Wireless Home Networking - Index of

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Part IV: Using a Wireless Network
There’s more to it, though: The SMCWEBT-G can be configured to work as an
access point all on its own (so that you can plug it into a stand-alone router
to provide wireless access) and even as a WDS repeater that can extend the
range of your network if your primary router is one of the SMC wireless
routers. For only $79.99, it’s a relative bargain and well worth checking out.
As we write, no manufacturers offer 802.11n versions of these adapters. We
expect that such adapters will hit the market by mid- to late-2008. If you’re
installing an 802.11n network and if all your other network clients use
802.11n, you might consider holding off on buying an 802.11g bridge until
the 802.11n models arrive — simply because having 802.11g clients on your
802.11n network will slow down the overall speed of the network. If you can’t
wait (and we don’t blame you — who wants to wait), you might consider
searching online classifieds and auctions for a used 802.11g bridge as a stopgap
measure.
Console online gaming services
Having the hardware to bring your console online is only half the battle —
you also need to sign up for an online gaming service. Each of the big console
manufacturers offers an online gaming service, providing head-to-head network
game play as well as fun stuff like game downloads (both demos and
full-blown games), text and voice chat, shopping, and Web browsing.
Not all console games are designed for online play. Each service has dozens
(if not hundreds) of online-capable games, but just as many games are not
network-enabled.
In this chapter, we’re talking about the network gaming services offered by
the three major console manufacturers. For the most part, these services are
the way you will access most online games for each of the consoles. Some
games, however, might use their own network, or are accessed via the console
manufacturer’s network but require an additional subscription to use.
Living large with Xbox Live
The Microsoft online gaming service Xbox Live (www.xboxlive.com; in the
U.S., this URL will take you directly to the home page: www.xbox.com/en-US/
live/?WT.svl=nav) is the longest running of the three console online gaming
networks, launched right after the original Xbox was put on market in late
2001–early 2002. Xbox Live has over 8 million subscribers worldwide, as we
write in late 2007, so it should always be easy to find someone to play with!
Xbox Live isn’t just about playing against someone else; it’s almost a new
lifestyle. With Xbox Live, you can