Xbox 360 Wireless Networking

[curt_grymala]

Here's the deal:
1) I have a satellite Internet connection. The satellite modem is in our bedroom. I have it plugged into a wireless router in our bedroom.
2) My stepson has an Xbox 360 in his bedroom (on the other side of the house).
3) We would like to be able to allow him to connect to Xbox Live.

Here are the stumbling blocks in our way:
1) There is no way we're going to get him a wired connection, because that would mean having to run a ~60-foot ethernet cable through the house.
2) He's most likely never going to save $100 to get himself the stupid proprietary wireless adapter for the Xbox.

So, my question is:
If I can get another wireless router for less than $50, would we be able to set that up in his bedroom, connect his Xbox into it and then somehow network it with our existing wireless router? Or will I need to specifically get a wireless extender of some sort?

My existing wireless router is a Linksys Wireless-G router (WRT54G). I've seen some articles online about using an old wireless router to do this, but I don't know if those require an old wireless router, or if they'll work with any of the newer ones I can buy today. I also don't know for sure if another wireless router will be compatible with my current router.

For instance, I found a Netgear wireless router for $40 (http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/ ... D:SC3:CG58), but I don't know if I can use it for this type of setup. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[BlackAura]

We once tried using one of those for the same purpose. Didn't work. It can only be used to create a new wireless network - it can't connect to an existing one.

The hardware can usually do it, but the firmware on the device usually can't. Most manufacturers sell three classes of device - a wireless router, a wireless access point (for creating new networks), and a wireless bridge (for joining existing networks), typically with inflexible software that won't let you do anything else.

So what you're after is a wireless bridge. In my experience, these tend to be crap (I've had three burn out on me, before I replaced it with a USB WiFi dongle in a Linux box acting as a router), and tend to cost a bit more than an access point. They're insanely expensive in this country - often more than a decent router.

If you have a router than can be flashed with DD-WRT (I think the one you linked to can), it can be configured to act as a bridge. You just have to be willing to buy a device that doesn't do what you want out of the box, and reflash it with DD-WRT (voiding the warranty in the process, of course) before you can use it.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linking_Routers

That's one of the reasons I love these devices with flashable firmware - a wireless device with built-in firmware half as flexible as DD-WRT would probably cost thousands.

[melancholy]

Adding to what BlackAura said, that router you currently have might just be a router compatible with the custom firmware. If it is, then you could just use your current router as the bridge and buy pretty much any router you want for the replacement.

[pixel]

DD-WRT is a lifesaver for any geek. I flashed my WRT54G and it works wonders. The only issue I've encountered pushing the router too hard. With its limited memory, my router often skirts close to its maximum. I've been in situations where I've taxed it too much and caused it to fail. Other than that, I have dyndns running along with other bells and whistles and it works fantastically.

[curt_grymala]

Very cool news. Thanks for the info, guys. It sounds like I can run out and buy pretty much any router I want, as Pixel says the WRT54G is flashable.

Of course, once I finally do do that, I'll probably be back looking for support on actually setting it up (assuming the articles I found aren't descriptive or detailed enough).

[Skynet]

Make sure you get the right WRT54G. I have a version that can't be flashed according to that site linked earlier, but I have a feeling that's due to Australia having different hardware or something.

[BlackAura]

The newer WRT54G models have different hardware, less available flash, less RAM, and a different OS. They usually can't be flashed, but the WRT54GL models can (basically the same as the last flashable WRT54G, but slightly more expensive).

[Skynet]

I was pissed too because this WRT54G only cost $50

[curt_grymala]

I'll probably run out to OfficeMax or Staples this weekend and see what I can find in the way of inexpensive routers. Hopefully I'll get one that can be flashed (or, if not, hopefully my WRT54G can be) and I'll be able to get it working properly.

[MulletMan13]

Probably too late at this point-- but the last 2 years I've been using an Apple AirPort Express as a bridge with my 360, and it works perfectly.

The g-version of it can be found for under $50 used.

[ccb_v2]

My WRT54G v6 just died this last weekend. All LEDs lit except DMZ, and no response from the device.

[Jeeba Jabba]

The time you spent writing that post could have been used to just run the ethernet line.

[|darc|]

Satellite internet? Unless things have changed recently, don't bother unless you want your stepson to kill himself out of lag frustration.

Besides that, monoprice has a 75ft ethernet cable for $6.62. Wired is just plain better, be a man and spend an hour in your attic with your stepson.

[Jeeba Jabba]

Besides that, monoprice has a 75ft ethernet cable for $6.62. Wired is just plain better, be a man and spend an hour in your attic with your stepson.

Amen