Microsoft Xbox 360 & Kinect

[Question145498]

i have recetnly purchased an xbox from your store on macleod trail in calgary. i am having difficutly in connecting to xbox live. the xbox is in the basement and wireless router is 2 stories up. any suggestians

[matchew]

I'm assuming when you searched for connections your router didn't pop up? If not, try directing the router antennas down in the area towards the Xbox. If the router is in a corner, maybe try putting it out in the open more so you don't lose as much signal.

Alternatively, if you have a laptop, you can try to bridge the connection. You can check this link (about half way down) and follow the instructions on how to set it up. The downside to this is that you will not be able to connect to the internet while using Xbox Live.

[Sebye]

Hi Question145498,

Here's a quick solution: If the router antennae are not already oriented flat/horizontal/parallel with the floor, I suggest you do so to increase the signal. The signal is emitted from the length of the antenna, thus a horizontal orientation would maximize the signal in the vertical axis. Further, try rotating the router while imagining the antenna at the centre of a donut-shaped wireless signal formed by the antenna and rotate your router to the position that would line up the furthest part of the imaginary donut with your Xbox. This is hard to visualze so you may need to guess and check instead. (see the diagrams below). 

 

Image taken from: http://www.connect802.com/antennas.htm

                 Furthest Signal

                   ^       ^

                   |        |  

        ^         |        |           ^

_____|_____|_____|_______|________  Antenna                 

         |         |        |            |

         V        |        |            V

                   |        |

                   V       V

               Furthest signal

                _____________

                |Xbox 360        |

If your connection doesn't stabilize from the above, then I suggest either moving the location of your Xbox or your wireless router. Ideally, to maximize your connection, you should run an ethernet cable directly between your router and your Xbox. It is likely a major inconvenience with 2 stories seprating your Xbox from your router, but doing so will not only guarantee a stable connection but also the most optimal data transfer rates for your competitive gaming. 

Disclaimer: I am not a professional, so the advice above is not backed by evidence or science.