About Wireless Internet Problems With Playstation 3

The wireless revolution has made video gaming more convenient and in some cases turned the art into a physical fitness craze. Playstation 3 players often appreciate the freedom to wander the room during play, but getting a wireless network set up correctly can be a challenge.

Features

Unlike earlier versions of Playstation, PS3 allows users to browse the web and play using wireless controllers. This opens the door for gamers who like to become physically involved in the games that they play by allowing for motion-sensitive controllers. While PS3 users are provided with a built-in wireless receiver, they have to purchase a wireless router. Those who live in a wireless hot-spot can use a local network, as long as it is unsecured. Keep in mind that not all Playstations have the built-in wireless feature. The 40GB, 60GB, 80GB, and 160GB models do, while the 20 GB offers wired LAN only.

Compatibility

The first thing to do if you're having problems with establishing or maintaining a wireless connection with your PS3 is to make sure that your home system has an Internet connection. As long as your computer connects with the same network, the Playstation 3 should have no problems connecting. In some cases, if you have no problems connecting with your desktop but a myriad of problems with PS3, you might have compatibility issues. Playstation.com maintains a list of compatible wireless routers and adaptors.

W-Fi Capabilities

Check to see if your router supports wireless connections. If it doesn't, you'll have to purchase one that does. These are known as Wireless Access Points (WAP). Some routers are more effective than others. For example, many consumers have problems maintaining a Playstation connection with Wireless B Routers but have no problems with Wireless G routers.

Cycling the Router

If you cannot get your wireless connection to work with your PS3, try cycling your equipment. This means unplugging all WAP, routers, broadband modems and VOIP modems for at least two minutes and then replugging it. Sometimes a bug in the system resolves itself this way.

The SSID

The SSID, or Service Set Identifier, is the name of your wireless network. When you scan for these using your PS3, you might inadvertently discover different wireless networks. Make sure that you choose your own SSID. If you are in range of only one network or there is only one choice, make sure that your Wireless Access Point has the SSID feature turned On. Make sure you are using the correct password if your network is security-enabled. Many PS3 users have a hard time maintaining a connection when using WEP Encryption; in this case, lowering the security will minimize problems. Some WAPs are set to filter MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, which Playstation 3 uses. If this is the case, you'll need to add your PS3 as an accepted device. Simply enter the MAC address into your WAP's filter table.

An IP Address

When setting up a wireless network, the prompts may ask you to assign an IP address to your Playstation 3. While this is relatively simple by using the IP address of your router, you can supersede this step by enabling the UPNP feature. UPNP stands for Universal Plug and Play allows you to play games without the use of an IP address. If you enable the UPNP, make sure that you do so with the router as well. Log into the router's administrative screen and make sure the UPNP is enabled there.

Within Range

Make sure cords are connected to the modem or router, and that you are within range of a wireless connection. Also check that your connection speed is fast enough. Slow connections can lead to game lags and lost connections. Minimum connection speed is 1 Mbps.

Resources

• Internet Connection Settings for PS3