Connect to live using broadband dongle 2.5MB speeds?

wilmaV · 01-11-2009, 2:36 PM

Hi - i have just moved into a flat for 6 months so have had to get broadband through a mobile dongle - i get speeds of approx 2.5MB. Firstly, can i connect from my mac either wirelessly to an xbox 360 or via ethernet and get on Live by using a dongle and secondly is there any issues with my speed being 2.5MB?

Thanks, Wilma

Ben · 01-11-2009, 3:23 PM

Depending on which mobile network you're with, you may have NAT issues. Suck it & see. I'd start by connecting it via ethernet, rather than wireless. This article is well worth a read (It goes onto explain exactly how to do it over the next two pages using Windows ICS, though I'm sure Macs must have an equivalent)

deathtrap3000 · 01-11-2009, 3:56 PM

You shouldnt have any problems connecting it to live. Playing a game on live though, well I wouldnt recommend it. The latency for mobile broadband is way to high to play a lag free game. You will only have a bad experience and probably mess everyone else's game up too.

Also, I doubt you are actually getting 2.5meg. Try a speed test to see what you are getting. Have a look at the latency too.

wilmaV · 02-11-2009, 12:43 AM

Ben - thanks for the link to the article - sounds very complex and that's following it as PC instructions, not for Mac. The fact i am also on a slow speed probably means playing on Live is going to be a problem.

deathtrap3333 - thanks also for the info. I had got the figure 2.5MB from a speed test. i have tested since and this has fluctuated on occasion down to 1.2MB on some occasions. I'm not sure if this is right but latency returned a ping of 178 ms if that means anything to you? It sounds like from what you have said i won't be able to go on Live.

I haven't bought the xbox yet, i have posted the same query in PS3 forum to see if there would be the same problems there - as its free i dont think its as strict/regulated but think with my speed i might struggle as much as with the xbox - i'll see if anyone replied to that post...

Thanks again to both for the feedback.

deathtrap3000 · 02-11-2009, 1:53 AM

The speed isnt a problem. You can have a download speed of about 256kbps and still play fine. Its the latency thats the main issue with online gaming. Too high and it will cause really bad lag for you and sometimes the other players.
Try playing online and see how your games are.

Sy1441 · 04-11-2009, 12:13 PM

I can remember when live first came out and the fastest connection available at the time was 512kbs!

wilmaV · 04-11-2009, 1:52 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies - i have decided to go with Sky - even if i only stay for 6 months and pay out the rest of the contract, having the ability for online gaming will be worth it. There free base rate is 2MB with option to upgrade to 10MB with 40GB allowance for £5/month extra. Ill see how the free base rate does and take it from there.