• This Network Adapter connects to the Expansion bay on your PS2 and provides you with an online connection

• Select the speed at which you can connect -- between a 56k modem, or a 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet connection

• Add to the replay value of your favorite games by challenging people around the world

• Requires an 8MB memory card with 137KB of free space

Let's move on to an easy way to set up a wireless network. When I decided to go online, I knew that I didn't want 100' of CAT5e cable running through my house. Unfortunately, no one had any decent online ideas on how to set it up. So, here's the true story of my wonderful little wireless home network.

First, you're going to need a wireless router. I purchased the Linksys BEFW11S4 and I've had no problems at all. It was very easy to connect the 2 desktop computers and the PS2. The BEFW11S4 uses the 802.11b wireless standard. (If you don't know what this means, that's ok....just make sure you purchase a wireless ethernet bridge with the same standard, but I'll get to that).

Secondly, you'll need the above mentioned wireless ethernet bridge. I used the Linksys WET11 and the bandwith is superb. (It also uses the 802.11b wireless standard, so it'll work just fine with the BEFW11S4.) Some people knock it in their online reviews, but for online gaming it is more than adequate. There's NO WAY you'll need anymore bandwith playing online than what the WET11 offers. Basically, this little devil plugs into the wall by your PS2. You then run some network cabling (CAT5e) from the WET11 to your PS2 and BAM, you're almost there.

Almost there...you'll have to add the WET11 to your home network, but it's also quite simple installation. The BEFW11S4 will auto-detect the WET11 if it's powered up. Then all you have to do is run through the rather brainless ISP (Internet Service Provider) setup.

TAA-DAA....you're done! Now go pickup Madden 2003, or SOCOM and get playing!

(All products mentioned in this review are available here on Amazon.com and I suggest you get them here. I did MASSIVE comparison shopping when I set this up in October 2002, and Amazon.com had the best pricing...)

61 of 70 found the following review helpful:


Hard to find, easy to set up  Sep 07, 2002 By A. Ectal Greenhaw "ectal"
What's there to say? This network adapter/modem just pops into the back of your PS2, then you spend about 5 or 10 minutes fiddling with the very easy-to-use setup disc. Assuming everything went well, you can test it out by playing one of the two included demos, Madden 2003 or Frequency.

I liked that it was easy to install and configure, and I like the way it looks sticking out of the back of the PS2. I do wish that the console had come with a network adapter in the first place, especially since everyone is having such a hard time finding this item now. At least they give you a coupon for a free copy of Twisted Metal Black Online; that made shelling out for this a little less painful.

This is definitely a good buy, and there are a lot of great online games coming out in the next few months.

A few words of advice: rather than paying as much as twice the cost of the network adapter to get one from a private seller, just wait. By the time Sony is keeping up with the demand, there'll be a lot more games out. If you really can't live without online play, a few online Playstation games (for instance, Tony Hawk 3 and Madden) will work with a USB network adapter. Also, be sure to pick up a USB keyboard so that you can chat with your online friends and rivals.

18 of 18 found the following review helpful:


Online games with no fees!  Dec 22, 2002 By Pat O'Donnell
Well so far the network adaptor is a great investment. I've already been playing Madden, THPS4 and SOCOM online for about a month and everything has worked practically flawlessly. There have been some server issues with SOCOM(great game btw) initially, but they have since been ironed out for the most part. With Madden, I've tested both BB and 56k(my cousin has 56k only)and BB seems to be lag free for the most part in my area, but 56k chugged a bit in Madden at my cousin's house using his network adaptor, but remained playable. THPS4 was smooth throughout. Setting up the Adaptor itself was pretty easy...probably took me no more than 5 minutes to install it and get up and running online. I'm sure it won't be that easy for everyone out there, but it was for me. The step by step interface was quite clean and easy to navigate and pretty helpful. There is also a little video to help you in case you're having difficulty. You'll also need just 137kb of free space on your memory card to save all your network settings. You also get a coupon to receive Twisted Metal Black: Online for FREE. All in all, I'm quite happy with my experience so far. The adaptor was easy to setup, you get a free game and comes with two playable demos, Madden2003 online and Frequency online and also a few video only demos of THPS4, Automodelista and a couple others. And all these games are free to play online. No subscription fee's or the like, whch is the best part about it. The most fun games online for PS 2 are, SOCOM, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4, Madden 2003, NFL2k3, NBA2k3, Tribes, ATV Offroad Fury 2, Twisted Metal Black, Frequency. Also, some upcoming online games include GT4, Final FantasyXI, Automodellista, HSG online, ResidentEvil Online, WSB2k3, ASB2003, and V&B to name a few. Anyway, if you can find one, I recommend picking one up, espscially broadband users. PS: You might see something that looks like an orange spark in the front of the console near the vents when putting on the console. Don't worry, that is just an Orange LED that lights up when the adaptor is accessed. I never knew there was an orange LED in the front, so I was taken a back at first)

43 of 49 found the following review helpful:


Best $40 I ever spent!  Oct 02, 2003 By Gerald S Allgood
This is a high quality modem, I can tell simply because I have 18 years experience in the computer field. It is easy to install and set up and I have had no problems with this modem; I have logged over 200 hours on it since I bought it five months ago and use it every day! I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality online experience.

See all 195 customer reviews on Amazon.com