no internet = no tv = annoying problem

mich · **8th January 2007, 09:25 AM**

My setup has my 360 liked directly to my MCE PC via ethernet, then the PC links to the internet via a wireless link to a wireless router. Other computers connect to the wireless router too.

I am admittedly a definite novice when it comes to networking, but the way i have it setup i believe the router is the thing that dishes out IP addresses, and that acts as the DNS.

the problem is that whenever the router or the internet connection falls over for whatever reason, i cant watch tv - ie. i cant get the 360 to connect to the MCE PC.

i can deal with not having the guide being downloaded if the router or the internet is not working for whatever reason, but how do i get the 360 to always login to the MCE PC only, and not have to worry about the router and whether or not the internet is working?

philzgr8 · **8th January 2007, 09:44 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mich

My setup has my 360 liked directly to my MCE PC via ethernet, then the PC links to the internet via a wireless link to a wireless router. Other computers connect to the wireless router too.

I am admittedly a definite novice when it comes to networking, but the way i have it setup i believe the router is the thing that dishes out IP addresses, and that acts as the DNS.

the problem is that whenever the router or the internet connection falls over for whatever reason, i cant watch tv - ie. i cant get the 360 to connect to the MCE PC.

i can deal with not having the guide being downloaded if the router or the internet is not working for whatever reason, but how do i get the 360 to always login to the MCE PC only, and not have to worry about the router and whether or not the internet is working?

You could achieve this but not when connecting via the router. You would probably need a separate ethernet switch or crossover cable and a second network interface card in the PC which would create a second nework. All that is based on XP though since I haven't tested whether it's supported under MCE.

mich · **8th January 2007, 10:05 AM**

pistnbroke · **8th January 2007, 10:18 AM**

If the router is handing out the IP adresses and it falls over\fails, it may be loosing it's IP address so the whole system fails..

If you can set static IP's on your MCE box and X-Box that should overcome the IP address loss still won't help internet loss...

Or do not use the MCE box as a go between, so that the X-Box does not rely on the MCE box for it's connection...

Setting static IP's on the MCE Box & X-Box should mean the 2 still talk even if the Router dies..

mich · **8th January 2007, 10:23 AM**

static IP address is a good point i'll do that.

i dont get why the xbox360 has to test for an internet connection for it to be able to connect to the MCE PC. ie. can i get the MCE PC to act as the DNS for the 360 only, and have the router act as the DNS for everything else (ie. for the MCE PC connecting to the internet and for the other laptops connecting wirelessly to the intenet)?

ie.. so that even without the router or the internet working - i can still connect the 360 to the MCE PC to watch tv?

imelda · **8th January 2007, 12:30 PM**

From memory RC1 forces MCX to connect to the internet to see if there is a later version of the extender bits for downloading. if it can't connect to the internet it won't work.

i.

saggynuts · **8th January 2007, 12:50 PM**

As part of the connection process between your XBOX and Media Center the XBOX needs to 'Sign In' to 'Live'. If you don't have an active internet connection then the XBOX can't sign in so you can't connect to your media center.

This is a real pain and can be a royal pain in the donkey if you ever loose your connection to the net.

This only happens with the latest update to the extender software. However, your need that update for the extender to connect to a Vista box.

mich · **8th January 2007, 01:16 PM**

i wonder what genius at m$ thought that would be a good idea.

am i actually the 1st to complain about this? surely as more ppl upgrade to vista, there will be more ppl complaining.

thats about as stupid as one of those LG tv/internet fridges not cooling down if it cant connect to coles online or something!

ExtremePC · **8th January 2007, 01:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mich

i wonder what genius at m$ thought that would be a good idea.

am i actually the 1st to complain about this? surely as more ppl upgrade to vista, there will be more ppl complaining.

thats about as stupid as one of those LG tv/internet fridges not cooling down if it cant connect to coles online or something!

But you have to look at it this way although you can't watch TV on it, the people at MS can sleep easy at night knowing that your 360 software is and always will be up to date.

There are many trade offs in this world and that's one that your just going to have to learn to be happy about.

mich · **8th January 2007, 02:06 PM**

thats just microsoft admitting it doesnt work properly, and the latest software is the least buggy version. i've never had to update the software on my PVR, it worked for about 3 years without ever needing to change a thing.

also, if its a piracy thing, where m$ want to be sure my software is legal, then i'd be very happy to buy a media centre server (the opposite of an extender) with software thats locked in and doesnt change, not alot unlike the xbox360 software. it just works..

well.. as per the start of this thread.. unless there is an internet connection.