Q. Where does it plug in?
Q. Is there an official list of games that support online play?
Will add later
Q. Is there a monthly fee associated with the Network Adapter?
A.Depends on game, but you will need an account with a Broadband ISP. PSO charges $8, addtionally.
Q. Is my ISP compatible with the Network Adapter?
A.
All ISP should be compatible with the BBA. Some ISPs restrict the number
of devices connected to their network, so check with your provider
before connecting your GC to their service. It appears that bundled
AOL Cable Broadband users can not get online with their gaming systems. AOL is
working on a fix for this problem. Check their site for more details.
Q. What additional hardware is required to connect my NA?
A. There are a few additional components required to get your GC online:
- Network Switch:
A network switch allows you to connect multiple Ethernet devices to a
single modem. Network switches simply act as an Ethernet splitter and
do not add any additional network security. - Router:
Routers are similar to switches in that they allow for multiple devices
to connect to a modem. However they offer additional features that
switches do not, such as IP masking and additional security. Routers
can be configured to hide any additional devices connected to them,
making it appear as though only one device is connected to the modem.
This requires additional setup within the router, and will vary
depending on the brand. - Wireless Access Point:
If you are unable to run network cable between your switch/router and
GameCube, you can connect your system via a wireless AP. Wireless is a much
more expensive option, and is more difficult to configure. In order for
a Wireless setup to work you would actually need 2 access points. One
would connect to the modem and the other would connect to your GameCube. The
two devices would then be configured to communicate with one another.
 - Network Cable:
If you choose to use a wired solution you will need to purchase network
cable. Network cable comes in a variety of types, but you only need to
choose CAT5 or CAT5E. CAT5 cable is certified for lengths up to 100
meters and CAT5E is certified for lengths up to 300 meters. Also note
you want standard straight-through cables, rather than cross-over
cables. Keep in mind that you will need at least 3 lengths of cable,
one to connect the modem to the switch/router, one to connect your PC
to your switch/router and another to connect your GameCube to your
switch/router. Obviously if you have multiple PCs or other devices,
those will need cables as well.
Q. How much does all that hardware cost?
A. Prices will vary depending on stores you shop at and brands you buy. Here are some average costs (USD):
- BBA= $40
- Switch = $30
- Router = $40
- Wireless Router = $70 - $200
- Network Cable = It normally costs about $.25 - $1 a foot depending on the length of cable.
Q. Where do I purchase this additional hardware?
A.
All of the items listed above can be purchased at your local computer
supply store (with the exception of the GameCube specific wireless device
which can be purchased at gaming stores).
Connect your Network Adaptor to a DSL or Cable modem
- Connect GC to cable/DSL modem. You can take the cord out of your computer and stick it in the BBA if it is Ethernet.Â
Connect your Network Adaptor to a Router/Switch
- Connect an Ethernet network cable from the NETWORK connector of the Network Adaptor to an available LAN port of the router.
- Connect the WAN port of the router to the DSL or cable modem.
- Connect
a personal computer (not pictured) to an available LAN port of the
router. Use a web browser on the PC to set up the router to reach the
Internet. - Follow the specific instructions that come with the router. There is no additional installation for switches.
Using Wireless Router to connect Network Adaptor to LAN
- Remove the sticker covering the network connector of the Network Adaptor.
- Connect an Ethernet network cable from the NETWORK connector of the Network Adaptor to a wireless Ethernet bridge.
- Connect the WAN port of the wireless router to the DSL or cable modem.
- Connect
a personal computer (not pictured) to the router. Use a web browser on
the PC to set up the router to reach the Internet. - Follow the specific instructions that come with the router.
Q. Can I share my internet connection with my wireless laptop or computer?
A.[Unknown at this time]
Q. If I don't have a switch/router, can I simply unplug my computer from my modem and plug in my PS2?
A.
This should work fine, but a switch/router eliminates that step. One
thing though, some modems don't like having new things plugged into
them and will require a reboot to properly recognize the new device.
You should only need to reboot the modem if you're having problems
getting your PS2 online. To reboot the modem just unplug the power to
the modem for a few seconds then plug it back in again.
[tell about disc orignal setup]
Q. If I use a router do I need to open ports to play online games?
A.
Some routers come pre-configured to be more secure than others. If you
have problems playing an online game, read through the games manual to
determine what ports need to be opened, then check the router to see if
it’s configured to allow traffic through those ports. Again, consult
the router manual for instructions on how to check/open ports.
Q. What connection speed is required to play Online games?
A.
While some games can be played at 56k, most require a faster
connection. 256Kbps would probably be the slowest speed recommended for
most games. Luckily most broadband ISPs offer connection speeds ranging
from 1.5Mbps to 3Mbps.
Q. What connection speed is required to host Online games?
A.Unknown for GC
Q. How can I find out what my upload/download speeds are?
A.
You can contact your ISP to find out the specifics of your internet
connection. You can also test your internet speeds from your PC using
online tools such as DSL Reports (http://www.dslreports.com/stest).
Q. Can I hook up one Gamecube directly to another with Etherentcords, and play "online"- Yes
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