* This tutorial assumes you already have a wireless router to send out wireless access to the Xbox 360.
Parts Needed:
- Xbox 360, any version
- Three Feet or more of Cat 5e Cable (Ethernet Cable)
- Wireless Router
- DD-WRT firmware
With the Nintendo Wii and the PlayStation 3 having built in wireless access, it has always been shameful to tell others I know that the Xbox 360 doesn’t have the same feature. If the inexpensive Nintendo Wii can have it built in, why can’t the Xbox 360?
Well with a change of the firmware on a vast variety of wireless routers, we can enable a feature that much more expensive wireless routers have by default: becoming a wireless receiver.
Before we begin, an explanation of the DD-WRT firmware is needed.
From the DD-WRT Wiki:
DD-WRT is a third party developed firmware released under the terms of the GPL for many 802.11g wireless routers based on a Broadcom chip reference design.
In the most basic of terms, DD-WRT replaces the router’s administration software, and allows access to a variety of different advanced features.
Purchasing the Proper Wireless Router
So first we will need to acquire a wireless router that allows use of this software. You can pick one up from eBay for around twenty or thirty dollars. Even better, you can purchase routers that already have the DD-WRT firmware installed, so if you are not into going the more advanced route, it is all set for you. These routers sometimes cost a little more as they sometimes come with a 1GB SD memory card inside, allowing you to use the router almost like a mini-server. That is overkill for what we need, but if you check out the router compatibility list for DD-WRT, you can surely find a router that will suit your needs.
Please note that the WRT54G, which is one of the cheapest and most famous linksys router around, works perfectly for this and can usually be found on Amazon.com for around $45 (or even less in the “used products” section).
I suggest purchasing a router of the same brand you are already using to send out your Internet signal, but if that isn’t possible, you might come across issues in getting the two wireless routers to talk to each other later on. I have used a variety of different brands and have yet to have any issues.
Installing DD-WRT
Once you have the router, we can begin the next step. Download DD-WRT from their website. Make sure you are using the right version for your wireless router, as stated in the DD-WRT version required list on the supported devices page.
The next step can look incredibly complicated and confusing, but if you spend a little bit of time reading the DD-WRT wiki, they have organized the information rather well.
A word of warning though. If you have never updated the firmware on a device before, you may not want to proceed with this project. Incorrect flashing procedure can cause your newly purchased router to no longer function.
I won’t go over all the installation instructions here, as it can be quite different depending on which router you have purchased. Check out the installation instructions on the DD-WRT wiki. They also give you tips on what you can do if the installation goes wrong.
Thankfully, the installation is usually quite easy, as most wireless routers have a system built in for upgrading the firmware, and this system can be used to install DD-WRT.
Setting the Router as a Receiver
Using your Ethernet cable, connect your computer to the router that is using the DD-WRT software. Browse to 192.168.1.1 using a web browser. It will ask for a user name and password. The user name will be root and the password will be admin. If you are using an older version of the DD-WRT software, you may not need to enter a user name.
Once you are in the DD-WRT administration panel, you will be able to change settings. What we need to do is change the router into what is known as client mode wireless. This will allow the router to receive Internet signal from whatever other wireless router you are using and share it out through the Ethernet ports on the back.
Again, this can be quite a lengthy list of instructions, and is totally dependent on your current network configuration, but the DD-WRT wiki to the rescue again, with a great list of tips, tricks, and numbered instructions on how to get it all to work.
The basic idea though is to get the DD-WRT router to get an IP address from your other wireless router connected to the Internet and then bridge that connection over to the devices we want to connect to the Internet.
Once you have gone through all the steps, your computer should be able to get Internet from the DD-WRT router. If you have not been able to get Internet access, DD-WRT has a great forum filled with knowledgeable people that are willing to help you out.
Connecting to the Xbox 360
If you have access to the Internet on your computer, then it is time to plug the connection into your Xbox 360. Move the DD-WRT router next to your Xbox 360, connect the Ethernet cable from the router to your Xbox 360’s Ethernet port.
Turn on your Xbox 360, and it should receive a connection. If you have made it to this stage then pat yourself on the back. You now have hopefully saved yourself enough to buy a few games from the Xbox 360 Marketplace, and have the ability to connect to the service and download them.
This same trick can be used to enable other devices to have a wireless connection, including a second computer somewhere in the house that you can’t easily put a wire to. I know this post will require a fair bit of reading on your part, but once it is complete, it is a great feeling. I spent less than forty dollars on the project, a savings of around sixty dollars plus tax, which I was then able to put into getting Zuma and a few other games for myself and the wife.
But as we said before, if tinkering and modding isn’t your thing, Microsoft’s official wireless adapter can now be had for around $67 on Amazon.com.
David Peralty, a full time problogger for the last two years, writes about making money online to fund his geek living over on eXtra for Every Publisher.
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are you serious?? who is so broke they cant just go buy a wireless adapter… come on people dont be so cheap… and you can basically get the adapter for around $75 now!
especially someone who has a fackin 360. i can afford a $400 video game but not a $100 wireless adap? woe is me!
A lot of people would rather not waste the money on a 360 only wireless router……
I personally like this because i have spare routers lying around, and never though getting one for my 360 was more important than buying the games themselves.
Oh plus a lot of the people that can afford a 360 and then only a game every so often- getting the 360 by saving money.
You gotta be KIDDING me! 100 bucks for a wireless adapter is flipping ROBBERY! I paid more than 3000 dollars to put my G.D. COMPUTER together and there is no WAY I would spend 100 bucks for a wireless network adapter.
I used a 19 dollar CompUSA wireless router, followed the procedure, and it works beautifully. I get my full G throughput and can even see the XBOX as a network device on my home network.
Jeez. 100 bucks. Why? So you can have one the same stinking color as your 360? Oh yeah, THAT’S worth 80 dollars.
Idiot.
how can i get my wireless g adapter to work with my x 360
I’d have to say I’m with chrisl on this one. it’s not that it’s out of my budget, it’s just that for the price of 1 adapter for the 360, you can buy at least 2 wireless N compatible adapters, but Microsoft can get away with this as they have a monopoly on all wireless 360 accessories. Also, sorry chango but it doesn’t work that way. The reason it works with the router is because it uses the router as a wireless bridge to the main router, and so far I haven’t seen anything about hacking wireless adapters for use on a 360 yet.
But you can use a $20 wireless access point, bridge, or router. Just grab the cheapest one at your local Fry’s, Staples, or whatever.
1) Configure the device to connect to your wireless network. You can use a laptop or PC to do this. Follow the directions that come with the device.
2) Turn off automatic address assignment. It may be called ‘DHCP server’. Whatever it’s called, turn it off.
3) Plug your Xbox 360 into the device’s Ethernet port. If it has more than one, use a “LAN” port, *NOT* an “Internet” port.
That’s it. It’s that simple. Almost all cheap wireless access points, routers, and bridges have a LAN port that they automatically bridge to their wireless connection. And that’s all you need.
So, let me get this straight… I am new to the 360. Is the MS wireless adapter just a wireless bridge? If so, why all of the convoluted reworking of a wrt-54g? Any wireless bridge will work without redoing the firmware, correct?
Maybe I am missing something. If so, please explain.
What a bunch of douches, why would you waste $100 on something you can go out and buy for $20, its called thinking. “der der der…$100 woe is me” douche bag
Calm down people… he only made a comment… it’s nothing to get worked up about, there’s no need to flame him for it, even though that is a big money waster…
yea, i gotta agree….u a dumb a$$ for thinkin that somebody really wanna pay $100 for that piece of $hit. Do tha smart thing and save money. lol dumb a$$.
You can say “ass”, it’s ok.
Guess what f@gg0t I had to save for my xbox not everyone on this planet is a rich prick like you why not save $60 or $70 if you can. I’d say its worth a shot. Wanting to save some money isn’t cheap it’s thrifty. I’d rather spend $30 than $100. I could the other $70 for Gears 2 or something. Just cause I can buy an Xbox doesn’t mean I have a money tree in my back yard like you apparently do. So unless you want to mail me a check shut the hell up.
Very well put. I agree.
yeh i agree though i did buy the wireless router if i had of been able to do this i would of cause if u can save money u might aswell try
ya lets give more $ to bill gates he has not made enough
off the os he lifted of from zerox
Billy ran with it, but its a good thing, and maybe even though he lifted some ideas from zerox it doesnt matter, people forget about the infrastructure bill gates built, & Microsoft is a very charitable company. The reason why they charge high prices is because the people who work for him are brilliant people that deserve to be compensated & without them we wouldnt have alot of the modern day convienences that we do have. Something is only worth what people are willing to pay for it. Its not about rich or poor its about what you want and at what price your willing to pay. Video Games are entertainment, we pay 25 bucks a person to see a movie for 90 minutes. Whats the difference?
No, Apple stole it from Xerox…MS stole it from Apple.
You know nothing about computers if you think the people behind Microsoft are worthy of praise. I’ve worked on the Microsoft technical help lines and I can tell you that it’s sh1t in a shiney wrapper. Their marketing people are smart. The software has downs syndrome.
Personally, I’d rather spend $20 bucks on a wireless adapter that is compatible with everything, instead of $100 bucks for the same thing with the xbox 360 name on it. And remember, the 360 is not just for gaming…it’s also a great media extender for Microsoft Media Center so don’t assume people are just wasting their $ to play games and just that.
Its not that I am cheap.It is the idea of paying Billy Boy 100.00 for something that is only worth 20.00to 30.00 bucks.He is putting it up our kazoo you dumb #$%.
You got to be joking why £60 when you can get it for free??? your comments don’t make sense if they was giving away free games would you by pass them and go and pay for the exact same thing at the till ?? your comments make no sense
“are you serious?? who is so broke they cant just go buy a wireless adapter… come on people dont be so cheap…”
lol yeah saving money just isn’t your thing.lol Dumb. Its not about being broke that you cant afford the an MS Wireless adapter.
Its about you…. your so dumber you actually think that an adapter is worth $170au. only someone as dumb as you would pay that money.
Thee product cost bugger all to manufacture, so i don’t want to pay $170.
“Your so dumber”… It would actually be, you’re so dumb… Learn to speak before calling someone dumb.
lol. True. In Australia that piss poor thing they call a networking adapter cost $170 rand new. Not only saving you money doing it this way but it has better range so if you live in a biggish size house or have a couple walls in the way the MS Networking adapter just shits itself. I hooked this one up and worked a beaut.
I am 17 years old and get $14 dollars a hour so it takes me a while t save up $170 bucks. Its not being cheap but smart.
“Its about you…. your so dumber you actually think that an adapter is worth $170au. only someone as dumb as you would pay that money.”
Lol, the irony, can you see it?
Yeah, but in Australia The MS network adaptor cost $160 – $170 and if I can get away spending $30 – $40 I am a happy man.
I did this technique and it worked a charm.
(lol, the forum can spell, it is saying that adaptor is spelt adapter. Unless this is an American server?)
It’s not about being cheap, its about not being so dimwitted and figuring out solutions to things you already have around the house.
In my case, i have the router already and need to provide a connection to my xbox on the opposite side of the house, well why not just use the wrt54g that is just laying around, and convert it to an access point? Instead of going and buying a $50+ adapter only for the xbox, now i can provide internet on the opposite side of the house without having to run a bunch of ethernet cable, and like the other guy said now i can use that money to renew my account.
Cheap or Smart? I think smart.
Well considering that I can buy non 360 wireless adapters for way less money it makes no sense. Imagine if the wireless controllers only took special microsoft batteries that were $5 than regular batteries, but were basically identical, I am sure if someone said HEY you can use regular old duracells in these with just a few easy steps you would probably do that to save money in the long run. The only reason I can think of that people approve of this adapter being ridiculously expensive is ignorant blinded brand loyalty… it something is gray and has Microsoft on it people will by it, the similar can be said about Sony, Nintendo, Apple, etc. I don’t know about you but I will always go for the cheapest and most effective.
not everybody can afford it jacka*. so keep your danm opinions to yourself unless you have something useful to say with out dogging on people.
Thank you
$100 bucks is not cheap…
Well in my case I’m purchasing a Wireless Gaming Router and I happen to have one of the supported Routers, seems I can still put it to good use. :]
i have a linksys wrv54g and its not on the banned list or suported list???
what should i do???
alot of people dont be a jerk
are you serious?? who is so stupid that they would spend $100 on a piece of shit wireless adapter?
ur an idiot
It’s overpriced, but the Xbox 360 wireless adapter works great. It is not a POS. Shame they charge so much for it.
Although a great idea the instructions are poor in this article (if there really are any).
However, personally I use Tomato firmware. It has a cleaner and simpler interface and works just as well with less features. For most people those features are useless.
Also, remember to secure your router with a password.
or you could just spend $30 on a wireless ethernet bridge. it’d be alot easier to configure and cheaper than the router. but if you’re doing online gaming you should try and find a way to get a wired connection…lag kills.
this really only makes sense if you have an extra router lying around and some free time.
or spend 4 more dollers and get the belkin router found here to do it with. PLUS i have never had any lgging with it
Even with the 50% reduction in wireless speed for the overhead, a lowly 802.11b will give you about 6mb/s, which is more than most internet providers are able to provide, so lag really shouldn’t be an issue.
lol OWNED WHAT A POS ..and to think peeps want credit for these SITTIN ON THE SHITTER iDEA’S
I cannot believe that an entire article was written to do an ass backwards setup that could much more easily be replicated with a little piece of technology called a WIRELESS BRIDGE.
Jesus christ. Talk about over-engineering.
wireless bridges usually only have one port.
This will give you 4 ports, plus with the hacked firmware you can convert the uplink you wont be using into another port. This means that for $60 I can connect both my xbox 360 and my xbmc and if I want up to 4 other devices. With a bridge I would have to purchase the bridge plus a switch.
I’m using this solution and it works great.
Take a low-cost router, add DD-WRT, configure it properly, and TA! DA! you’ve got the equivalent of a wireless bridge. In addition to that, you’ve got other ports that you can use to plug in game platforms and your DVR.
If you find yourself buying multiple wireless adapters or single-port wireless bridges for game platforms, you’re gonna get wallet-raped. Further, if you buy the right router, you can add an extended range antenna and achieve good signal levels for best speed.
I have an extra wiress router whooo!
I guess most people miss the point of this article.
1- This is for the DIYer out there, and using a bridge goes against that spirit.
2- A bridge usually cost twice as much as what is described here.
3- Doing this can be fun for those who never experimented with such a setup.
You guys might also want to check out our “Group Writing Project” contest.. we’re giving away more than $1300 in prizes, most of it in cash… (I’m the operator of this blog, so no, this isn’t spam) :)
this is dumb because alot of routers out there have bridging capibility built in. Also if you live in a trilevel like mine I have a router in the living room behind the tv for my tivo, hd-dvd xbox 360 andanything else that needs a connection down there. which is then bridged to the router up stairs.
total cost for both routers
42.00 after rebates
seems good to me.
Thanks! This is awesome for me as I have an extra router with DD-WRT already installed just sitting around. Been thinking about this myself, but never got around to it:)
Lol, I had this idea about 2 weeks ago when I bought my 360 to save me some cash. I had an extra linksys wrt54g laying around and after about 15 minutes of work, Xbox Live up and running.
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well I will try this out sense I have an extra 14.99 Alink Router left sitting around. And exery week I swear Fry’s sells some sort of wireless router for less than 20.00 so yeah this Idea is very inexpensive and can work for people that want to save a few bux.
[...] HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 [Geeks Are Sexy] [...]
[...] HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 [Geeks Are Sexy] [...]
[...] Source: geeksaresexy.net [...]
Jesus, this is old news. I did this over two years ago with the original Xbox. It is not that hard to do. Seriously, those calling people cheap are the idiots. Lemmie guess, they are probably the type to pay $1500 for a 50″ LCD/low-end plasma. Instead of dishing that money into a 720p HD projector and pull-down screen setup for 100+” of goodness. Business relies on being misinformed. I hope these people are not breeding.
Oh, yeah. Have a nice day. ;)
thank you the first man here
So instead of buying the overpriced wireless adapter, or another cheaper, compatible one, this DIY is suggesting to go out and buy a new wireless router that you can potentially brick by flashing it wrong? Seems bass ackwards to me…
You’d have to work at it to brick the router. I cheerfully and quickly (same day of purchase) voided my Buffalo warranty. No worries.
You could also use an existing PC to bridge the connection if the PC has a wirless network card and a wired network card.
how can you do that??
Seems like overkill, but still do-able.
i have an old belkin sittin around that has the wireless client already a part of it. Takes about 5 min to set up…now where is that power cord. Wilhito is probably right to. people shouldnt be so ignorant with their money.
[...] It’s pretty simple looking, full details can be found here. [...]
Seems like you are just running ad hoc mode.
just remember if you had your 360 hooked up before you doing the DD-wrt method, you need to reset your media sharing cause it changes the MAC address. Spend an hour or two trying to figure that out.
This article and some of the comments are pretty helpful. My apartment doesn’t have wired broadband outlets built in (just phone lines and cable hookups) and internet is meant to be done wirelessly, so I can’t hookup my 360 to a wired connection like at home, and I really don’t want to waste $100 just for the wireless adapter.
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Ok whoever is bagging on this doesn’t know what this firmware is capable of, it can make your $30 linksys in to a router that would cost $600 it let’s you turn up the power so you can get a better signal also you if have 108mps linksys gs router you can use the speed boost feature that is if you have two of them. it also let’s you use it as a wireless repeater, for the dumb people here meaning it will pickup the signal from your first router and repeat it. wi-fi thouht the whole hosue is nice. try and find a wireless repeater for $30 didn’t think so! I got {xbox1/xbmc},xbox360,and my set top computer hook up to it try and plug three things in to your $30 WIRELESS BRIDGE nope!
And to bag on these guys trying to hook up some people up with free stuff, man get a life maybe you not a modder but i think it’s fun. you can always pay me to fix up your xbox with xbmc or 360’s dvd drive so you use the backups and the wii with a wiikey so you can run homebrew code.
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This is really old news. DDWRT firmware is buggy. Tomato Firmware is far better with Enhanced QoS and better functionality.
Tomato Firmware rox
DD-WRT firmware isn’t buggy. My router never crashes or locks up, it’s been solid. I don’t use QoS except to lower the priority of P2P so the other family members can still get internet access. Not a problem with DD-WRT at the least. I’m even running a Beta release.
[...] HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 | [Geeks Are Sexy] Technology News [...]
I’ve been using dd-wrt for years and this is a great idea. Thanks for sharing it with the geek community. All these asshats that are pissing and moaning obviously aren’t geeks and simply don’t get it. Most can’t spell at a third grade level, let alone setup a wireless bridge on dd-wrt ;) They are the idiots that deserve to pay $100 for a wireless adapter, lol. Cheers!
I really think this is a nice post. The technical details isnt obvious to just anyone, and if you see a little longer than your own nose you’ll se incredible potential with this. Not just for the xbox. Say if you (like me) have an xbox with chip, a 360 and a wii. Nice to have a router behind the tv setup, and extra nice to not have the stupid cable running thru the living room.
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I actually own one of the overpriced however easy to use and install Wireless adapters. Although due to the recent HTPC build I did I can now use this idea and not have to worry about using up one of my PCI slots with a wireless card. I already use DD-WRT on the apartments main router so the interface isn’t new for me (btw terribly easy to install). Useful for a few things. Good post!
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^Can you post the website? Thanks
Esau: that’s a trackback :) The guy is talking about our article. lol.
Sorry, I’m still confused. Hahaha. Care to explain? Thanks
Nevermind.I saw the 360forum. Thanks
This is great it increased the range on my 360’s WIFI by 2 bars
HELP PLEASE
I just did this set up, and finally got everything working… Except, I can’t get MCE to find my 360 ? I tried opening all the ports and lowering my firewalls.
Anybody have the same problem?
nice article dude.
and those of you bashing not being able/not wanting to spend a f* $100 on some piece of shit to connect wirelessly to the internet are f*tards. instead of paying $100 for some f* wireless receiver i should just buy some f* usb wireless receiver, but no, u cant install the drivers for it.
[...] HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 [...]
I agree with all of those who mentioned that setting up the wireless router as a receiver following these instructions (this web page + DD-WRT wiki) is *not easy*. It is meant for advanced users! I used this web page as a general guideline, and spent about three hours configuring the router as a receiver, reading carefully the instructions in the DD-WRT wiki. I was able to connect my Xbox 360 nicely to the internet. My “server” router is a Wireless-G Netgear and the “client-receiver” router is a Buffalo WR-G125. I payed $30 for the Buffalo router after rebate via CircuitCity. Pretty cheap compared to the MS adapter, and I learned a lot in the process.
I have used set this up and it is perfect for what I need. I had a spare router laying around as we switched providers (from cable to adsl) and the lack of phone lines doted around my house seemed problematic. Please note that I live in England where the Wifi Adapter for the 360 costs £65 ($130). So, If I go to the shops, buy the wifi adapter, come back and set up I recon 2 hours. This took me 1. So I’ve saved an hour and $130.
has anyone gotten two boxes behind seperate ddwrts to work? I’ve tried and they do not see each other. I’ve also been told that because the ddwrt is not a real ‘bridge’ that this setup cannot work.
Any input?
[...] HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 [...]
This is a great tutorial and after reading everything I could find this will be the way I will be going.
This is not somebody being cheap as I have a PS3 and and Xbox360 and I would do this over the adapter. I have heard nothing but bad reviews on this xbox360 wireless adapter micrsuck has put out for it. Plus for 100.00 I could get some booze and use one of my wireless routers I already have.
This was a great idea and being a tech guy in this field I should have thought of this.
THANKS
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While I enjoy the idea of utilizing a cheap wireless router to gain bridging functionality (and other features), I prefer to just wire the house. 500′ of Cat5e, wall plates, jacks, and do it all myself back to my 24-port switch in the library. Adds value to the house at the same time. Until I got the cable fished/ran, just brought my laptop out, did connection sharing and was up and going fine. I also considered using a bridge (one Ethernet port) into a switch, and then plug in the peripherals.
Of course, this is call “Cheap” so, for what its describing, it gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Good article!
my xbox360 wired network connection won’t work. Is there a self fix for it, such as buying a new card for it, or do i have to send it in to get fixed? does anyone know? is there a link somewhere?
Unless you must play Halo, just buy the PS3 instead. Cheaper, better graphics, free networking, comes with wifi, charagable controllers and a built in Blu-Ray player.
I have all 3 systems by the way…
A. Irrelevant comment.
B. Since when is the PS3 CHEAPER than a 360? Obviously, if you’re counting that the PS3 has a Blu-Ray player and you’re judging the price for two devices (a gaming system and a Blu-Ray player) then yes it is “cheap” but even the Elite is cheaper than a PS3.
C. 360 has chargeable wireless controllers? I have 2?
D. And yes, I must play Halo.
E. I repeat: Irrelevant comment.
Well i see that the adapter is wireless usb device, can you just use something that works the same way and just hook it up? i know every device need drivers, is it possible to load the drivers in the 360 and just use a different wireless device instead of the $100 one?
and question number 2…is it possible to connect with a wireless computer to the xbox…meaning…i have a laptop is connected wirelessly from a router that is not mine (lucky me, free internet) then bridge it to ethernet from the laptop to 360. like wireless to laptop to ethernet to 360. thanks
To add some info for folks here who are looking for real solutions — I initially tried what is described here, because I did want a low-cost wireless client link to my media center that had multiple ports. I found that in client mode, I was able to get out from my media center (e.g. xbox) to the internet, but could not communicate between devices hanging off my client router and devices hanging off my server router — specifically, media sharing between my home PC (wireless connection to my server router) and my xbox (wired connection to my client router) did not work, but also neither did straight pinging between the two. So instead, I implemented a very similar setup, using 2 wireless Linksys WRT54G’s (a v6 and a v8), both with DD-WRT firmware, but used WDS instead. The setup for WDS is very straightforward, just search the DD-WRT wiki for “WDS”. I believe it is significantly more difficult to do this if both wireless devices are not running same/similar firmware though. Hope this helps!
Can I use the wireless device that I use for my TIVO for my XBox 360?
do you think i can use 2 router and do instead of connecting to the internet, play systemlink? instead of buying 2 wireless adapters for my xbox 360.
Yes, you can. I had main router downstairs and 2nd upstairs. Xbox360 down and xbox up would system link. Also hooked up another no wireless computer to 2nd router. All worked great. Could never get the WEP to work.
Is there anyone here that can tell me if or how I can Upgrade my Xbox 360? I have the first version with no hard drive, and I’d like to put a hard drive in. I know you can upgrade the xbox 360 premium or elite edition.. but can a drive be added to a regular xbox?
It is far far far easier to use a wireless bridge with dd-wrt. In fact, if you look at the dd-wrt example on wireless bridging, the reason the guy wrote the instructions was to get his X-Box online. The other method (client mode wireless) is much more complicated and prone to error.
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge#Example
In order to play nicely with Xbox Live you need to have “Open NAT”. I did as the tutorial outlined and got my cheap Wifi adapter working (the Buffalo one). Unfortunately I was getting only “moderate NAT” and was having problems playing Forza 2 online. To get open NAT I had to enable UPnP in both the DD-WRT settings of the hacked router (the Xbox wifi adapter) and in the settings of the other router serving the internet (in my case it is a Netgear one).
Apparently, Linksys now has an 802.11n wireless gaming adapter (WGA600N). I’m reading reviews on it now, but I have a feeling I blew 100 on a g that might be outdated for my n network. Bah!
[...] did some research on the Internet and found my way to Geeksaresexy.com. I read through the article and realized that I had an extra Linksys WRT54GS v1.0 sitting in a [...]
[...] try using your laptop as a wireless connection for your 360. Another solution I came across was using a wireless router to connect your 360 to a wireless network, still without the $100 adaptor. Although these are both not as asthetically appealing as the perfectly integrated 360 wirless [...]
Need help. I have an old D-link DL-614+ router but have no idea on how to flash and which software files to use. Would someone be kind enough to direct me ? Is flashing like running an exe ?
[...] Your guide to freedom [...]
It’s cool to make this but I could just spend 30 dollars on a bridge from Tiger Direct. But if you have the spare router at home then you might as well put that one to use and make this.
a WNA is kick ass i didnt have to spend no money to get internet, my neighbors have wirless and i just get it off them, and play games all day.
XBox 360 WLan mit DD-WRT…
Mir persönlich ist der xbox 360 wireless Adapter einfach zu teuer. Daher habe ich mal ein bischen gestöbert und bin auf diesen interessanten Beitrag zu dem Thema gestoßen. Meine Gesamtkosten beliefen sich dann auf ca. 35 Euro, was nichtmal die Hälf…
Nice, this is what i was looking for, since my router is on the other side of the house. If i am correct this should also work with the nintendo DS, right?
Nice article man..i have to give a try…
I have a ZyXEL router that absolutely sucks as a router. But this $20 router has an operation mode setup page where you can set it has a bridge for a good router. Works excellent. I’ve never had to look at it once it was setup.
This was perfect for me my PC and 360 are on the other side of the house to the router so need to be connected wirelessly. USB wireless dongles don’t seem to work so well and I wanted a method of connecting the 360 without paying out for a MS adapter.
I bought a new LinkSys WRT54GL for £35 delivered and then put DD-WRT on it and it works pretty well.
The alternative was to find a Wireless Bridge with more than 1 port. The next cheapest option is the £55 Netgear Wireless Print Server which lasted all of 2 months before it died…
I have that wireless routor but when i go to enter that username if root and password of admin it doesnt work can you help me ?
I tried using the username root and the password admin but it didnt work it just keep saying 401 unauthorized . ? Could anyone help me ?
[...] just did this and it works great. HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 DD-WRT Tutorial 3: Building a Wireless Bridge Not sure if it will work for your router but its [...]
Hey, I’m kind of a novice at all this stuff, and I’m sure that some trolls will have a field day with my newbieness, but heres my issue: I flashed the router and did the firmware upgrade and it all works, but I am having a hard time configuring it as a bridge. The directions on the wiki kind of read like tax return directions and I don’t do my own taxes(get more money that way). Can anyone help? I really need to play TF2.
Thank you for the info, true it doesn’t say much on how to set it up but that is why he put the damn web links to do it. Working for I.T. I got my router for free from an upgrade we did with cisco, also you can use the extra money for games or other crap instead of giving to bill for a over priced wireless. This is not being cheap, it is called being smart with your money!
[...] weather got warm for some reason. Now I get an excellent signal from the basement–>3rd floor. Now heres the Tut I found:: This project will help you change a cheap wireless router into a wireless receiver for [...]
whoever asks WHY we wouldnt want to pay $100 is an IDIOT in so many ways..
why WOULD you pay more for the same thing? its cheap, its fun to do, its functional..if youre a spoiled little rich bitch with no intellect and not a tech geek or even a person with common sense, then i guess you wouldnt understand…
so by these idiots’ rationale, “who can afford a $500,000 house but not a $500,000 car?”
[...] instructions on how to do exactly what scuba is asking here, plus a more tech-oriented approach by installing new open source firmware on a router as well as setting up a wireless bridge for your whole living room. Take your pick! They’re all [...]
This solution, using 802.11n rather than G, could potentially allow your 360 a faster connection than traditional wireless methods–although you’d lose out on the savings.
This actually makes a little sense, maybe you would rather buy the game adapter but you know the Wireless N tech is right around the corner. What do you do? You purchase the new N router, and make a g adapter out of your old g router, then when someone starts making an N Game adapter you have saved some money to buy that. It’s a good temporary solution, but for 90% of the worlds population it’s too difficult to actually pull off. The people saying “Your Stupid” are stupid, they aren’t actually thinking about thier Grandma who wants to move her computer to the livingroom where there is no internet access other than wireless options. People are different, some smart in areas other’s aren’t. I understand DD-WRT and WRT54g, I don’t understand knit 1 pearl 2, does that make me smarter than my Mother?
It’s not about being smart or stupid, it comes down to just knowing how to be handy. Honestly i think the people posting to not be cheap, i think they are jealous at everyone here for not knowing how to flash soemthing. I mean even if you don’t know, you have the internet, obviously, a little blog browsing wouldnt hurt. But i suppose because i know how not to get worked by the big dog corporate companys, i’m cheap.
I guess i must be really cheap since i only paid $65 to upgrade my 360’s hd from 20 to 120gb.
[...] DIY Xbox 360 Wifi Adapter – If you don’t want a cord from your Xbox 360 hanging out of your laptop all the time you can always follow Geeks Are Sexy’s guide to a DIY Xbox 360 Wifi adapter. [...]
I have a D-link model DI-624. I want to know if it is compatible since i have this lying around and I want to achieve wireless connectivity on my xbox.
I love this article. I’ve used it to help out friends out whenever they can’t afford the $100 proprietary adapter, plus it helped me learn a little bit more about DD-WRT, and I’m probably going to use it to flash my other routers and make my wireless network even better.
I love this article but I just can’t seem to get it working. I live in an apartment complex that supplies free wireless. Last week I went out and bought a pelican wireless receiver for my 360, registered the Mac address with the “tech guy” and was able to play fine. Upon finding this article I just went ahead and returned the Pelican. I have followed all the steps with my Lynksys WRT54G and I can seem to get a connection. The WLAN light is constantly flashing. Please Help.
[...] DIY Xbox 360 Wifi Adapter – If you don’t want a cord from your Xbox 360 hanging out of your laptop all the time you can [...]
Great article! I was able to set up my new 360 for $33 total (after shipping of the used Linksys WRT54G router). It’s working great!
[...] DIY Xbox 360 Wifi Adapter – If you don’t want a cord from your Xbox 360 hanging out of your laptop all the time you can always follow Geeks Are Sexy’s guide to a DIY Xbox 360 Wifi adapter. [...]
[...] this Tom : HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 __________________ Linked In :: Last.fm :: Twitter [...]
that is stupid you dont need a wireless router you can just plug in the ethernet cable into the xbox
What if you don’t want any wires going through your home? :)
Ok people, we know there are stupid people out there, the ones that said they would buy Bills adapter fall into that group. So unless you’re a MS purist or a Mom/Dad buying Timmy Bill’s adapter you fall into the above group. Here’s why: because you are too damn stupid to read instructions, extremely f-ing lazy, or you need to finish elementary school. There are two inexpensive and easy ways to get your X-Box360 online, either buy 2 ethernet over powerline adapters, or buy one of the 100+ routers on the list and flash it, both taking all of 15 minutes max to do, and you save 60-80 dollars over the microsoft $99 price. In todays economy, call me thrifty.
I chose to spare myself the trouble and found it just better to get the Xbox G Adapter which works flawless on the Xbox 360.
[...] a mod that you could flash it to be a receiver, but I can’t figure it out… HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 How To Flash the WRT54GS v7 – DD-WRT Wiki __________________ David says: I’m gonna paint mine [...]
I have a Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter, I followed instructions,Didn’t work…I called Belkin themselves(24hr service) they walked me through the steps didn’t work…Is there something that was missed? We have a wireless Router in the living room, which our laptops are routed through. Is there a step missing on have having the gaming adapter link with the adapter and 360? I live in the US.If anybody can help me trouble shoot what I’m doing wrong that would help.
Really? all you people bitching about people “being cheap” for a bill appreantly mommy and daddy pay for everything…are you really that stupid? with that $100 you can get gas…or something you really need…these people help us save money…and you’re just gonna bitch? morons…get off your a* and get a job, mommy and daddy arent gonna pay for your s* forever.
Hack The Planet.
=)
Thanks, worked like a charm first time! Used Verizon’s FIOS router to route traffic to the WRT54GV8 Linksys router that was set-up in client mode. As soon as I hooked it up to the 360 an update appeared (showing how long it’s been since I’ve updated) and after that I was back to playing COD!
Oh and for everyone bitching about buying the $99 adapter and saying to just buy it…..it doesn’t have any ports to hook other equipment to such as the Apple TV or your blu ray player….I think I’ll stick with the WRT54G!
I have set up my network just as described above in the instructions. Worked right away when I plugged the client router into the Xbox 360. However, I am unable to see the xbox on the network, which prevents me from setting up the Media Center extender. Anyone know what I need to do in order to see or even ping my Xbox from another computer on the wireless network.
kcbidz : Xbox 360 for less than $11.60
I’m having the same issue as Jason above, connection works fine but can’t find the xbox on the network… and help would be appreciated… Jason, if you find a solution please post here and I’ll do the same… Thanks!
My boyfriend got Xbox 360 as a gift (so no not everyone can afford it)
we just want to go online to purchase songs for rockband & guitar hero
he has a regular computer upstairs with modem so we want to be able to buy from xbox live wirelessly downstairs where the xbox is hooked up
I want to do this as a gift to him but neither of us can really afford anything expensive
what is the cheapest way to do this without taking anything apart?
what exactly do i need aside from xbox, cable modem and pc?
please help i want to do for xmas
Well Dana, you do have to buy a wireless router for this, and need a good level of technical expertise to complete this tutorial.. everything you need is listed in the article, and will cost you around $40… maybe a bit less if you find a used WRT54G linksys router.
This is some great info. Didn’t know DD-WRT existed. Saved 80 bucks with this tutorial. AND GEEKS R DEFINITELY SEXY
OK… I understand the whole concept about taking an existing G router and flashing the firmware to get it to work (cheaply) with the XBox 360 and I think I’m up for doing that with an extra router I have. However, the manual of the XBox Wireless Adapter says that it works with A-band routers at the 5 GHz frequency and that this can provide a more reliable connection since wireless controllers, phones, other G routers, etc. all operate at the 2.4 GHz frequency. My primary router is a Linksys WRT610N which has dual-band capabilities. Now my question is… Has anyone seen any major problems with using the cheap G router/firmware update option OR is it still a reliable method for connecting? If hooking up the XBox with a conventional G router is problematic because of interference, then I could see (reluctantly) buying the XBox adapter and using that since it operates on the “A” band (5 GHz, less used, less interference, etc). Comments?
As a side note to my comment above… it seems like you can buy an 802.11a router (ZyXEL P-334U) for about $30. So assuming that this ZyXEL model is compatible with that firmware hack… that would still be a cheaper and just-as-reliable alternative to the Microsoft version. Anyone know if that ZyXEL router is able to accept the DD-WRT firmware tweak?
Got a WRT54G v6 off ebay for 20 bucks….see if I can follow this tutorial.
If it works, great deal…..that xbox dongle is such a rip.
[...] kit for your controllers will save you $10 right off the bat. As for the wireless adapter, you can set up a DIY version fairly easily using a cheap router, a few feet of Cat 5 cable and open source DD-WRT firmware—saving you as [...]
Thanks for the tutorial – does this work well for streaming high def video and netflix via media center?
Thanks for the tip. This definitely saved me some money and wasn’t too difficult to set up. I thought the 360 Wi-fi adapter was horribly overpriced, so I’m happy I didn’t have to buy one.
nice 1…yll get onto it tomorrow….. if that guy was so rich then why was he looking at this feed…he was obviously looking for a cheeper slternitive…just had attitude lol. thanks guys
[...] HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 – 289857 [...]
Ok so i was one of the idiots that went out and bought the xbox wireless adapter, Got home so excited to hook it up and get onto xbox live, and what do you know it did not work. I went to xbox website and it said to unplug my wireless phones and my microwave and if that did not work to move my xbox closer to my wirless router?
If i had my xbox closer to my router, why would i need a wireless router? So your idea sounds good but my question is will the wireless router i hook to my xbox work without being “hard wired” to the internet?
my question is will the wireless router i hook to my xbox work without being “hard wired” to the internet?
that’s the whole point of this…
ALRIGHT! Most confusing thing ever on a WRT54G v3.0, at least for a networking noob it is. I have a lot of knowledge with computers, but when it comes to networks and routers, I draw a blank. ANYWAYS. I’ve figured out a simple way to get this done with ANY version of the WRT54G, and its brethren, as it seems to be the most common and cheapest router out there at this time.
STEP ONE: Go to http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linksys_WRT54G/GL/GS/GX#v3.0 for help with installing the firmware.
STEP TWO: Go to http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Recover_from_a_Bad_Flash if you screw up.
STEP THREE: Go to http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Mode_Wireless to setup the Client mode of the router to recieve the wireless signal.
Trust me, I was at this for a good three hours before I figured it out, but it was all worth it in the end. I have my computer, my laptop, my 360, and my DVR all hooked up to this unit, and they all have internet and network access. Thank you Geeksaresexy!
P.S.: Got a problem? Give me a shout. erietdyk (at) hotmail (dot) com.
can u hook up the xbox to a motarola S85101 Surfboard Cable modem thats alreay connected to a computer?
[...] Originally Posted by prpug Thats so bloody poo. Does anyone reckon that the zune will do these things in the future? Also a question that i forgot to ask. The does the xbox 360 come ready to go with wifi? I know you can buy the connector, but does the premium come with it build it? If not, does anyone believe that some sort of zune wifi intergration to 360 (meaning you can connect to the net using your 360 through your zune) will become a reality in the future? Is that even possible? No the xbox 360 doesn’t come with built in wireless and if you don’t want the $100 wireless router here is an easy fix link HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360 [...]
[...] on the router. What I want to do is make a 360 wireless adapter out of the router following this guide. It requires a setting to put the router into Client Mode. Does tomato include this feature? [...]
I just want to say I’m pretty angry at this tutorial. At the end of the tutorial it says “And if you’re not the DIY kind of person, you can always buy the Linksys WGA54G Wireless-G Game Adapter, which is a lot cheaper than Microsoft’s original xbox 360 wireless dongle.”
WRONG! You can’t.
First, that product does NOT support WPA, only WEP. I know that doesn’t constitute not working, but to have to put your whole system in WEP just to play 360 online is crazy. A 6th grader could google how to crack a WEP key and be snagging my info after a few days of practice.
Second, even if you do put it in WEP, this adapter will not allow the 360 to update, which apparently precludes you from some of the functionalities of 360 live.
So, please change that part of the tutorial so someone else doesn’t buy this POS on eBay and get stuck having to pay a 15% restocking fee and shipping both ways for a product that doesnt even say that it works for 360.
[...] its Xbox 360 is stylish, … See also – How to Connect Xbox 360 to a Wireless Router … HOW TO: Cheap Wireless For Your Xbox 360Xbox 360 Wireless This project will help you change a cheap wireless router into a … Make sure [...]
All This is Completely irrelevent plug a cable from the xbox to your pc and if your pc has an internet connection you can use that. open network settings and select all the available networks and right click then click on bridge. done. i’ve done it and it takes less than 5 mins.
Downsides: yeah pc and tv need to be close i run mine through my monitor but you can also just plug your xbox into your wireless adaptor and whala it works also. i’ve been doing both for months now.
Facts. if you connect to pc, your choosen display needs to be close also. if you connect to router itself you need a long enough cable or the router needs to be close to your display also.
only one router is needed and it don’t need to be ‘changed’
all self explanitory.
i have a feeling i’m missing the point however the ways i mentioned do work so try them
It’s not about whether you have enough money for the console and the adapter, it’s that Microsoft is cheap. Cheaper than the people who don’t want to fork over another $100 (that’s 1/3 of the console price!) for a network adapter. Especially when there are easier and cheaper alternatives.
So what you’re saying is..
Place the wireless router next to my xbox360..and..plug it in?
Yeah..thanks. :/
The point is: Don’t be a Tool.
Why give microsoft more money? Why give microsoft more of your money for an over-priced piece of made-in-china crap when they should have made it an integrated part of the game console in the first place?
… Unless you’re spending mommy and daddy’s money to buy yourself everything you want, and you have no sense or respect of the basic value of $$$ in the first place. In that case just stfu and go back to sucking on your parent’s teats.
i got the wireless x360 adapter off ebay for 5 dollars +10 for shipping if you wait and watch you can get one cheap. tho mods are fun
Realistically, it’s as simple as connecting ethernet cables from you wireless network device to your xbox. if you own an xbox, i’d think you’d have a laptop, or some kind of computer. and if you own a computer, you should have some kind of network connection. That’s all you need for a connection to your xbox. Only thing that would be a complication would be if there was quite a bit of distance between the xbox and your wireless device; that is, more distance than can be covered with ethernet cabling. and if you REALLY had to, ethernet cables can be linked together with a little extention piece you can pick of from any electronics store. with a few cables and a few ethernet cable couplers, you can have an xbox live connection in minutes. Ta Da.
And on top of that, companies like Microsoft know that people love shortcuts. The easy way is the best way, and money is MUCH easier spent than time. A cheap plastic doodad with a $100 price tag is easier to deal with than doing something as arduous as thinking, rationalizing, and solving the issue with a cheaper, better, more reliable plan. It’s because the average person would rather spend the money, and get to the “reward” of thier work that big corporations make money. Too bad people more time thinking with their wallets than with their brains.
i serious dont see the point of using this when u can buy a freakin ethernet cable & be done with it my cable costed less than $30 & i ran it under my house without any problems, besides from what i’ve heard wireless has poor ass connection anyways
You fail to mention that your existing router must be able to perform static routing.
Just found this today as I was looking for a cheap wireless adapter for my 360. Luckily, I had an extra router sitting on my desk with DDWRT already installed on it. This saved me 100 bucks! Thanks for the writeup, it works beautifully!
THIS IS SWEET!!!!!!! It works grate; and yes its WAY worth it. i can connect 3 more devices in my living room as well. I picked up 2 linksys routers for $30 dollars. Im going to turn around and sell one for $30. So it was FREE. I suggest you look in your classifides near you. Or Ebay; I buy all my stuff on classifides. I just bout a 4runner for $900. Blue book was $1500…..Im just sayin look around. You can always save money.
hahahahahahahaha thats y i bought a ps3 because of the wireless and i did not have to buy a dumb adaptor n plus i have a blue disc player also it just gets much better everytime sony rules xbox sucks ufc best game ever
take a laptop with Wifi internet connection go to network connections select the wifi connection right click properties Sharing tab and check allow other network users to connect through this computer. Set different ip for the wired network and you have a wifi access through your laptop’s ethernet
is it possible to set up the media cente from pc to x box without a router? i mean with no internet at all? i have set it all up but no longer have the net is it at all possible?