The Bottom Line
- Sleek design and small size integrates perfectly with the look of the Xbox 360
- Easy to install
- Generally considered reliable with good range
- Dual band 802.11a/b/g support
- More expensive than alternative WiFi adapters
Description
- Date of Introduction - 22 November 2005
- Wireless Standards - 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g
- Connectivity - USB
Guide Review - Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
See also - Top Wireless Adapters for Game Consoles
Microsoft's Xbox 360 adapter supports the USB network interface, not Ethernet. USB network adapters in some situations are inferior to Ethernet ones, but not on the Xbox 360. For example, the USB interface supplies not only the network connection but also a power source, so no extra power cords are needed to make this wireless adapter work with the Xbox. Second, using a USB adapter keeps the one Ethernet port on the Xbox 360 free for another purpose.
In contrast, this adapter's support for 802.11a is less interesting. This is a high-end networking feature. A few hardcore home networkers may have the setup to take advantage of it, but most Xbox 360 owners will never need 802.11a capability.
See also - How to Connect Xbox 360 to a Wireless Router
