Videos – Setting up your games console to become part of your home network
Today, I had seen some excellent YouTube videos posted by Netgear on how to integrate your games console in to your home network. They make references to the networks being based on their own hardware, but these instructions apply to any and all home networks no matter what router is at the edge.
Also, when they discussed how to connect the XBox360, PlayStation 3 and Wii to the home network, they mentioned that you can use a HomePlug-based power-line network setup using their PowerLine AV network kit to build the HomePlug segment. The main theme was to connect the HomePlug adaptor to the console via its Ethernet port and select the “wired” connection option as appropriate.
The reason I have liked the videos was because they gave a visual walkthrough of the setup user interaction needed to be performed at each console. They also pointed out if a console needed extra hardware to be part of the home network depending on the connection type. They are also worth having as a reference if you are likely to move your console(s) between locations such as for video-games parties.
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TV-connected consoles
Microsoft XBox360
| Connections | Benefits |
| WiFi – optional USB adaptor | Online Gaming via XBox Live, Games and extras available for download through XBox Live, Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger) chat, Web browsing |
| Ethernet – Integrated | Windows Media Center Extender, DLNA-compatible media player |
Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) – includes “PS3 Thin”
| Connections | Benefits |
| WiFi – Integrated | Online Gaming via PLAYSTATION Network, Games and extras available for download through PLAYSTATION Store, YouTube terminal |
| Ethernet – Integrated | DLNA-compatible media player |
Nintendo Wii
| Connections | Benefits |
| WiFi – Integrated | Online Gaming, Wii Channels, Web browsing, Games and extras available for download to Wii and DSi from Wii Shop online store |
| Ethernet – optional USB adaptor |
Handhelds
All of these handheld have integrated WiFi as their sole connection means due to their portable nature.
Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)
Benefits: Online Gaming, Web Browsing, RSS Feeds and Podcasts
Nintendo DSi
Benefits: Online Gaming,Game download via DSi Store, Web browsing
