Network gaming

Broadband gives you the ability to play console games online and offers a whole new gaming experience. You can pit your skills against other gamers from around the world and even chat with your team-mates and opponents whilst playing. The two main games consoles have excellent online gaming services which can only be enjoyed through a broadband connection. Xbox Live and PlayStation 2 Network Gaming both allow you to hook your console up to your broadband connection and join friends and likeminded people for the ultimate gaming experience. There are three ways of connecting your console to the broadband service.

Internet connection sharing

This is best if you connect using a USB modem. Alternatively, if your PC has an internal PCI broadband modem, Internet Connection Sharing is ideal.

Internet Connection Sharing allows you to share your broadband connection between your computer and games console. However, you will need to turn on your PC before playing games online. Your computer must have an Ethernet port and be connected to the games console using a Crossover Ethernet Cable.

Wireless connection

By far the most convenient method of online gaming is without wires. If you have a wireless router you can connect your games console to your broadband service using a Wireless Games Adapter. The D-Link DKT-710 wireless networking kit can be ordered during the Waitrose.com Broadband signup process and Wireless Games Adapters can be ordered from most good online electrical retailers.

Router connection

A router allows you to have one or more computers connected to the broadband service at the same time as your games console. However, you will be able to play games online when your computer is not switched on, as the router acts independently of your computer.

The D-Link DKT-710 wireless networking kit can be ordered during the Waitrose.com Broadband signup process and can be connected to your games console using an Ethernet cable.