Live Technology
The Xbox 360 connects to the Xbox Live network through a built-in Ethernet port. Xbox 360 Live is a broadband network, which helps improve the performance of online games. The 360 is also WiFi ready, supporting IEEE standards 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.
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Products such as routers or modems sporting either of these logos have been tested for use on Xbox Live. The logo on the right is the "old" logo, now being phased out.
In its current configuration, most Xbox Live content is routed through Microsoft's Xbox Live servers. For the Xbox Live launch in 2002, Microsoft installed massive arrays of servers in four locations in the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom. The network costs alone were estimated at $500 million [ref]. The servers are physically secure, with multiple levels of security. The entire system is controlled from Xbox Live headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft is so security conscious that they don't give out specific information about types or exact numbers of servers used.
There are a few exceptions, however. Initially Electronic Arts did not produce Live Enabled games for Xbox because Microsoft wouldn't allow them to use their own servers. Eventually, Microsoft relented and EA has begun producing Live Enabled games in their popular sports line, as well as games like "Burnout 3." However, the rollout for "Burnout 3" was plagued with severe problems, including server timeouts, Xbox crashes and poor performance.
There are plans to open up the Xbox Live Marketplace to user-created content, making the Marketplace more of a peer-to-peer network. There is no date for implementing that feature, but Microsoft plans to carefully screen and certify all user content to make sure it meets community standards and is virus-free.
 Setting up Xbox Live is usually a simple process. |
Xbox 360 is "Live-ready" out of the box. In most cases, installation and setup is simple. You'll need a router if you use your Internet connection for something other than Xbox Live. A router allows multiple devices to use your Internet connection at the same time. The Xbox will plug into an outlet on the router. Router configuration can vary greatly, depending on the make and manufacturer. Microsoft provides some guidance here. If you're only going to use your connection for Xbox Live, you can just run the included Ethernet cable from the Xbox 360's port to your cable modem.
Both the Xbox and Xbox 360 use the same Xbox Live system, with Gamertags shared across both consoles. However, an Xbox console can't play Xbox 360 games, and Xbox games aren't capable of using some of the features that were added to Xbox Live late in 2005 for the rollout of Xbox 360.
Next, we'll take a look at some of the problems that have cropped up with Xbox Live.
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First, you have to have an active Gamertag. You have one if you have an Xbox Live membership in good standing. You also have one if you have a profile on Xbox.com. An Xbox Live Gamertag has to be linked to a Microsoft Passport account. Anyone who has a Hotmail account, an MSN account or a profile at Xbox.com has a Passport account. If you're not sure if you're linked, you'll have to contact Microsoft Passport Network Customer Service for help. Once you're sure you've got a Gamertag properly linked, fire up your Xbox 360 with no disc in it. Exit out of any profiles, and go to the Xbox Dashboard. Select "Recover Gamertag" from Xbox Live. Select "Gamertag" and enter the Gamertag you want to migrate over to your 360. You can plug a USB keyboard into a controller port to enter information. Enter your Passport e-mail address and password, then select "Sign In." At this point, your account will download from Xbox Live onto your 360. While you'll still be able to play with your old Xbox on Xbox Live, all account management must be done through the 360. |
