You will need the following Hardware:
* Sony Playstation 2 Console
* Sony Playstation 2 Memory Card
* Sony Network Adapter*
* Standard Telephone Cable (for Dialup)
* Standard Ethernet Cable (for Broadband)
* Router or ICS setup (Recommended, but not required)
* You only need to buy a network adapter if you own the original Playstation 2 model. If you own a slim-line Playstation 2, the network adapter is built into the console.
A memory card is required to play online. The network settings are saved to a file on the memory card. Without it you will not be able to play online. The Playstation 2 needs to reference these settings before signing online.
You can use any of the following to configure your ISP settings:
* Start-Up Disc v1.0
* Start-Up Disc v2.0
* Start-Up Disc v2.5
* Start-Up Disc v3.0
* Start-Up Disc v3.5
* Start-Up Disc v4.0
Start-Up Disc v3.0 is for owners of systems with model number SCPH-50001/N or SCPH-50010/N only.
Start-Up Disc v3.5 is for broadband use only.
Start-Up Disc v4.0 is for broadband use only.
Click Here for a step by step Network Wizard at Playstation.com which will explain the various parts of the network configuration process.
There are many games which have a built in Network Setup tool. You must be carefull which game you are using to edit your settings, because not all Network Setup tools are the same versions. For instance Tribes Aerial Assault has a very early network setup tool which is designed to configure both Broadband and Dialup ISP information. However Midnight Club 3 DUB Edition's network setup tool is designed for Broadband only, and can corrupt the ISP config when editing one created by Tribes Aerial Assault.
To have your PC and your Playstation 2 online at the same time, you will need to setup a home network. The best device for this is a network router. We recommend routers by LinkSys. In general use it has been learned that they are more compatible with online console gaming than other router brands. The LINKSYS BEFSR41 is the cheapest 4 port router available as of this writing.
If you plan on hosting game sessions from your Playstation 2, it would be best to configure your Playstation 2 with a static IP address. Then, in your router's configuration menu, set the Playstation 2's IP address as "DMZ". This will open every port for the Playstation 2 to the internet allowing you to easily host and join any online game from your console. For more information on configuring DMZ settings, consult your router user manual.
If you do not wish to purchase a router, you can setup ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). You will need a computer with 2 network cards installed. Also, you will need a specific cable connection way to connect the PlayStation 2 to the PC. You have 2 options, and which one you choose will depend on what hardware you currently have available.
* Crossover Cable: A cross over cable is just like an Ethernet cable, however the CTS (clear to send) and RTS (ready to send) lines are crossed over. This is the cheapest solution, if you order a crossover cable online. Buying it from an electronics store often costs double.
* Network HUB + 2 Ethernet Cables: Connect the PC to the slot on the far right (usually slot 4), while connecting the Dreamcast to one of the remaining slots. Next you will need to toggle a switch from Normal to Uplink. This is essentially the same setup as a cross over cable.
Click Here for a step by step process on setting your PC up for Internet Connection Sharing.
Playstation 2 Online games are primarily FREE to play in North America and PAL Regions. There are a few select RPG's that do require a subscription fee:
Final Fantasy XI Online ($12.95/mo)
Phantasy Star Universe ($??.??/mo)
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