whats ether net?

[GaMeDeViL]

I heard that the X-box is gonna have it but what the hell is ether net and why do i giva damn if it has it or not?

[BoneStormer]

Ethernet is a way of networking computers, most commonly now to connect them to the internet. By saying XBox comes with ethernet means it comes with an ethernet card so you can hook it up to the internet. Since most people don't have ethernet, they hook up their cable or DSL modem to it (do the dame thing on PC).

In short it means XBox comes broadband (internet) ready out of the box.

[GaMeDeViL]

well that's nice .............. what's broadband? I've heard of it and i know it's faster then 56k but what is it?

[GaMeDeViL]

and uh i dont have cable dsl or broadband so does the x-box come with a modem?

[BoneStormer]

In short just think of broadband as a much faster connection then 56k (and more stable since you don't dial up.. no d/c)... as they always say 'up to 50x faster then dial-up'. ANd no XBox does not come with a 56k modem. I would assume you could get one separate, but I dont know. XBox wants to focus mainly on BB since you can do way more with it then 56k.

[1331BRID]

whats a brain?

[zeromachineRX]

The X-box, NIC (network interface card/ethernet card), which is being created by Nvedia. Will function as an ethernet card, and as well as a 56k modem.

[BoneStormer]

Where did you get this information from zero? I checked IGN it says "Boardband: Yes; Modem: No". Gamespot said the same. I also checked xbox.com and it makes NO mention of XBox being 56k modem ready, it only says "Broadband ready". I'm not saying you're wrong, but I have yet to see anywhere say XBox is anything but broadband?

[zeromachineRX]

Well I know the ethernet card, which is on the sound card is capable of dual function as a modem as well as an ethernet card.

[BoneStormer]

So your basing this off the PC version of this card? I'm sure they are making a custom card for XBox, and since I have yet to see anywhere mention any 56k ability, I think it's best to assume they cut it as a cost cutting measure... at least until someone says otherwise (if it was there though I think they would have by now).

[GaMeDeViL]

uh-huh well bone that didn't really help i need-a know what you pug into a broadband modem.does it have like it's own line?

[BoneStormer]

Well umm you plug in your cable or DSL modem to the ethernet... to which is connected a coaxial cable if your talking cable (from the same people who provide you your cable TV, like Warner and their Road Runner, around $30 a month, similar setup but it provides internet and not TV channels). For DSL well it's through your phone line... but it's compety separate from your normal phone. It's it's 'own' line. These can vary widly in price, but we'll say around $40.

I mean you have to specifically have broadband coming into your house. Whether it be from the cable company or a DSL provider. It's not like you can just hook up your phone line to it and go off and running. It needs to be specially setup first.

[zeromachineRX]

I'm basing this specificly from the card being created for the Xbox by nvedia. Who does not make sound cards for the PC so that didn't quite make sense what you stated.

[BoneStormer]

Umm... I don't recall saying anything about a sound card??? What I meant was you seem to be basing this 56k built-in on the version Nvedia makes for PC. Show me some site (a reputable site:) that specifically says that the ethenet card Nvedia is making FOR XBOX has 56k built in too. Everywhere I look says just the opposite (remember IGNXBox: Broadband: Yes, Modem, No).

[zeromachineRX]

Well I don't really keep up with Xbox, other than from a technical standpoint, i'm not really intrested. I did not make up something either. I do not recall where I read that information at, but your argument still stands void.

"What I meant was you seem to be basing this 56k built-in on the version Nvedia makes for PC."

There is no card card that nvedia makes for pc with a 56k modem, hence fourth i did not base my statement on that. I'll try (see : not trying), to find the article. This was a few months ago and things may have changed, i don't know. Eitherway my argument was that it's capable of having support for dial-up as nvedia the markers of ethernet controler on the xbox included that feature in a patent.