How to Connect a Wii to the Internet with DSL

by Chappy Sinclair, Demand Media

The Nintendo Wii includes a built-in wireless adapter that allows you to connect the device to your home's wireless DSL Internet network. Because the Nintendo Wii does not have a built-in Ethernet port, a wired connection to a DSL modem is only possible when using the Wii LAN Adapter, a simple networking device that connects the Wii online via an Ethernet cable. Once online, the Nintendo Wii has access to Nintendo's Wi-Fi network, the free multi-player service for all online Wii games, and the Wii Shop, which houses all of the premium Wii content, including additional Wii Channels and game downloads.

Wireless Connection

Step 1

Turn on the Nintendo Wii and wait for the Wii Channel Menu to load. Move the on-screen cursor over the "Wii" icon on the left side of the screen and press the "A" button.

Step 2

Move the cursor over "Wii Settings" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "Internet" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "Connection 1: None" and press the "A" button.

Step 3

Move the cursor over "Wireless Connection" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "Search for An Access Point" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "OK" and press the "A" button to begin searching for wireless networks.

Step 4

Move the cursor over the name of your wireless network and press the "A" button. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the wireless password if applicable. Move the cursor over "OK" and "Save Settings."

Step 5

Move the cursor over "Yes" to begin a connection test. After the test is complete, the Wii will automatically use these settings when connecting to your wireless network.

Wired Connection

Step 1

Turn off the Nintendo Wii and connect the Wii LAN Adapter to the USB port on the back of the Wii. Connect one side of the Ethernet cable into the "Ethernet" port on the back of the Wii LAN Adapter and connect the other side of the Ethernet cable into the "Ethernet/DSL" port on the DSL modem. Turn on the Nintendo Wii and wait for the Wii Channel Menu to load. Move the on-screen cursor over the "Wii" icon on the left side of the screen and press the "A" button.

Step 2

Move the cursor over "Wii Settings" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "Internet" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "Connection 1: None" and press the "A" button.

Step 3

Move the cursor over "Wired Connection" and press the "A" button. Move the cursor over "OK" to begin the connection test. After the test is complete, the Wii will automatically use these settings when connecting to your wireless network and DSL modem.

References

  • Nintendo: Connect Your Wii to the Internet

About the Author

Chappy Sinclair has been writing professionally since 2006. He has been able to share his gaming and computer-related impressions and opinions on a national scale with published submissions in "PC Gamer Magazine" and "Maximum PC." Sinclair is currently studying for an aeronautical degree in navigation and avionics at the American Academy of Aeronautics.