What do I need to connect my Wii

[earwig999]

I currently have an ethernet wired network between my eMac (upstairs) and my Mac Mini (downstairs), along with the Xbox 360. These are just plugged into a SiteCom Switch. As the Wii has no ethernet and I don't currently have a wireless router or adapter, what is the easiest and cheapest way to connect the Wii to the internet?

The Wii is upstairs and I don't have an etherent point in my sons room yet either. I have seen USB WiFi dongles but would this work just plugged into the Mac Mini?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Eraserhead]

Take a look at this MacGuide (http://guides.macrumors.com/Connecting_Mac_with_Wii), assuming the USB dongle is Mac compatible it will be fine, many aren't as most mac's have built in wireless, otherwise a wireless router is probably the cheapest.

[earwig999]

Thanks for the quick reply. If I went wireless though would I loose my current wired network? ie. Xbox 360 and eMac upstairs?

[Markleshark]

It depends.

With some Wireless routers they can act as a wired router as well as a wireless one. I have a Netgear wireless router, but it has 4 ethernet ports on the back so you can use it as a wired as well, I use both.

[Jacksteruk309]

You can only connect your Wii to the Internet by using a Wireless Router and using the Wii's built in WiFi, or by buying the Ethernet kit for the Wii, which comes with a little adapter which plugs into the back of your Wii, allowing you to connect it with ethernet cable.

[Texas04]

You could also have your macs act as a wireless router. If they are both connected through the ethernet cables than go to

System Preferences
Sharing
Internet
Share your connection from Built in Ethernet
To Computers Using: Airport

Then on the top right hand corner of you macs screen where you have your wireless stuff, create a network. This should work. You should see your network in the Wii's menu.

Edit: This does require your Macs to be on in order for the wireless to work.

[Mac'Mo]

you can connect the wii to your mac?! too pimp!

[Texas04]

you can connect the wii to your mac?! too pimp!

Sort of... not really... In essence you can connect it to your network which is like connecting it.