To get up and running fast, the direct connection is your best bet. Like the name suggests, it connects your Xbox console directly to your modem. It's terrific if all you want to do is play games.

Required Hardware for a Direct Connection:

1 Ethernet Cable with RJ-45 Connectors

In most cases, you will need to use a PC to initially configure your high-speed Internet connection before directly connecting your Xbox. Contact your Internet provider for details.

1. Turn off your Xbox console and your cable / DSL modem before connecting any cables. Unplug your modem from power to turn it off.
2. Take your Ethernet cable and connect one end to the Ethernet port on your modem and the other end to the Ethernet port on the back of the Xbox console. Most modems use a standard (straight-through) Ethernet cable, but some modems use a crossover Ethernet cable. Check the documentation that came with your modem for more information.

   

3. Turn on your modem, then your Xbox console, with no disc in the disc tray.
4. From the Xbox Dashboard choose Xbox LIVE. Or, play a game on your Xbox LIVE Starter Kit disc and choose the option for Xbox LIVE play.

If you see the Xbox LIVE screen, congratulations! You are connected to Xbox LIVE!

Next step:Create Your Account

If your Xbox console can't connect to Xbox LIVE, the Xbox Dashboard provides an automatic network troubleshooter to help you connect.