Halo Online Play FAQ v1.0a by Locklear 12/19/01 This FAQ addresses how to get your Xbox online to play Halo through GameSpy's packet tunnelling service (currently the only means of playing Halo online). It is intended as a basic run through, not an exhaustive manual. Please feel free to send corrections, as I have not played online myself (I don't have a hub), but I am familiar with all of the tasks needed to do so. If you have online one home computer with a broadband connection, I'd reccommend using the first method below, "Installing using a hub." If you'd prefer not to use a hub, or if you have a USB cable/DSL modem, you must use the second method below, "Dual NIC method." There is one other method of connecting, using a NAT which I will not describe here as most people should be ok with one of the two methods listed below. If you think you need to use a NAT (or just to be certain that you don't), please read http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/tunnel_xbox.shtml. That is the URL for GameSpy's support info on this topic, which goes into more detail than I do. Again, this is intended to be a "quick and dirty" guide, not a manual. INSTALLING USING A HUB Required items: A TV An Xbox A copy of Halo A Ethernet cable (aka RJ45) A hub A IBM compatible computer A broadband connection to the Internet GameSpyArcade software, available from www.gamespy.com GameSpyArcade Tunneling software, also available from www.gamespy.com Install the GameSpy software on your computer, followed by the tunnelling software, per instructions that you should find on the GameSpy website. Once this software is installed, shut down your computer and connect the hub. It should go between your DSL/cable modem and the computer itself. Reconnect your computer by plugging its Ethernet cable into the hub, rather than the modem. Connect your Xbox to the hub as well, using the Ethernet cable mentioned above, and power your computer back up. Try reconnecting to the Internet as you normally would, you shouldn't have any problems. Turn on your Xbox, with Halo in it, and run the GameSpy software on your computer. Again, for instructions on using the GameSpyArcade software, turn to www.gamespy.com, or any help files in GameSpy's software. Once you connect to a game in the GameSpy software, you should be able to simply select Multiplayer in Halo, choose System Link, and join or create a game as you normally would. DUAL NIC METHOD Required items: A TV An Xbox A copy of Halo An Ethernet card* A crossover/twisted pair cable A IBM compatible computer A broadband connection to the Internet GameSpyArcade software, available from www.gamespy.com GameSpyArcade Tunneling software, also available from www.gamespy.com *If you have a USB DSL/cable modem, you only need one Ethernet card in your computer, if you use a standard DSL/cable modem (ie, it connects to an Ethernet card in your computer) you need a total of two Ethernet cards. It is possible to play Halo online with no hub, and if you use a USB DSL/cable modem, you actually MUST use this method. Begin by ensuring that you have an available Ethernet card in your computer when you are online(by available, I mean one with no cord plugged into it. If you do not, install the second Ethernet card, using the instructions and drivers included with that card. TCP/IP protocol MUST be bound to both Ethernet cards. Once the second Ethernet card is installed (or in the case of a USB DSL/cable modem, the only Ethernet card), install the GameSpyArcade and GameSpyArcade Tunneling software. Power on your Xbox; join a game in the GameSpyArcade software (again, see http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/tunnel_xbox.shtml for further instructions, or look at the GameSpyArcade Help file), then go to the Multiplayer menu in Halo itself. Choose System Link, and either create or join a game. From here, you should be able to play! CONTACT INFO My username for the GameFAQs boards is Locklear, I can often be found there. I can be contacted by e-mail at SRMPC1@yahoo.com. LEGAL INFO This FAQ is copyright 2001 Locklear (aka, Aaron Mitschelen). You may print this document for personal use, and distribute it via any means, provided it is not modified in any way, and I am clearly credited. I accept no liability for ANYTHING that may happen asa result of the use of this FAQ--the reader assumes full risk and responsibility for his or her own actions, even if following this FAQ to the letter. The newest version of this FAQ can always be found at http://www.gamefaqs.com. Halo and Xbox are copyright 2001 Microsoft Corporation. Gamespy is a registered trademark, servicemark, and tradestyle of GameSpy Industries. Use of these names within this document does not infringe on the rights of any party or parties, and all rights to these names are reserved by their respective owners.