the_Monk the_Monk

How to: see/connect-to/host SERVERS!

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How to: see/connect-to/host SERVERS!

from Sins Forums

I have already posted this information to several other forums including the World in Conflict forums where it has received much attention and helped many people with posts such as "I can't connect to servers" , "I can't see all the servers" , "my friends can't see/connect to my server" etc. I have decided to post it again and hopefully it'll be made into a sticky!

I work in IT (design complex NAT/network structures for coporate clients) so that's how I know what I'm talking about. Second, I've had my server the Monk's [PROVING GROUNDS] running a dedicated server for most multiplayer games released since HW1/Operation Flashpoint, so anyone with game hosting issues, ask away! NAT and the misconceptions/inability to configure it are the single largest cause for people not being able to see/connect to/host internet servers today!

 

A quick lesson on NAT:

NAT (Strict) - Port AND Address-restricted NAT (the router/firewall insists that the packet return from both the same IP Address AND Port the packet was originally sent out to)

NAT (Moderate) - Port-restricted NAT (the router/firewall insists that the packet return from the same Port the packet was originally sent out to but doesn't care if the IP Address isn't the same)

NAT (OPEN) - Port AND Address independent NAT (the router/firewall doesn't care which Port OR IP Address the return packet comes from and simply forwards the data packet on to the internal IP you will have specified in your "port-forwarding") Obviously OPEN-NAT is the least secure and also by extension the most flexible for hosting/connecting-to games.

MOST games will work having TCP set to STRICT and UDP set to MODERATE. ALL games will work setting both TCP and UDP NAT filtering to OPEN. (your routers may or may not even let you modify NAT filtering, many SOHO routers do not!) I have "real" routers/firewalls (very expensive also ) so I have granular control over many things that many SOHO routers don't even reference such as the above.

If your router DOES allow NAT control then my suggestions above willwork! Plain and simple. NAT, when not implemented with any sort of controls (like on many SOHO routers, and crappy retail anti-malware/firewall software) is the single biggest reason for sour gamers!

Happy gaming/hosting, monk out!

xfire: the1monk

 

EDIT: here is a link a "networking guide for the gamer" I wrote which may also come in handy the "Networking for the Gamer" guide I compiled of all the "generic" networking information I posted to various forums.

EDIT:

Here is the link to my SINS-specific guide "Networking and SINS" (version 1.0 written Feb 14/2008) which contains all information necessary in order to play/host SINS!

http://themonk.ca/Monk/Networking_and_Sins_by_the_Monk.pdf

technical
317,505 views 134 replies
Reply #101 from Sins Forums Top
Per Ole,

You are missing a step (not following my guide step-by-step) or it would be working! :) It's that simple really.

As my guide states, you're probably in a "double-NAT" situation (where your cable/dsl modem is also setup to be a "router" at the moment) so as I've stated in my guide you'll have to verify if that in fact is happening. If that is the case, then you'll need to do what I instructed the other's who were in the same boat to do (ie. forward the ports from your cable/dsl modem to your router, then from your router to your PC).

It doesn't matter a whit if you're forwarding traffic from your linksys/dlink to your PC if the traffic isn't even getting to the linksys/dlink because your cable/dsl modem is stopping it.

If you're frustrated/annoyed that it's still not working, think that I'm frustrated/annoyed when people don't follow the guide step-by-step and are actually wasting more of my time when I have to re-iterate everything time and again!  :p 


If you would like to set up a time to get onto my TS Server so that I can talk you through the steps I would be willing to spend time doing that for you. Contact me via xfire (the1monk) to set up a time.

the Monk
Reply #102 from Sins Forums Top
Still not getting it to work. My network map is like this:
WAN (internet) - Firewall/router - Switch - Switch - PC

I've not managed to figure out what my firewall/router is called, but it uses something called "Safe@Office 500WP" which stands on the top left side of the screen when I go to 192.168.0.1 and log in, also there's a number on the right hand side; 7.5.48x Maybe you'll make more sense out of this then me.

It has no option to turn firewall off, but it's got a lever that you can adjust between different security levels (Block All, High, Med, Low). tried putting to low, still not working. Low security description says: "Low security
Enforces basic control on incoming connections, while permitting all outgoing connections"

There is a tab called NAT here, but I see no option to turn it off or anything like that. There are 4 address translation thingies here, for LAN, DMZ, WLAN and gjest (guest). I've tried forwarding ports (you can do that on it) but it still doesn't work. I'm really stuck here :( My father works in IT (Network solutions) and even he can't figure it out...

I've tried your guide and it doesn't work for me, maybe becouse one of the things I've described above. Can you please help me? I know it must be annoying, but I've tried everything I can think of and it still doesn't work

Regards
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #103 from Sins Forums Top

Per Ole,

I'll be glad to help you through the steps in my guide.

Please contact me via xfire (the1monk) and I'll give you my TS Server (TeamSpeak) information so that we can talk.

thanks,

the Monk
Reply #104 from Sins Forums Top
Sry to be sooo noob but i was reading ure directions and i got stuck in the begining. I cant find my ip address because u say type ipconfig in the "command prompt". Where the hell is the command prompt? thanks.
Reply #105 from Sins Forums Top
Start - All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt

-HM
Reply #106 from Sins Forums Top
OK--I have done everything you have said to do--set up the server and all--and I still can't host.
What is the problem?
I have followed your instructions to the letter, and can't host a game.*
0.o

Thanks
Fatalerror

*My NAT is an OPEN NAT and thus that is not the problem, I have no working firewall, any security programs are for spam and viruses, and are set to allow SINS.exe access to the internet, and everything else is set up as it should be.
I am running on a Lynksis Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter (WUS854GC) and are connected to a Lynksis Wireless-G Broadband Router (WRT54G), which is connected to a Comcast Standard Modem with "Powerboost".
Reply #107 from Sins Forums Top
Unless you use static IP witch i guess you dont, everytime you turn on your pc you are more than likely assigned a different ip adress (Not always the case)

In any case, goto http://portforward.com/ and use the guide, you can even choose your router for exact step by step instructions.

more exactly use this link
http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/Linksys/WRT54G/Sin.htm
The site doesnt have Sins of a Solar empire, so on the last step use Sins and port 6112 to 6113
Reply #108 from Sins Forums Top
@ fatalerror99917

It sounds like you used my more "generic" networking for the gamer guide linked-to from the regular FAQ.

If you scroll up to the top of this thread you'll see a link to (under the green writing) my SINS-specific guide (Networking and SINS) I wrote back in Feb. That guide contains a step-by-step that will have you hosting in no time.

thanks,

the Monk


PS. As usual, I am available most evenings (CST-time) to talk you through the steps via my TeamSpeak server. All I ask is that you've already read through my guide so we don't waste time.
Reply #109 from Sins Forums Top
i try to do what you said in your guide. step by step.

only problem is when i try doing port forwarding in the NAT section of my modems utility page, it says "ILLEGAL PORT!" when trying to put in 6112 or 6000.

xfire is xerojwo

plz help me Monk!
Reply #110 from Sins Forums Top
okay i got it to accept it now, i read the guide to my router on portfoward.com or whatever and that worked.

so i try hosting and what happens now is...people can join my game for like a brief second then it boots them.

so in other words, still cant host. but im getting closer.

all firewalls on the modem are disabled and i have only windows firewall on here which has Sins allowed access also i run the game in admin mode.

plz help, monk!

kthxbai!
Reply #111 from Sins Forums Top
@ jwilliamo

I've added you to my xfire. I'll try to be online soon.

It is possible (if you have a router in addition to your cable/dsl modem) that you're running into (as I say in my guide) a double-NAT issue.

If you have TeamSpeak, please send me a PM and I'll send you my TS server info, so that I can talk you through the steps.


thanks,

the Monk
Reply #112 from Sins Forums Top
hi

how do i configure my apple airport extreme basis station router to host a game?

thx
conte
Reply #113 from Sins Forums Top

nicolasconte,

I just sent you a PM with a link to the Apple Airport Extreme port-forwarding guide on portforward.com. Use that link to find out where exactly to enter the ports needed for SINS described in my guide.

thanks,

the Monk
Reply #114 from Sins Forums Top
hi

thx monk but thats no my router, i got this one

http://www.apple.com/de/airportextreme/

conte
Reply #116 from Sins Forums Top
i agree with RAY!...




Ummm....so?  ;p 

This thread is about helping people configure their network setup for SINS, please keep it that way.
Reply #117 from Sins Forums Top
This is killing me.

Opened Ports, Accepting Inbound and Outbound, Even tried DMZ-ing my computer, but still didn't work.

I don't have TS so if you wish, my xfire is: dazerl

UPnP? never had a problem with it before yet the router has no for-sure indication that I can even turn it on or off.

I would really love to figure out how to get it to work, not only for the gaming but for the IT experience.
Reply #118 from Sins Forums Top
dwood,

1. Please make sure you're using my SINS-specific guide ("Networking and SINS") linked-to under the GREEN writing at the top of this thread.

2. From the sounds of it, it looks like you're in a "double-NAT" situation (as described in my guide). I've talked several people through the proper setup who were in a "double-NAT" situation (where their cable/dsl modem is also setup to function as a router) with 100% success.

As long as your ISP isn't blocking/filtering anything (like P2P traffic etc.) and you're not at a university dorm etc. (where you don't have physical access to all NAT devices upstream) you can be assured my instructions work 100% of the time. :)

My xfire is the1monk, but I would prefer if you downloaded TS (unless that's not possible for you).

thanks,

the Monk
Reply #119 from Sins Forums Top
God for you that You know so much.
But why not get game that work for our maney.

I have tried to download the utility you mention at codeproject but could not fain it... can you help Please.

I got stuck already what next?
Reply #120 from Sins Forums Top

Bksabath,

You don't need that utility. That is a utility I use to run/restart etc. all of the various dedicated servers I run for games like COD4, Vegas2, TF2, WiC etc.

SINS doesn't work client-server, SINS is purely P2P which means - no dedicated server.


All you need is the guide under the GREEN writing in my OP at the top of the page.

"Networking and SINS" - (follow those steps and you'll be able to host SINS version 1.05)

You could download (via Impulse) version 1.09 (which is the BETA for SINS version 1.1) and then you don't need to forward ports or anything else.

thanks,

the Monk
Reply #121 from Sins Forums Top
Hi Monk tanks for your reply I had a go at the gide
and configured the router

Fire wall is off (this cant be right as I living myself open to hacking)

I have tried to host but so far nothing.


Ironclad says that this is an onlyne game the way I see it is that it is verry difficoult to get it to work and therefore they are in breach of the trade description act

Reply #122 from Sins Forums Top
Bksabath,

1. As I replied to you earlier, you could just update to the 1.1 BETA (v1.09) via IMPULSE (download from www.impulsedriven.com). The new BETA has "optional netcode" which tunnels past routers/firewalls (like Hamachi) and doesn't require any port-forwarding etc.

2. If you don't want to use the BETA of 1.1 (v1.09) and would rather stay on version 1.05 then you will need to go back through my guide and see which steps you missed/didn't complete correctly. You could be in the "double-NAT" situation I described in my guide where eventhough you've configured your router now, farther upstream at your cable-modem the connection may still be being blocked.

By the way, unless you have programs actively "listening" for connection on your PC and some malware happens to use the very same port for traffic, disabling your firewall to play SINS is not making you "open to hacking". :) Firewalls on SOHO routers TRY to inspect and verify that data passing through is actually what it says it is. I have yet to see a SPI-type firewall on consumer-level routers that isn't nearly useless at said task (ie. more than a marketing ploy...).

thanks,

the Monk
Reply #123 from Sins Forums Top
hey monk, just thought i'd update you on the good news. the 1.1 beta really helps with the networking issues. i havent had a problem hosting or joining games thus far except for the lack of people playing the game now, : (

meanwhile, your info was great! thank you.
Reply #124 from Sins Forums Top

hey monk, just thought i'd update you on the good news. the 1.1 beta really helps with the networking issues. i havent had a problem hosting or joining games thus far except for the lack of people playing the game now, : (

meanwhile, your info was great! thank you.




pvster,

Glad to hear it!...and as you can seen by this thread the "new netcode" in version 1.1 BETA effortlessly tunnels past all of the routing devices on my own network with ease. :)


Happy hosting!

the Monk
Reply #125 from Sins Forums Top

hiya there! nice post, lot of effort in it, nice .pdf in your link. well done, hopefully some people find this information useful and can fix their problems hosting a sins game.