Broadband Adapter

Broadband Adapter
Made for: Sega Dreamcast
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code JP 2001 HIT-0401 US 2001-01-10 $50.0050.00

The Sega Dreamcast Broadband Adapter (commonly abbreviated to BBA) is an accessory released for the Sega Dreamcast. The console originally came equipped with a 56 or 33.6K modem; the Broadband Adapter was released on January 10, 2001, as an upgrade to allow a faster Internet connection. When introduced only a few hundred thousand were released, retailing at $50. The device was used to enable web browsing, gaming, and so forth with the Sega Dreamcast without the need of a slow dial-up connection. Shortly after its release, the adapter became one of the items primary ways used to copy Dreamcast GD-ROMs, as its transfer capabilities were much faster than ways previously possible. Recently, hackers have been able to use the adapter for homebrew uses as well.

There were 2 versions released:

• HIT-400: "Broadband Adapter", the more common model, this used a Realtek 8139 chip and supported 10 and 100 Mbit speeds.
• HIT-300: "Lan Adapter", this version used a Fujitsu MB86967 chip and supported only 10 Mbit speed.

Due to their limited supply many enthusiasts have tried to create a home made version of the adapter, none of which have worked. However, there has been a way to create a server between a Dreamcast and PC in order to trick the Dreamcast into thinking it's connected to the internet; when in reality it would be using a Broadband connection. There was also the HIT-0401 (Japanese), that also works with non-Japanese machines; whereas the HIT-0300 does not (it uses a special Japanese application). The adapters were not region coded, so an American adapter could be used on a PAL system.

The Broadband still works with all compatible web-browsers and can still be used with Phantasy Star Online, Quake 3 Arena and Toy Racer to play online.

Physical scans

Dreamcast, US
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Manual

Dreamcast, JP
Cover