There are some basic requirements before you want to connect your PlayStation 2 console to the internet:

1. Sign up for an Internet Service Provider package.

2. Have a network adapter

3. Have a dial-up modem / ADSL router

The network adapter available in North America includes a built-in 56k analog modem, and most Internet Service Providers have included a modem or router in their package.

4. A PlayStation 2 memory card with approximately 150k of available space to install network adapter drivers and software and save Internet connection settings.

The network adapter is a necessary peripheral to allow your PlayStation 2 to be online. The adapter has a built-in V90 modem and a 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet interface for broadband connection where you can connect your ADSL or cable modem.

A. The network adapter fits into the port on the back of your PS2 and all you need is a nickel or common screwdriver to connect the adapter.

After this simple operation, you just have to install the drivers and software (included in the package with the adapter) on your memory card.

B. I have a broadband connection. Where do I connect the adapter?

Simply connect the network adapter to the cable or ADSL modem that you currently use with your PC.

C. I have a 56k dial-up modem. Where do I connect my network adapter?

The network adapter comes with a built-in 56k modem. You just have to connect your phone line to the correct port.

D. Can I use my USB (narrowband / broadband) modem to play online with my PlayStation 2 console?

Since the network adapter does not have a USB port, this is a question that most gamers ask. Using your USB modem to play games with your PlayStation 2 is certainly possible, also with PlayOnline games and services (even if, strangely, the PlayOnline website gives a negative answer to this question), but you cannot connect it directly to the connection USB on the front of the console.

To connect your USB modem to the PlayStation 2, the best solution is to leave the modem connected to your PC and then set up an Internet Connection Sharing connection between the PC and the PlayStation 2. To do this, you will need:

1.USB Modem with USB Device Cable

2. Windows 98 or higher installed on your PC

3.1 Ethernet card available in your PC

4.A straight Cat5 twisted pair cable

If you don’t have an Ethernet card in your PC, you can buy one for a few dollars. Once you have everything, setting up an ICS connection is easy.

First of all, you must have your USB modem properly installed and configured on your PC. Now, enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on your PC; If you are not exactly a skilled PC user, you can find detailed instructions for installing ICS on Microsoft’s official website.

Now connect your PlayStation 2 to your computer, connecting one end of the Cat5 cable to the Ethernet card of the PC and the other end to the Ethernet port of the PlayStation 2. Activate the connection on your PC, then insert the Startup Disk of the Adapter network on your PlayStation 2 and simply configure your PlayStation 2 for a broadband connection.

G. Can I use my Internet Service Provider to get my PlayStation 2 online?

The network adapter includes software to connect to the most popular Internet service providers. And if yours is not included in the list, you will simply have to configure the software to connect to your provider.

It is as easy as 1-2-3. Anyway, keep in mind that if you have problems with your Internet Service Provider even when browsing the Internet on your PC, you will also have the same problems with your PlayStation 2.

The quality of service offered by your local provider is essential for an excellent online gaming experience. If you are choosing a new ISP, it might be a good idea to call them and ask if their services are compatible with PlayStation 2 online games.

H. I have heard that online games are expensive. It’s true?

No. There are no fees to play most of the online games available for PlayStation 2 Online. Popular games like SOCOM US Navy Seals, SOCOM II, The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, Madden NFL 2004 can be played for free 🙂

So far, it seems that only massively multiplayer online games like Final Fantasy XI or Everquest will need a monthly fee to play, fees necessary to maintain the powerful servers required to run these games.

An additional cost for playing online games stems from the hard disk drive (HDD), which became available in March 2004 in North America at a suggested retail price of $ 99.

Finally, you have to add the cost of your internet service provider, but you should already be paying for this, right?