Topic: Router Resources for Gamers

[number6]

Since so many people with C+C Generals seem to have problems with playing online multiplayer games with their routers I thought it would be a good idea to start a topic where all members can post online resources that may be helpful. I have done a little bit of searching on this subject today and thought I would share what I found. It was some intersting stuff. I will admit I am not the most savvy person as far as setting up a network so I will defer questions I can't answer to Gryphon.  

Anyways, I found out that some games like Age of Empires and Rise of Nations use Direct X netcode for peer to peer games. I believe the API is called Direct Play. I ran accross this forum in my search:

http://www.puffinsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=222&highlight=generals

And in this thread there is a link to this page:

http://www.u.arizona.edu/~trw/games/DXport/

Here is another good link from the author of the link above:

http://www.u.arizona.edu/~trw/games/nat.htm


I find it interesting that even setting your router up with DMZ that some games will not work correctly because the game is hardcoded to use specific ports.

[gryphon]

so I will defer questions I can't answer to Gryphon.

hehe, thanks for telling me in advance

For D-link routers there is a serperate firmware upgrade that will allow online gaming. You get the option for gaming to be turned on or off in the routers settings.
The latest firmware should be here I guess.

[number6]

No problem Gryphon .  I certainly won't be much help in this board. I am trying to learn from what it discussed here.

[gryphon]

ok.
If you would like to know more about something, Linux or Windows let me know. . .and if I know anything about it I could try to make a topic about it if you's like.

[number6]

Well I don't muck around too much with network stuff, but I am sure I can come up with some questions

[Tura]

Try using the virtual servers option in your router. To redirect specific ports to a certain IP (definatly needed for UT servers for example) So far that helped me get any game running.

PS: Oh yah and for direct play you have to set it as a special application (as i wrote in the forum too) unless someone can help me figure that one out you`d run along the same problems in the end though like i do with Baldur`s gate i have to assume

[gryphon]

This might help in games that require DirectPlay. Use it at your own discretion.

http://www.puffinsoft.com/

[gryphon]

an article on Gamespy on hardware and software firewalls. . . some router issues aswell. Never know if they might come in handy . . .

http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/firewalls.shtml

[gryphon]

found the site a few days back .. think it has a few nice tutorials for home networks. . .. so you might want to check it out if you have the time. .

http://www.homenethelp.com/