Questions with starting a MP game - having troubles

[Cavalier]

Hello, HarryInk and I tried to set up a MP game a few days ago and failed so I thought I would come here to get peoples ideas and advice.

Firstly, I have two copies of Les Grogs and can set up a MP game on my home network running on two different PCs. I used /Ipconfig to work out my IP address and had to get my virus protection software to let the games communicate but after a little bit of work I was able to get it running.

When HarryInk and I tried to get a game going over the internet we failed.

Now my understanding is that /ipconfig gives you the IP address of your PC that is given by your router but to play MP over the internet you need the ip address given to you by your ISP so I checked with my ISP and got that IP address. I also configured my router to open port 21205 in both UDP and TCP. HarryInk had also set up his virus protection software and router to let the game operate but no luck.

My take is that my virus software is not a problem as I can play MP against myself on my LAN but the router may still be an issue as my LAN games would run through the switch and not go to the router.

In relation to the IP address, I imagine the IP address my ISP gives me is for my router. If that is the case how does my opponents client kknow how to get past my router to my PC'?

I am now looking for any other Aussies (or anyone else playing during the same times) to try and set up the game with me (ie tying the problem down to HarryInk's end).

Any thoughts or advice?

[ess1]

Some (most?) ISPs have an IP that changes each login I believe.

[Hook]

You can get your IP address by clicking on the following link:

http://www.whatismyip.com

You might want to bookmark this site for future use.

In addition to the 21205 port for the game, both TCP and UDP inbound and outbound, DirectPlay requires the following ports to be forwarded:

Initial connection:  6073 UDP inbound and outbound
Subsequent:  the port range 2302 to 2400 UDP inbound and outbound.

While JMM has replaced all DirectPlay calls with calls to rakNet, I suspect that it's still using all the DirectPlay ports.  Try forwarding the additional ports and let us know the result.

Hook

[AJ]

Hook, with the PCconfig programme (portforward.com), I just put in forward port 21205. TCP & UDP. All was OK

[Hook]

The port forwarding program will know that the DirectPlay ports would have to be forwarded and do it without comment.  The only special port that HWLG uses is 21205 which you have to tell the program about.

If forwarding the DirectPlay ports works, while not forwarding them does not work, then we can assume that rakNet isn't a replacement for DirectPlay but a wrapper around it and uses DirectPlay internally.

Hook

[Alfiere]

For host and for who join.
And firewall select for to allow game for host and for join.
Nothing other?
A question, before try join is better ping IP host?
I try to day a join and no lucky,but is not possible to have some message or log to understand the reason.
In directory tracking there is a file name net with this
H=0000 RAKNET 0f from 0 Lng=1

Hamachi (hope) bypass these things , the ping for IP host, the ports,the firewall.
Tomorrow i try with Hamachi.

[Hook]

Initial connection:  6073 UDP inbound and outbound
Subsequent:  the port range 2302 to 2400 UDP inbound and outbound.

Both sides need to set up their routers to forward the above ports.

It's possible to play a game with someone you can't ping.  It depends on the security software whether or not a ping response is returned.

Hook

[Alfiere]

It is not simple set Windows with ports,firewall with many variants also in presence  of antivirus etc. .
At the end for me remain always some doubt.
Would be a good thing pass a test before try connection to MP.(if is a simple prepare a little program for test)
Or make available a PC for to try join in MP , with the opponent there is always few time for to try different setting.
Or little guide for setting windows.
I am also a special case (behind a nat).
How example this setting for ports in attach file:
With crossing borders or not?
How standard is set how image.

[Alfiere]

WORK!!!!  Hurrah
Ajle and I have retry to day without Hamachi and work very well.
I have try with open ports 21205 , 6073 , 2302-2400 .
Great

[Gunner24]

Good news, for those that don't have a router things are a lot easier, a modem only (like I have) is easier to set up.

All I did was allow HWLG full internet access through the firewall and then use my AV software to open port 21205.

It has to be better to play MP without needed hamachi, I hope as many as possible can get things organised like this and the current MP Community can gradully get bigger and bigger.

[Hook]

WORK!!!!  Hurrah
Ajle and I have retry to day without Hamachi and work very well.
I have try with open ports 21205 , 6073 , 2302-2400 .
Great

Thanks Alfiere, that's good information.

If we could get a couple more people to try this both ways, forwarding just 21205 or forwarding all the above ports, and get confirmation if it works only one of the ways, we'll know a bit better how to support the game.  Thanks in advance.

Hook

[Cavalier]

Ok, we have had some advance ... well maybe. We both patched to version 2c and tried again.

Now we get connection error 1:C

Actually once I was hosting and say HarryInk's name appear in game for a few seconds.

Any thoughts?

[JMM]

On the next connection, could you send me your 2 files net.txt (folder tracking).
With the 2 files, I hope to build the communication between the 2 PCs

JMM

[AJ]

Tested MP connection with Patch "C", no problems

[Cavalier]

Replaced my router because it died. Set up the new router exactly the same and now I have been able to set up a game with HarryInk. Maybe it was a MTU thing. Now I need to find some opponents and allies!