Microsoft KB Archive/907602

= Xbox 360: How to troubleshoot the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter =

Article ID: 907602

Article Last Modified on 4/25/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
 * Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter
 * Microsoft Xbox

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SUMMARY
This article describes how to troubleshoot typical problems with the Wireless Network Adapter.



MORE INFORMATION
When you use the wireless network adapter, you may experience one or more of the following conditions:
 * The console does not detect the wireless network.
 * The console does not recognize the wireless network adapter.
 * You receive an intermittent or weak signal.
 * The TV pauses when you use a TV with the Xbox 360 console and with a Windows Media Center-based computer.
 * You cannot save the network settings or the password.
 * The wireless security settings are rejected.
 * You receive status light indications.
 * The wireless adapter works in some USB ports but not in others.

If you experience any one of these conditions, see the corresponding section in this article.

For help with games that support system link play, visit the game’s Web site or see the game documentation. For information about how to sign up or connect to Xbox Live, visit the following Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/setup

When you set up the adapter, be sure to use the USB port on the back of the console.

The console does not detect the wireless network
You might be out of range of the wireless network. Put the Xbox 360 console in the same room as the wireless router or the other Xbox 360 console to which you want to connect, and then try again.

The wireless router broadcast of the service set identifier (SSID) may be disabled. Make sure that the router is broadcasting an SSID. For information about how to enable SSID broadcasts, see the router documentation.

You may receive the following warning message:

WARNING

If this is the name of your wireless network, please change it to a unique value. If you do not, you may connect to the wrong wireless network. See your wireless device documentation for details.

You receive this warning message because Xbox detects duplicate networks that have the same name. Wireless gateway, router and access point (AP) manufacturers all ship their devices with “default” wireless SSIDs for their wireless networks. When nearby home owners or apartment dwellers use devices from the same manufacturer, the Xbox 360 may detect multiple duplicate SSIDs (Network Names) as it scans for and detects wireless networks. If this is the case, it is important that you change the name of your network so that you can be assured that you are connecting to the correct network.

The console does not recognize the wireless network adapter
Verify that the power light on the adapter is illuminated. If the power light is not illuminated, examine the USB connection. Disconnect the adapter cable, and then reconnect it.

You receive an intermittent or weak signal
Some wireless devices that use the 2.4-GHz radio frequency band, such as 2.4-GHz phones, some cell phones, and microwave ovens, may cause interference with the wireless network adapter. The MN-740 adapter that was designed for the original Xbox console also uses the 2.4-GHz frequency. If you experience network performance issues when you use the 2.4-GHz 802.11g channel, move the device that uses the 2.4-GHz frequency away from the console. Because the 802.11a channel operates at a different frequency, you will experience less interference and improved throughput if you use that channel for the home network.

Before you relocate the console or the wireless access point, consider these guidelines:
 * Imagine a straight line between the Xbox 360 console and the access point.
 * Position the console and the access point or the router so that as few obstructions as possible exist along a straight line between them.
 * Position the network devices so that no more than two walls or two floors are between the wireless adapter and the wireless access point.

The TV pauses when you use a TV with the Xbox 360 console and with a Windows Media Center computer
When you connect a Windows Media Center computer to an 802.11 a+g access point or router, use the 802.11a channel for the computer and use the 802.11g channel for other wireless devices, such as portable computers.

You cannot save the network settings or the password
Restore the factory defaults for the wireless networking adapter. You can restore the factory defaults for the wireless networking adapter in the System section of the Xbox Dashboard. After you restore the default settings, the adapter status light will alternately flash green and red. The light will turn steady red to indicate that you have successfully restored the defaults.

Note If you restore the factory defaults on the adapter, you will override the current adapter settings.

The wireless security settings are rejected
When you enter the wireless security settings, remember that the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) keys must be in hexadecimal format and the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) pass phrases may be alphanumeric.

You receive status light indications
Use the following information to determine the status of the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter:
 * Steady green light: The adapter is on and is connected to a wireless access point or to another wireless device.
 * Steady red light: The adapter is ready to be connected to a wireless network.
 * Flashing red light: The adapter is experiencing a hardware failure.

Note Do not take your Xbox 360 console or its accessories to your retailer for repair or service unless you are instructed to take this action by an Xbox Customer Support representative.

The wireless adapter works in some USB ports but not in others
Follow these steps:
 * 1) Verify that the wireless adaptor is correctly connected to one of the USB ports on the front or on the rear of the Xbox 360 console.
 * 2) Disconnect the wireless adaptor, and then reconnect it.
 * 3) Examine the wireless adaptor for any visible defects.
 * 4) Test the wireless adaptor in all three USB ports. If the wireless adaptor works in some USB ports but not in others, again test the ports that failed the first time. If you confirm that a certain USB port is not working with the wireless adaptor, try using another accessory, such as the controller. If that accessory does not work either, the console may need servicing by Microsoft.

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