Xbox 360 internet connection error, please help :(

[Deus Flux]

So a few days ago I got a great deal on a factory refurb Xbox 360 jasper model with 2 controllers for $75, everything's great and works fine. So now I decide I want to download some simple stuff to the hard drive (ex: mass effect extra content) and for the life of me I just can't seem to figure out the proper wired config. to get it to connect to the internet. I keep getting connection errors (ISP can't be found etc.).

My cable internet runs through a modem, which has 1 ethernet port and 1 cable connector on the back. I've bought this thing called a Netgear 5-port 10/100 fast ethernet switch which a guy at Radio shack said i'd likely need. I hope I didn't waste 20+ dollars on something I don't need. I also have an extra network cable. But heck, I can't even get my actual net connection to run through it, let alone my 360.

Man, this is so depressing/frustrating. Can someone help me out?

[Rancid Cheese]

Have you tried the xbox straight through the ethernet cable without the Netgear switch to see if that is the problem?

[Deus Flux]

Yeh, I tried that before I was told that i'd probably need the netgear to solve my problem. Does the 360 require a connection to the PC also? I'm incredibly coonfused. I may be doing something really wrong because when I plug the ethernet cable into the netgear, the netgear recognizes the connection and lights up but I can't use any web browser on my PC (says connection can't be found) I wonder if I need a network cable splitter or something. I'd like to buy Resident Evil 5 GE but unfortunately won't be able to download the extra chapters. I wish it was just all available through the actual disc. Makes me sad.

[Deus Flux]

Well I just got progress! I'll go ahead and post this here (and further progress hopefully) in case someone else is having the same problem as I am. I was able to get the Netgear configured to my PC and the connection now works. Unfortunately i'll have to wait til tomorrow to test the 360 connection because I had to use my extra network cable to route my ethernet to the Netgear. Anyway, here's how I config'd my connection to the modem:

Plug in Netgear to power source
Turn off PC
Turn off and unplug modem
Leave existing network cable plugged into modem
Unplug the other end of the network cable from back of PC
Plug that end of the network cable into port one of the Netgear
Plug one end of a second network cable into back of PC
Plug the other end into port two of the Netgear
Plug in modem to power source
Turn on modem
Turn on PC

Both connections & internet connection are now recognized through Netgear. Now here's hoping one more network cable is all I need to finally bridge a 360 connection.

[Dracarys]

Why so complicated? We run a cable out the phone socket into a router and just connect everything to the net through the router, either wirelessly or via ethernet lead.

[Rancid Cheese]

Seems like a hell of a lot of work. i took my existing router plugged in a second ethernet cable and voila online with Xbox and PC. My PC is wireless now but the xbox ain't, older one you see Jasper, Jaster or whatever.

[Deus Flux]

Finally got it to work. The 3rd cable did the trick, although I can only be online on pc pr on the 360, not both at the same time. I was trying the wired method as I was told it tends to be faster & more reliable, although not sure how true that is. I've never owned a console (during its run) that is online-enabled (this is my first) so i'm still learning. I may go for a wireless setup at some point, although this is fine for now.

My PC is wireless now but the xbox ain't, older one you see Jasper, Jaster or whatever.

Yeh mine's a jasper. Can the jasper models not use wi-fi?

Edit: I'm just glad that the ethernet port on the 360 wasn't broken. At $75, I wouldn't have been too surprised.

[Rancid Cheese]

good to hear you got it working even if it is an either/or situation but it's something eh?

You need an additional wireless adapter at about £50+ which is just ridiculous I bought an extension for the phone line for like £8 and just ran it under the carpet, job done. Probably easier, cheaper and more reliable to make the pc wireless.