Connect Your PS3 to the Internet - Wired and Wireless Techniques

The PlayStation 3 serves as a decent home entertainment console that lets you play hundreds of games as well as watch Blu-ray movies. However, you can really see the potential of the console when you connect your PS3 to the Internet. An Internet connection is required to access the PlayStation Network which is used to download games and play multiplayer games online. It also lets you surf online or use other online services like Netflix.

Your approach to the Internet will depend on how your PS3 is set up with the rest of your components. If your PS3 is placed near your router or modem, you can use the wired connectivity approach. Otherwise, going the wireless route is easier and more convenient if you have a wireless router or access point.

1. Plug the Ethernet cable that comes with your PS3 into the Ethernet jack on the back and plug the other end to one of the available ports on the router.

2. Make sure the router is connected to the access point via Ethernet if you want wireless access. This is not necessary if your router has built-in wireless functionality.

3. Turn on your PS3 and go to the "Settings" menu from the home screen. Go to "Network Settings" from there and head to "Internet Connection Settings." Select the "Yes" option to proceed. Use the "X" button on your controller to confirm any selections or choose an option.

4. Depending on your setup, select either "Wireless" or "Wired Connection." If you choose "Wired Connection," select the "Easy" option first and then select the "Test Connection" option to see if you have Internet. If you don't, choose the "Custom" option instead and ask your Internet Service Provider for assistance regarding the settings.

5. For wireless connections, select the "Scan" option and wait for the system to scan for any access points.

6. A list of SSID's should appear and one of them should represent the access point or wireless router that you have. Choose that SSID to connect.

7. If your wireless router requires a key, choose the type of encryption from the list. It must match the encryption used for the wireless router, so contact the person who set that router up if you do not understand this part. Enter the key afterward and test the connection using the "Test Connection" option.

8. If you have any problems, double check all the connections and confirm your router works with a laptop or desktop PC. Then try to access the admin panel. You can also try loading up a web browser to see if you have Internet connectivity. Otherwise, contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance.