Microsoft Corporation WKS168 User Manual
Home wireless networks are also called infrastructure networks. In an infrastructure network, a
wireless access point, wireless gateway, or wireless router distributes your Internet connection to
your wireless home computer and devices. With a wireless networking adapter, your console
becomes one of the wireless devices on your home network.
becomes one of the wireless devices on your home network.
If you don't have an existing home wireless network yet, you'll want to make a few decisions before
you get started. Specifically, you'll need to decide on the wireless standard you'll use, the network
you get started. Specifically, you'll need to decide on the wireless standard you'll use, the network
hardware you'll need, and your network security.
Wireless Network Basics
Your wireless networking adapter communicates by radio transmission. Radio waves travel in all
directions, and can be transmitted through walls and floors. The radio signal weakens rapidly as it
travels through structures, especially masonry, such as stone and brick. Metal objects, such as
refrigerators and mirrors, reflect radio signals, preventing straight path communication. The layout
of your home can be a factor in what wireless network standard you choose.
refrigerators and mirrors, reflect radio signals, preventing straight path communication. The layout
of your home can be a factor in what wireless network standard you choose.
Choose a Wireless Network Standard
The Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter conforms to all three current wireless network standards
(802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g), and so works with networking devices that support any of these
standards. (802.11 is a series of radio communication standards developed by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for wireless local area networks.) The main features that
distinguish these standards are connection speed and radio frequency.
distinguish these standards are connection speed and radio frequency.
Standard
Connection speed
Radio frequency band
802.11a
Up to 54 Mbps
5 GHz
802.11b
Up to 11 Mbps
2.4 GHz
802.11g
Up to 54 Mbps
2.4 GHz
Note
Connection speeds are quoted only in reference to IEEE standards. The speeds quoted are the
maximum attainable under ideal environmental conditions and at close distances. In addition, the