Good PS3 network adapters??....

[dave4shmups]

So I have a wireless router, but getting on the Playstation Network is still pretty hit or miss. I purchased Super Stardust HD on Thursday of last week, and still can't download it. I've tried resets and all that, and am now wondering if there is any device that I could buy at Bestbuy or Microcenter that would plug into my PS3 so that I could get a more reliable wireless connection. Something like the wireless adapters that MS had for the older 360's. I called GameStop and they don't sell anything like that.

[antron]

they are called wireless bridges. also known as wireless gaming adapters. many wireless print servers also have ethernet plugs which essentially make them wireless bridges.

[dave4shmups]

OK, so what's the difference between that, and a "regular" wireless router, like the one that we now have connected to our Comcast cable modem??

[StarCreator]

Bridges are devices that, well, do what their name suggests - they link to a wireless network and act as a passthrough for any device that doesn't have wireless capability on their own. Not all routers can be configured to act as bridges.

I can't say I've ever had any issues with the PS3's built-in wireless, though I've since switched to a wired connection to be able to use AdHoc Party. What make/model router are you using on the cable modem side?

[dave4shmups]

Well, the wireless router is a Trendnet model TEW-452BRP 11g, 108Mbps. The cable modem that it's hooked up to is a Motorola SB5101 SURFboard Cable Modem.

I never had to wait longer then about 10 minutes with the Wii, but the PS3 has really been hit or miss. And I bought it brand new, and it always says that our wireless signal strength is 100%. I assume that if there was a problem with the PSN, it would be all over sites like IGN, unless it's just local-ie, here in Colorado.

[StarCreator]

Trendnet makes a wireless bridge as well - should be relatively easy to set up. Though, I have no experience with Trendnet products at all.

I personally use an old Linksys WRT54GL with DD-WRT and it's been absolutely flawless, wireless or wired. I'm planning to switch to a Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH router in the near future though, since the DD-WRT Buffalo provides has more features and it was about time I got a Wireless-N router anyway.

[dave4shmups]

Something else I should mention-even though I'm able to get on the internet perfectly, I am getting a warning that says that the Comcast cable modem has "limited or no connectivity", and to call my network provider. WTF's that about, and would it have anything to do with my problems getting on the PSN??

[StarCreator]

Windows usually only gives you that messages in cases where you have a network cable connected, but for whatever reason your PC wasn't able to obtain an IP address automatically. That should prevent us from having this conversation though, unless you're somehow connected to your home network in more ways than one (for example, if you have your wired port plugged in and your wireless active on your PC at the same time) and you're only seeing the error message from the nonfunctioning link.

If you have constant problems on the PC I'd definitely suggest looking into replacing the router with a more reputable make/model.

[Specineff]

A good modem and pc reboot usually solves it

[gray117]

Perhaps a NAP/NAC security setting [try turning these off] ... perhaps configurable in your modem router settings?

Perhaps because ports are restricted either by modem or provider or both...?

Many pc gamers face a similar issues when searching for available game servers etc. - often times connecting to a lobby but not getting into a game - crap like that.


imho - turning off and on is not an answer unless your kit is actually broken...

[antron]

some routers have a DMZ (demilitarized zone) setting that opens all ports for a specific device. it should be safe to set this as your PS3.

[dave4shmups]

some routers have a DMZ (demilitarized zone) setting that opens all ports for a specific device. it should be safe to set this as your PS3.

How do I open those ports? Yesterday, I called Sony and the lady on the phone told me that the PSN was down for maintenance, but I still can't get on today. And if our cable modem is so problematic, why can I still get on the internet with no problems whatsoever?

[antron]

In the setup page where you configured your wireless settings.

It can be found by typing the router ip address into a web browser. This ip should be listed as the default gateway when you type "ipconfig -all" at a command prompt.