Need help connecting Vista PC to Xbox 360.

[Creature Thing]

Ok heres what I have:
A Vista PC with Ethernet port
An xbox 360 (with Ethernet port)
256kbps DSL connection
A USB Modem (this is my problem)
A small brain that has almost no knowledge of networking

I want to connect my Xbox 360 to my PC so I can go on Xbox Live. I heard Windows ICS doesnt work on Vista, and even if it did, I wouldnt use it because I wouldnt want to turn on my computer every time I wanted to go on xbox live.

I was wondering if I could get a USB Ethernet Adapter and connect my USB Modem to my ethernet port, but then what would I connect an Ethernet router or switch (which i plan on getting) to? So I dont know if that will work.

I need suggestions. I'm willing to spend around 50 USD for the connection to work, but not more than that.

[johnwill]

Nope, you can't use a converter. If you want to spend $50, I'd look for an ADSL router that will solve the problem, though I don't know what they cost in your neck of the woods.

[Creature Thing]

An ADSL router? But then I'll have to turn on my PC every time I wanted to use Live, right? Because my USB modem gets power from the computer.
You said ICS might not work so well with the 360. So I guess I could get a router. I'll live with having to turn on my computer every time I go on Live if I have to. So what do I do? Get the router, connect it to my ethernet port, and then connect my 360 to the router with an ethernet cable, and then all I have to do is connect to the Internet? Or do I have to change something in Network settings or something? If yes, how do I do it?
Oh and I can use a network switch instead of a router, right, because theyre cheaper.

Really appreciate your help!

[johnwill]

The ADSL router replaces the modem.

[Creature Thing]

Oh you mean like a gateway or something? Ok I'll try that. BTW the ends of my internet cable (provided by my ISP) are like the ones on telephone wires. Thats normal, right? I mean there are telephone jacks on ADSL routers, right?

[Creature Thing]

Oh and I'm thinking I might try ICS, since you say its available on Vista, and its also my cheapest option. All I'll need is an Ethernet cable from my living room to my bedroom. And I think I can turn on the computer every time I go on Live. But you did say that ICS may not be fast enough for live. What does that mean? Is 256kbps not fast enough? Yes, I know it'll be slower when I'm sharing the connection, but how slower? No one will be using the internet on my computer when my 360 is on Live. Oh and how do I start using ICS? I mean, where do I make the connection, or will it detect the 360 automatically? Or will I have to turn ICS on from the control panel or something?
Sorry if I ask too many questions, its just that I really really want Live (it was the biggest reason I got a 360 instead of a PS3), and here in Abu Dhabi (which is a city in the UAE, the same country Dubai is in), there's no one who knows anything about networking. No one that I know of at least. So I really appreciate all your help.

[johnwill]

If you have an Ethernet cable from near the router to the XBOX, use a simple Ethernet switch, it's a MUCH BETTER OPTION! ICS is not the way to go!

[Creature Thing]

You mean modem, right, because I dont have a router. So I connect the Ethernet Switch to the Ethernet port in my NIC, and connect the 360's Ethernet cable to a port on the Ethernet switch?

[johnwill]

What you really need is a router here! It's a MUCH better solution than trying to use ICS. Of course, you could just swap the cable for the XBOX and the Vista machine as you use them. I suspect it's not often you'd use them together.

[Creature Thing]

Ok I'll get a router then. Can you check this auction out for me? Its a really cheap router (for about 15 USD) but can you tell me if it'll work with the 360?

http://www.souq.com/item.php?id=2537...1&list_cat_id=

[johnwill]

You need to check with the XBOX site for router compatibility. http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/co.../equipment.htm

[Creature Thing]

Can I connect my USB Modem to a router or a switch? I mean, can I just buy a router and connect my USB modem to it, because I'm having trouble finding a cheap gateway.

[johnwill]

Nope, you need an Ethernet equipped modem, or simply a ADSL router that combines the modem and router. You can't connect the USB to any router I'm aware of.