http://www.portforward.com/ is a good site on guiding you on how to forward the appropriate ports on your router for things such as Xbox Live. I would say try forwarding first, and if that doesn't work, use the DMZ method.

I would greatly appreciate that...

The model of the router is:

Netgear WGR614 v.6 I believe...

Once again, thanks...

This should be the right page:

http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=5432963&action_code=5&highlight_info=16778073,318,347&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fkb_web_files%2Fn101 145.asp&answer_id=24974726#__highlight

Thank you both for your help...

I will be home soon and will try this; also one more question if I may:

It asks to create a Static IP address... do I not already have one of these?

Thanks...

The 360 is probably set to use DHCP which has the router assigning it an IP address (dynamic IP). This means the number can change as other devices make DHCP requests for IP numbers. If the router supports it (I closed the documentation), you can assign an IP number to a MAC (specific ethernet hardware address) so that every time that device makes a DHCP request it gets the same IP number. Or you can just assign the 360 a specific IP address (static IP) outside of the DHCP range (which will be specified in your router's setup screen somewhere). For example, if the DCHP range is 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.150, you could configure the XBOX to 192.168.1.151. Then you would use that address for port forwarding of the ports you need to open.

I apologize as I am very slow; I understand the Static IP, but am confused as to how I would determine my DCHP range...

Also, I am pretty sure that I chose Dynamic IP somewhere, but am not sure where I can change this within my XBOX.

Thanks again... for your help and patience.

Pull up the routers interface on a web browser and select the "LAN IP Setup" menu option on the left. On that screen, the section in the middle defines the Starting and Ending addresses for dynamic IPs. Any number outside that range (aside from .1 which is the router itself) is free to use for static IPs.

I'm not sure where the ethernet configuration information is on the XBOX...I'm sure someone else here can give you that info.

Thank you much... I will let you know how it goes.

The update:

I tried with the best of my knowledge and my poor ability to follow directions to create the port forwarding (with the Static IP address), but inevitably failed.

The only thing that was an issue with my XBOX was that my NAT was strict (don't know the exact meaning).

Anyway, I called Netgear and the tech ran me through what I needed to do; inevitably, I turned off the SPI Firewall and created a DMZ for the router (given to the XBOX). I was told that the other firewalls I have would be more than enough; in addition (because I am paranoid), I turned up the security level on McAfee.

Everything works fine as of right now; I based everything I did off what the rep said. If anyone has anymore advice/input I would greatly appreciate that as well.

Thanks again...

This is a continuation of another topic, because I have heard many different things about this:

If I have a firewall through MS and McAfee, is it alright to disable the SPI firewall through the wireless router (given the fact that I have a security KEY (WEP/WPA)?

Netgear actually told me themselves to disable the firewall of the router and create a DMZ for my XBOX (the whole reason for changing the settings of the firewall).

To sum it up, am I at risk for viruses, hackers, etc. with the router firewall off; or am I okay given the other programs?

Thanks...

I have the identical router and a 360 and have had no problems. The simplest solution is to ensure UPnP is enabled on the router and the 360 should communicate directly with it and open up it's own ports as required. Simply set all your network settings to auto on the 360 and it should ;) work.

Thanks...

I realize exactly what you are talking about. However, I have one question for you if I may:

What do you set you Advertisement Period and Advertisement Period to Live numbers at?

Thanks again...

I use a good router with tight settings.
computer likewise.

tyreman, meaning ... what? Tell us about the specifics.

Hi,
This is my first post. I am currently on dial up, but I am going to upgrade
to High Speed. My Question is will I need Extra Security once I have High
Speed?

I currently have, AVG Free Edition, SpyBot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware
2007, SpywareBlaster, PC Doc Pro, System Mechanic 5, HiJack This, and
CW Shreeder.

Is this adequate Protection?

Thanks for any advice....

Do you do a lot of downloading? Do you use file-sharing software? Do you visit online game sites and install a lot of plug-ins and applications?

It sounds like what you have should be enough as long as you don't download install every single thing that comes your way. Just make sure that it's up-to-date and enjoy the high-speed connection :).

I currently have, AVG Free Edition, SpyBot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware
2007, SpywareBlaster, PC Doc Pro, System Mechanic 5, HiJack This, and
CW Shreeder.

If used properly You really have more than you need.

The one thing you don't seem to have is a firewall. Do you use a router?

I don't see a firewall either. Maybe Windows Firewall is being used but that is not recommended as there are much better options available. Comodo Firewall (http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/) is free and the new version is very good. A hardware internet firewall/router is also recommended. There are some inexpensive models available and they go on sale frequently.

I have often said the best approach to security is common sense. Stay away from suspicious websites, never give your personal details and banking information to suspicious websites, never open attachments from unknown senders and scan attachments from known senders before opening them, and if you have kids using the Internet keep a close eye on them.

It's helpful to use Firefox with extensions like Ad-block and noscript as these alone will eliminate possible malicious scripts. Avoid using IE if you can, at least on the default settings. Common sense and these 2 Firefox extensions alone will reduce your chances of picking up anything from anyone.

Your best defense is layered defense. Keep your operating system patched with the most current updates. Make sure you have a firewall running and pay attention to outgoing traffic (i.e. Komodo is exceptionally good and free too), make sure you use quality anti-virus and keep the definitions updated daily.

There are several anti-malware tools available, some cost money and some are free. No program will give you the perfect result so it's best to research online before choosing one. Paying for an anti-malware program does not necessaily mean you'll have greater protection as oppose to using a free one. Also beware that some criminals actually put up fake anti-malware and anti-spyware programs and use them to deliver malicious code onto people's computers.

Get zonealarm the free edition firewall from zonelabs?

Look carefully....there is a free ongoing edition. They just don't want you to find it.