Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter A/B/G & N Networks

Release Date: 2009-11-10
Detailed Review: Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter A/B/G & N Networks

360 is in the basement, router is on the 2nd floor. My main reason for upgrading was because while watching streaming netflix movies, it would stop and downgrade the quality to keep up with the streaming movie. This doesn’t happen on my pc or when I moved the 360 one floor closer to the router.

The package comes with an instruction manual, installation cd and the adapter. The CD sleeve tells you to put it in first before connecting the adapter. I put it into my 360 and it just stared at me. Probably because I had already downloaded the latest 360 update through Live. The instructions were not clear on this but I feel it is for people that have never updated their 360 and need the WPA2 configuration installed to run wireless n. To clarify, to use wireless N you must use WPA or WPA2. You cannot use WEP encryption. If you do not change it on your router configuration, this adapter will run in ABG only. NOT N. You must also have a wireless N compatible router to run at wireless n speeds (duh).

I already had the older MS ABG adapter wirelessly connected to my 360 and linked to my router, so I just shut it down, unplugged the usb cable and plugged this one in instead. Rebooted and ran “test connection” and it kept the old configuration memory of the connection settings (MAC and ip addresses, passwords, WPA2, etc), except it connected full “4 bars” strong and stated the connection type was n instead of g. I checked this on the router as well through my pc. Connection speeds had varied from 28 to 54 mb/s but now jumped to 52 to 108 mb/s. Tested the unit thoroughly with MW2. No hiccups in voice or connection problems with server during multiplayer or spec ops. Also tested netflix streaming. No problems here either. Watched a full movie with no recalibration/interuption. This has never happened before even on a good day.

The adapter comes with little fold out feet on the bottom so you can stand it remotely if you buy a usb extension cable. Very handy feature if your 360 is buried in an entertainment rack.

Offnote complaint: Router is DLink DGL4500 GamerLounge ABGN, non-firmware updated (which has been known to cause problems). People have complained that this router is not simultaneous dual band. I was on xbox live playing a game in wireless n and using my iphone (wireless g only) to look up info on the net at the same time. I believe the “simultaneous” complaint refers to wireless n devices not being able to see wireless g devices on the same server. Does not affect my configuration.

Conclusion:

Does everyone need this? No. But if you don’t want or can’t run cable through your house and want the fastest connection speed possible, this is a great trouble free solution. When choosing between the older version and the newer one, the price differences between the two MS supplied adapters is minimal enough that this should be your purchase choice unless you NEVER plan to upgrade past g or your 360 is pretty much in line of site of your router.

I do not work for MS, own a PS3, have red ringed my 360, and still recommend this product.

Pro’s: speed, pain free installation, speed, remotely locatable, speed, 2 antennae, did I mention speed???

Con’s: clamshell packing, price, vague installation instructions, fragile antennae only pivot left/right, not forward/back or rotateable, same with old one. But since it can be located remotely, not really an issue.

GT: Jinx32

Bandwidth is what we all need with HD over IP becoming a reality. This adapter definitely fits the bill with the extra gain in speed that is achieved. If you are an XBOX 360 user and use it as a media device to stream your content and or Netflix, etc…then this is something that you absolutely must get. We are using our 360’s for Netflix more and more and with the addition of the new PlayTo features in Windows 7 the 360 is becoming the center piece of our home theater and family room. Naturally the old wireless adapter worked well but there were some delays and sluggish performance…with the addition of Wireless-N to this adapter the delays and sluggish behavior has all but disappeared and the performance is awesome.

My only negative is the price….in the end its a simple wireless-n adapter with a USB cable on it…why not make it cheaper and let more people enjoy the ecosystem that now exists for multimedia streaming. Are you listening Microsoft???

5/5 – even with the price – but it could sell a whole lot more and get adopted faster if the price was in the 49.99 area.

If you have any questions about this device and or need more information, please comment and I will answer as soon as I can.

More information on Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter A/B/G & N Networks here.

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