- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Ok nobody has enough sense to explain to the poor guy how it works. Ok here we go.
Ethernet cables come in two types, the standard direct cat5 or cat6 cable. Cat6 has to be special ordered but it is much better in limiting lag. Standard cable is more than likely the type you have, and in order for this to work you will need at least 2 ethernet cables and a Hub/Router. You have to run the standard cables through the Hub/Router, one to each XBox. Standard cables are generally the type you find at Wal-Mart, and a system link of this type gives the nonhost box a 10 ping. A 10 ping is a 10 milisecond differential between shots from one box to the next.
The other type of cable is a crossover, you can go to a computer shop or maybe even circuit city and ask for a crossover cable. A crossover cable is the SAME thing as a system link cable you pay 15 bucks for at Gamestop. The system link cables are generally 25 foot. You can get a 50 foot Cat6 cable off of ebay for around 20 bucks, a cat5 for about 15 bucks. These cables allow you to connect an XBox directly to another XBox without the need for a router/hub. They allow for only a 5 ping, so a bit less shot lag from one box to the next. If you aren't worried about playing a game across a large area, and basically within 20 feet of each other, then go to EBGames and buy a system link cable, it's much easier. If not, you will need another ethernet cable, 10 bucks at walmart, and a hub. A hub is generally found on any home-networking system, but if you buy one new they are generally between 30-50 dollars.
In other words if your ethernet cable is standard, you can't hook them up directly. If it is crossover, you can. The only way to find out is to try it and see, but chances are it's standard as crossovers are a bit more rare.