Certain types of network adapters allow connecting a video game console to a home network wirelessly. So-called Wireless G WiFi adapters like those listed below offer both convenient installation and high performance.
Microsoft's wireless adapter for the Xbox 360 is designed to plug into the
USB port on the back of the console. The adapter draws its power through the USB connection and therefore does not require a separate power source. It supports both the
WEP and
WPA encryption standards. In addition to
802.11g, the adapter also supports
802.11a - potentially useful when taking your console on the road. This is an especially compact unit that nicely matches the console's color and style.
The Linksys WGA54AG connects to the
Ethernet port of a game console (including Xbox, Playstation and GameCube). As the name suggests, the Linksys WGA54AG supports both 802.11a and 802.11g WiFi networks. Unlike some other products in this category, however, the WGA54AG supports only WEP encryption. Linksys offers a one-year limited warranty for this unit.
Though not called a "game adapter",
network bridges like the WET54G connect any Ethernet device like a game console to a wireless home network. This unit supports 802.11g with WEP/WPA encryption. The product also supports a Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter which eliminates the need for electrical cables. Otherwise, the WET54G is functionally similar to the WGA54AG above.
Microsoft's Wireless G (802.11g-only) adapter for the original Xbox perfectly matches the console's look. It connects to the Xbox Ethernet port and works as a general-purpose network bridge; therefore, it can actually be used with other consumer electronic products including the Xbox 360. Being an older product, however, it only supports WEP encryption and not WPA.