[Help] Getting the Wii online

If this shouldn't be it's own thread, feel free to close it, but I think we need a thread like this to help people get the Wii online, especially if they're like me and don't have a wireless network set up.

This has been my only concern with the Wii. While it's nice that it has Wi-Fi, I don't have a wireless network at school or at home. However, I AM willing to shell out some money for something to alleviate that issue so I can get online and get some VC games on day 1. Here's my first question-

My iMac has an airport card which allows other computers to essentially take my internet connection wirelessly if I allow it, and if they too have a wireless connection. So, could I use this to get the Wii online?

Barring that, I need another solution. Question two - What would I need to buy to get my Wii connected to my wired network? At school, there are ethernet jacks all around my room, and at home, we have a 4-port router connected to a broadband modem. I've spent some time looking at Netgear stuff, but I just don't know which one to buy. I am also planning on getting an Xbox 360 and want that online as well, so a device that could handle both would be the best. You should also know that my router/modem is not near my game setup, so wireless is the only way to go.

Any help would rule, and we can keep this thread open for others who need assistance as well!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

You can get a USB ethernet adapter for your Wii. =D And theoretically, you can get a Wii to connect to most kinds of hotspots, considering it's been shown to support a pretty big range of wireless security protocols.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The Nintendo WiFi adapter was created just for this issue. There's also some third party peripherals that do the same thing, such as the WiFiMAX.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

The lame thing about the WiFi adapter is that it's for PCs only for whatever stupid reason. I'll check out this WiFiMAX thing though.

Krelian - Will a USB Ethernet adapter work on the Wii though? As in, does the Wii support ANY USB peripherals?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by sprouticus

My iMac has an airport card which allows other computers to essentially take my internet connection wirelessly if I allow it, and if they too have a wireless connection. So, could I use this to get the Wii online?

Yes, Internet Connection Sharing is a working means to get a DS/Wii online.

All you need to do is create a WEP (for security) Ad-Hoc network (which, lucky for you, is an incredibly easy process in OS X) and then turn on Internet Connection Sharing for your ethernet port.

This is probably the most cost-efficient option in your case.

This thread is redundant, I think. Really, any way of getting a DS online should work with a Wii. Wireless networking isn't rocket science.

How ya doing, buddy?

I doubt this will be available at launch, but it might prove helpful for others browsing for a solution too:

Quote:

Wii Ethernet Kit coming
Tuesday 3-Oct-2006 4:40 PM Don't have wireless internet? Don't worry; Nintendo's Ethernet Kit will get you online in no time

Nintendo revealed to CVG today that it will release an Ethernet Kit for Wii, which allows users to connect the console to a standard internet router without wireless support.

It's undoubtedly good news after concerns that the lack of an Ethernet port on the Wii meant that the console could only connect to the internet via wireless link-up.

For people without a wireless-enabled router, this would mean purchasing a new router or the almost non-existent Nintendo WiFi Connector (that USB dongle thingy). But with the Ethernet Kit available, non-wireless gamers have nothing to worry about.

Those of you who connect your DS to the internet with the Nintendo WiFi Connector can use the same device to connect the Wii. And most wireless routers will also be compatible with the Wii's built-in WiFi technology. So everyone should be online with Wii. Bring on Mario Kart!

Cyberspace.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by GALM-2

All you need to do is create a WEP (for security) Ad-Hoc network (which, lucky for you, is an incredibly easy process in OS X) and then turn on Internet Connection Sharing for your ethernet port.

You make it sound so easy but I actually have no clue what you're talking about haha. Want to fill me in?

I'm testing this out with the DS. I am using Internet Sharing on my Mac, and the DS recognizes it, but it cannot connect. It says that it cannot obtain an IP address and that I should check my DHCP settings. Could this be because I'm at school and I'm on their network?

FELIPE NO

The USB adapter for the DS, can be used for the Wii, but be warned, when your computer is off, so is the adapter...so no WiiConnecto24 if you turn your computer off at night.

For a wired connection the Ethernet adapter will work great, but for those like me who are across the house, just get a wireless router.

I reccomend Linksys, easy to setup, and if the Wii is anything like the DS in connectivity, the Wii should pick up the single, no problem.

How ya doing, buddy?

I thought this thread was going to be used for finding places to order the Wii online and stuff.

Your question has been answered so I don't really see much more reason to keep this open but I'll do so just in case you still need something else.

If you have a wireless router the Wii should be able to detect it. The Wii also has all that WEP and new encryption jazz settings and will most likely have future encryption fun times via firmware updates. You can use the USB DS dongle for the Wii as well. And finally if you must have a wired connection there is a USB Ethernet adapter that you can use.

Any more questions?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I guess this is sort of tied in with the Wii, since the Wii should(and seems to) use the same connection type setup that the DS uses. Has anyone ever had a problem with the DS refusing to accept a WEP password?

My DS will not connect to my Wireless network no matter what I do on it. I imagine I might need to fiddle with my router instead, but basically I get to the point where I enter the WEP on my DS, and it says something along the lines of invalid key. Either way, I know it's the right WEP key since my laptop has no trouble what so ever connecting.

Anyone ever happen upon this?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by sprouticus

You make it sound so easy but I actually have no clue what you're talking about haha. Want to fill me in?

I'm testing this out with the DS. I am using Internet Sharing on my Mac, and the DS recognizes it, but it cannot connect. It says that it cannot obtain an IP address and that I should check my DHCP settings. Could this be because I'm at school and I'm on their network?

It really is far easier than doing it on Windows. Setting up an Ad-Hoc wireless network in Windows alone is a pain in the ass (however, the sharing part is simple.)

Unfortunately, I don't have an OS X computer to mess around with, so I don't know how to exactly do it. All I know is that these options exist, but nothing more.

I will say this though: any connection problems before you actually go out to the internet on the DS will remain localized in the network of your computer and the DS.

How ya doing, buddy?

I managed to get my DS online, so I think I'm all set. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to close it, then, unless others need help. Thanks for the help, y'all!

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

*Swoosh! into the thread*

I use the WiFi USB for my DS online games. However, I also got a wireless router which UNFORTUNATELY was listed on the incompatible routers for Nintendo Wi-Fi (STUPID D-LINK!).

Any recommendations on a relatively cheap (cause I'm poor), but powerful and effective router?

I was speaking idiomatically.