Linksys Makes Wireless Play For Gamers

SycloneFX writes "According to an article on CNET News, Linksys have announced two new adapters that are designed to connect game consoles, including PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. The article summarizes: 'The new adapters are available immediately, and are based on the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networking standards. The 802.11b-based adapter, called the Wireless-B Game Adapter, costs $79, while the 802.11g-based Wireless-G Game Adapter costs $129.'" Seems like simple, easy-to-set-up wireless for online/LAN console gaming is a great way to go.

Comments

Re:Seems a bit pricey to me.

[MBCook]

Well, it's a full wireless bridge. It may seem expensive, but remember a few things. First if you have multiple consoles (a DC, a PS2, a XBox, and a GCN all with broadband adaptors) you could use the one adaptor along with a hub to give them ALL 'net access. Also, if your PC is on one side/floor of your house and your games are on another, it's usually cheaper and better looking to get something like this and a wireless lan card for the PC than to run ethernet through the walls or even worse taped to the outside of the walls. This isn't for everyone (especially if you have ethernet near your consoles) but for many it would be a great thing.

Re:Game cube has netwr0king?

[MBCook]

Yes. Go to any decent store (GameStop, FuncoLand, Babbages, maybe even TRU) and you can buy either a broadband or modem for the GCN. It fits in one of the spots on the bottom of the console. That said, next to no games support the thing. In fact, AFAIK, Phantasy Star Online (by Sega) is the only game that even supports the things. There are probably more by now. Here are some links for you to check out:

Nintendo's page on the GCN's connectivity
IGN's page on the modem
IGN's page on the ethernet adaptor

What's the difference . . .

[CaptainStormfield]

. . . between this and a normal wireless bridge? Judging by the Linksys Prodcut Listing, you still have to buy an ethernet adaptor for the console. It *does* look cool, and perhaps it is easier to configure than the wireless bridges that are on the market now?

Re:What's the difference . . .

[MBCook]

There isn't one. I think it's just smaller or is designed to fit in better (asthetically) with the consoles.

Re:What's the difference . . .

[Omega Hacker]

The difference is that these devices have a button on the box that lets you set up ad-hoc networks simply by setting the same channel on all the bridges. I assume there's a more complete configuration setup a la the WET-11 for infrastructure-based networks.

Re:two words

[Anonvmous Coward]

"latency (high)"

As long as it's under 100ms, it'll be just fine. Besides, don't you think Linksys is going to work on that?

"bandwidth (low) = bad for games"

Bandwidth is low? Compared to what? Last I checked, 11megabits wasn't slow to anybody playing games. As a matter of fact, ppl with only 256k can do just fine, and 802.11b can do that at quite a healthy range.

Methinks this is a smart move for Linksys

[luekj]

Really.
Gaming, especially online gaming, is a potentially lucrative market for sure

Props to linksys for seeing the need in the market for 'plug and play' networking products marketed as console exclusive.
They know what they're doing, at least in this endeavor.

Re:THIS PRODUCT IS RETARDED

[Babbster]

Relax and take a deep berath. This product addresses a few concerns:

a) Most console gamers don't know WHAT a wireless bridge is.

b) Both models appear to be cheaper than Linksys' other bridges (though the prices may come down if these "gamer bridges" would work with a PC just as easily).

c) Apparently, the software is designed to be more user friendly and I'm sure the instructions will be written with gaming (and each console) in mind, rather than traditional LANs.

This looks like an excellent move toward making Linksys the home-friendly department of Cisco.

Nope, not retarded. It actually looks pretty cool.

[EverLurking]

Product manual is here: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/wga11b_ug.pdf

Reading through the documentation real fast:

• The bridge will lock onto an open (no WEP and SSID being openly broadcast) wireless node by selecting the right channel number via pushing the big blue button alone. Real quick and slick.
• Or if you run into a situation where you have a WEP enabled network and/or hidden SSID, you can set up to 3 (P1, P2, P3) custom setups each with pre-defined WEP Keys and SSID's that I assume you toggle through with the channel select switch. This is configured via a Windows/PC application (no doubt someone will figure out a Linux client soon).
• Will work in Infracstructure or AdHoc modes.
• Crossover toggle switch readily available and selectable easily.

What's this good for? Great for gamers who don't know the finer points of WiFi network setup/admin, but still has the ability for you to configure it to a network that is set up properly (ie. WEP with non-broadcast SSID. OK, not great but better than nothing).

Puts out 15 dBm (what's that in mW?), power requirements are 5V@1.0 Amp, you could build a battery power supply for these or use it in a car with the right cigarette/accessory plug adapter. Hmmmm, roving WiFi net in your next roadtrip convoy. They've got to have better reception than the built in antenna on your PC Card or built in wireless on the old laptop.

Pretty cheap and pretty compact too (2.83"x5.31"x1.10", about paperback book sized). Scatter a few set up for Ad-Hoc mode tucked into the hard to get to nooks and crannies of public places to extend the range of your public access points? Or get a couple and keep them around for the next time you have to set up a quick and dirty wireless network on short notice and then break it down just as quick!!! Think someone has cracked your WEP key, just change to your P2 setting with a button push to shake them off for a bit. Sounds kinda like some good old cloak and dagger fun eh?

DaveC

Re:802.11g????

[amorsen]

Putting 802.11b devices on the same network as 802.11g devices slows down the 802.11g devices. That is why there is a point to buying 802.11g even for devices which do not need the extra speed themselves.