A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers or consoles in a close area, such as a house or dorm, to a single network. By connecting the computers to a common network, they can transfer files and make other devices more accessible. If you like to play video games in groups, then the Microsoft Xbox can be used with a LAN to play with large groups of people. This is called an Xbox "System Link." Creating a network for Xbox is valuable for parties and sleepovers because you can play with more than 4 controllers on multiple TVs. You can also hook a computer up to a LAN to share pictures and other data. Find out how to set up a LAN for Xbox.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Connecting 2 Xboxes together does not require the same LAN setup. You can do it using 1 Ethernet cross-over cable. Place 1 end of the cross-over cable in the Ethernet port in the back of each Xbox. Give the boxes time to send signals, and your Xbox should connect automatically. Ethernet cross-over cables are available in most computer and gaming stores, as well as online, and they are different from the Ethernet patch cables used to set up 3 or more Xboxes.Thanks
- The Xbox game may determine how many Xboxes you can hook up at 1 time. For example, the first Halo game will only support 4 Xboxes, while most recent versions can support 16 Xboxes playing the same game at the same time.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Xboxes
- Computer (optional)
- TVs
- Power cables
- LAN switch
- Ethernet patch cables
- Ethernet cross-over cable (optional)
- Electrical outlets