Microsoft KB Archive/945189

= Xbox 360: Frequently asked questions about networking for Halo 3 =

Article ID: 945189

Article Last Modified on 11/21/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System

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SUMMARY
This article contains frequently asked questions about networking for Halo 3.



MORE INFORMATION
Halo 3 includes many Xbox LIVE and community features. To use most of these features, you must have an Xbox LIVE Gold membership and a broadband network connection. However, you can still enjoy a Halo 3 network experience without any online access at all.

The following frequently asked questions can help you troubleshoot simple networking issues. There are too many different network configurations to create a comprehensive guide. The following information will help you troubleshoot most networking issues.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need a broadband connection and an Xbox LIVE membership to play Halo 3 multiplayer?

A1: No, games that are played on a Local Area Network (LAN) and System Link games are still possible. For two Xbox 360 systems, connect them together by using any Ethernet cable or crossover cable. For more than two players and up to a maximum of 16 players, a LAN or a router(s) is required. This will give you access to Co-op mode, Multiplayer mode, and Forge. For more advanced features, such as File Share, an Xbox LIVE account and Broadband connection are required.

Q2: What kind of connection is required to play Halo 3 online?

A2: Xbox LIVE requires a fast broadband connection. Generally, the faster the connection the better. Video games use both downstream and upstream bandwidth, unlike Web browsing. DSL provides good bandwidth, but can be expensive. Cable modems work well. However, sometimes cable modems have poor or variable upstream bandwidth. A fiber optic cable connection is ideal.

Q3: What is NAT and why should I care about it?

A3: Network Address Translation (NAT) helps determine how the router interacts with the Internet. If your NAT settings are restrictive, you may experience problems connecting to other players. To test your settings, open the Xbox 360 Dashboard and test your connection. At the bottom of the test results, you will see your NAT Type. You want it to display Open. If Moderate or Strict appears, you may experience some problems. If your NAT settings display Moderate or Strict, see the documentation for the router.

Q4: Can I use a router or a wireless router and still play Halo 3 online?

A4: Yes. You can play Halo 3 from behind both wired and wireless routers. However, a poorly configured router or a router that is configured incorrectly can prevent you from joining games with other people. This issue occurs even if you can log on to Xbox LIVE.

The reasons for these issues are so diverse and unique to each circumstance that it may be impossible to determine the specific reason for some issues. Also, wireless connections may be less reliable than some wired connections.

Q5: Are there any routers that you recommend for playing Halo 3 online?

A5: If you live in North America or certain parts of Europe, try to obtain a router that is specially marked as Xbox LIVE compatible or Windows Vista compatible. These routers have been tested specifically by the Xbox LIVE team. If you cannot obtain one of these routers, try to find a router that is marked as UPnP. When you set up the router, use the routers configuration tools to make sure that UPnP is enabled.

Some routers require a firmware upgrade to work correctly with Xbox LIVE. Make sure that you check the manufacturers Web site for recent firmware downloads.

To view the official list of Xbox LIVE compatible networking equipment, visit the following Xbox Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox360/homenetworking/equipment.htm

Q6: My wireless router that is marked as Xbox LIVE compatible or Windows Vista compatible''' does not work correctly. Why?'''

A6: Wireless routers can be difficult to troubleshoot. For best performance from the router, make sure that the router is in a central location. The closer the router is to the Xbox 360, the stronger the signal. Try to put the router up high to provide a clear line of sight between the router and the Xbox 360. Also, avoid putting the router near walls or metal objects, such as filing cabinets or refrigerators. These objects can interfere with the signal. To view more wireless networking tips, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx

Q7: Are there any issues that are specific to Halo 3 that I should consider when I use a network?

A7: Generally, Halo 3’s networking will support 16 players in Multiplayer, eight players in Forge, and four players in Co-op mode. However, the networking requirements to view saved film in Party view are so great that only the fastest connections will guarantee a seamless film viewing experience over Xbox LIVE. If the networking conditions deteriorate when you watch a film in Party view, you may be returned to the Theater Lobby.

Q8: Any other tips?

A8: Remember that you are sharing bandwidth with everyone else on your connection. Your Halo 3 online experience may be affected if another user is downloading a file or currently playing an online game. Also, appliances that operate on the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum, such as some cordless telephones, can affect your wireless connection. This issue occurs even if they are being used by your neighbor. If you experience any issues, try changing the channel on your wireless router and appliances. Or, replace the 2.4GHz appliances with appliances that use other frequencies, such as a 900 megahertz (MHz) cordless telephone.

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