Karoo User Group - Microsoft Xbox

There are three ways to connect the Microsoft Xbox to your Karoo Broadband Internet service. These are as follows:

By far the easiest of these, and indeed the recommended way to connect to any Karoo Broadband service by the Karoo User Group, is to connect through a network (2), and hence use a router.

Usually, a router can be bought with an ADSL modem integrated into it, i.e. an "all-in-one" device, for instance the Netgear DG834, sold by eBuyer, Dabs and many others, although suitable devices can be bought cheaper.

Using a router not only allows the use of multiple devices at the same time (the Netgear DG834 allows for 4 devices), but also gives security benefits. These are well documented on the World Wide Web however, and as such are not going to be discussed during this guide.

The Xbox comes with a network adaptor as standard, however, to enable online game play, you need to purchase the Xbox Live Starter Kit, which costs around £30. This covers a years subscription to the Xbox Live service, however, a credit card is required for access during the signup process.

Plug the ADSL modem/router into an electrical socket, using the power cable provided, and then plug the ADSL modem/router into your ADSL enabled phone socket.
Connect a personal computer to the ADSL modem/router using a CAT5 cable to a LAN port on the ADSL modem/router. Most modern computers have network adaptors preinstalled, although they can be purchased for less than £15.
Setup your ADSL modem/router using the manual provided. The only "Karoo specific" settings you require are: VCI=50, VPI=1, Encapsulation Mode=LLC, use NAT and your IP address is dynamically assigned by your ISP (Karoo). All other settings can be left as default or "factory set" options, although DHCP will have to be enabled on the LAN ports.
It is a good idea to verify that the above is setup correctly before going any further. This can be done by using, for instance, a PC to see if it can access the Internet.
Next, turn on your Xbox and install the Xbox Live service using the disc included with the Starter Kit. Once complete, you can remove the disc, and turn off the Xbox.
Using CAT5 cable, plug one end into the Ethernet adaptor on the back of the Xbox, and the other into a LAN port on your ADSL modem/router.
With no disc in the drive, turn on your Xbox. From the Xbox Dashboard, select Xbox Live. The Xbox will determine network settings itself (using DHCP) and begin the signup process.
- If the Xbox fails to determine network settings (i.e. if DHCP is not enabled on the router) you will be prompted to enter settings manually.
After the signup process, setup will be complete! Hopefully you will be able to enjoy trouble free network gaming!
You can find a full list of Xbox Live enabled games on amazon.co.uk.

Note 1: Microsoft provide more in-depth guides and FAQ's on troubleshooting problems that may arise during and after the setup of Xbox Live on their website.

Note 2: Karoo 'narrowband' services (e.g. AnyTime, HomeTime, FreeTime and NetTime) are NOT supported by Xbox Live. These services are simply too slow. Xbox Live requires at least 256k of bandwidth to operate, while 512k is preferable.

Note 3: Karoo Helpdesks do not, and will not give support on Xbox connectivity issues. However, where possible, the KUG will provide assistance. Please Contact Us with your questions.