why would you need multiple modems?

i havent heard of modems or routers being incompatible before, but i have also had a linksys router which worked fine.

also, your 360 should be off when you connect the ethernet cable, or else it wont connect to the internet.

Modem is inaccessible, so the wall ADSL/Cat-5e outlets must be used for the router right?
Are all routers compatible, even the cheaper ones?

My friend tried to get online with 360 but it wouldnt let him update. Any ideas?

Is his 360 used? MSFT has a nasty habit of banning certain users from Live and I believe they ban the hardware as well as the IP. If it's a new unit then just take it back and exchange for a new one rather than sweat yourself trying to get it working.

I've seen 360s work with several different varieties of router as well as being hooked directly to broadband modems. Either way is fine. Obviously the best choice is to use the wireless connection, but that will cost you $100 plus whatever the router costs.

Reading this thread makes me realize how lost I would be without my router. It pretty much feeds every room in my house in one way or another.

i have one end in the homehub (router) and one in the 360, works fine, i get less lag too when im wired up

So router would work best, and they are all ethernet & 360 compatible..
Thanks everyone!