DS Wifi Connection ?

[icestar2]

I ask for my fellow DS owner's help once again :) I want to connect it to the web and am usually good with these things but I'd rather check with other owner's before going ahead and buying the hardware for connection.

Do I just need a Wifi doogle ? I will be connecting through the PC so hopefully thats all I need. Are there any things I should know ? and lastly any1 else who's setup theres what can you do ? thanks guys/gals.

[Gareth]

Not sure if you still need answers to your questions, mate, but just in case you do.....

The Nintendo Wifi USB connector is what you'll need if you've not got a wireless router. They're expensive... not sure if there are cheaper 3rd party ones you can use instead. You'll not need anything else to get online (apart from a DS and some games of course ;))

They're easy to set up. At the bottom of the setup screen is a button for using the USB connector, so just select that instead of setting up a wireless setting.

http://www.nintendowifi.co.uk/consumerservice/en/wizardimages/emptyConnectionsUSB.jpg

Personally I've got a wireless router so I use that instead. It works well but Nintendo only made the DS compatible with WEP encryption instead of the more secure WPA. This isn't relevant if you're using the USB connector, but it sucks for everyone else.

I guess the only other thing that you may need to be aware of is if you're using imported games you will find that some of them are restricted to which server you're able to connect to, so if you've imported a game from Japan then (for some games) you'll only be able to play on Asian servers, which means your ping will suck. It's not all games that are like this though.

What online games have you got? Mario Kart DS is awesome online :)

[psychocydd]

also just a note.

when trying to connect my daughters ds to the internet it would only run on the b setting of the router..
g setting is too fast for it and drops you connection between 5-10 secs.

[moiraf100]

I wanted to transfer my points from Pogo Island to my account. I can't access it via my router as it's WPA encrypted. Would I be putting my lappie at risk by changing it to WEP, or isn't work the risk?

[Ricksta7]

I wouldn't se it being a serious risk tbh... after all no wireless encryption is 100% secure :(

Can you use WEP and MAC filtering together to make it that little bit more secure? I know it works for normal devices, but would a DS be ok using MAC filtering? (I mean with it being fussey lol) worth a shot? :)

[jonifen]

Of course, WEP doesn't matter in most neighbourhoods, but to be fair if someone really wants access, they'll do anything to get in so Ricksta7 is right, no wireless encryption is 100% secure.

You do get inquisitive people who think they know a lot and download backtrack thinking they're a hero, but if you're using it on your laptop rather than your main router (which is likely to be on 24/7), you should be fine. I would try to restrict access as much as possible however... just incase :)

The WEP vs WPA2 scenario is the only reason our DS's aren't connected up... I'm way too paranoid :D

[moiraf100]

I spoke to my hubbie last night and he said NO in no uncertain terms. (he is paranoid as well):)
I've been on ebay, and I'm watching DS USB things, second hand for about a fiver.
I might be getting a wii at some time, so it would be nice to connect to the kids/grandkids to play with them.

[jonifen]

The Wii supports everything to be fair, we use WPA2 Personal on our router and it works a treat with it (just a shame the access key is so long - typing it in using the wiimote is a job and a half!).

Shame about the DS though as the PSP got WPA access with a firmware update...

[moiraf100]

I transferred my pogo points :)
I remembered there was an unsecured connection that made the odd weak appearance in my available connections. Went and sat in the car, picked it up - voila!

[jonifen]

I transferred my pogo points :)
I remembered there was an unsecured connection that made the odd weak appearance in my available connections. Went and sat in the car, picked it up - voila!
Which is a bit naughty... but nice :D
Got what you wanted, and its not like you use it often, so its a win-win situation!