Dreamcast Broadband Adapter

The Dreamcast Broadband Adapter (often abbreviated to BBA) is an accessory that was released for the Dreamcast. The console originally came equipped with a 56 or 33.6K modem for use with dial-up Internet access but the release of the broadband adapter on January 10, 2001 allowed the Dreamcast to utilize broadband Internet access. The device can be used for web browsing, gaming and all of the other functions accessible using dial-up access. Shortly after its release, the adapter also became one of the items used to copy Dreamcast GD-ROMs, much faster than was previously possible.

Versions

It is a common misconception that the broadband adapter was released with two model numbers (HIT-0400 for US, and HIT-0401 for Japan). This is actually a misunderstanding as all broadband adaptors from Japan or the US have the code HIT-0400. The code HIT-0401 actually refers to the Japanese broadband adapters' packaging and documentation, and the code HIT-0400 refers to the adapter hardware itself. The adapters are not region coded, so an American (or Japanese) adapter could be used on a PAL system and vice-versa.

There were only two versions released that were approved by Sega.

• HIT-0400: "Broadband Adapter", the more common model, this used a Realtek 8139 chip and supported 10 and 100 Mbit speeds.
• HIT-0300: "LAN Adapter", this version used a Fujitsu MB86967 chip and supported only 10 Mbit speed. This adapter is not compatible with any Dreamcast games and worked only with the included Japanese browser disk.

When introduced, only a few hundred thousand were released, retailing at $59.95 ^[1] (USD).Due to the limited supply, they currently tend to sell for over $100 with online retailers. There is also a way to create a server between a Dreamcast and PC using the standard modem which allows the Dreamcast to share the PC's network connection. 1

References

1. ^ "Sega Releases the Dreamcast Broadband Adaptor". http://www.gamespot.com/news/2673469.html. Retrieved 2009-04-09. 

External links

• PC-DC link