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 "[url=http://www.themonk.ca/Monk/Networking_for_the_Gamer_by_the_Monk.pdf]Networking for the Gamer[/url]" 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
I have a Westell C90 model and under the NAT/Gaming configuration there is an option for Static NAT. Do I need to enable this to host a Sins game? Will my friend be able to connect to my IP address if I host with the "Multiplayer" option instead of going through ironclad? I have ports forwarded/firewall exceptions added. I'm thinking that the NAT is the only thing giving me the problem.
There is also an option for IP Passthrough, however looking at your guide it does not mention if this needs to be enabled or disabled. Thanks
I think you may have misunderstood me.
1. I'm not suggesting people stop their routers from performing NAT (Network Address Translation), I'm simply saying if one's router has specific options regarding NAT-filtering then relaxing the level of "filtering" will help ensure connection. So make sure you're not talking about disabling NAT entirely on your modem/router combo.
2. The ports need to be forwarded to the correct PC behind the router. Make sure the IP of the PC you want to forward all traffic on the specified ports to isn't/hasn't changed.
3. Make sure (at least for testing) that all anti-malware software and other third-party software firewalls are disabled.
I'm of course assuming that the modem/router combo you have (if memory serves me it is a combo modem/router right?) is the only router between your PC and the internet? The answer to this question is ALL IMPORTANT!
Alternatively you and your friend could use IMPULSE (www.impulsedriven.com ) to update to version 1.1 and not have to forward any traffic at all. Game version 1.1 employs new netcode (alloy) which tunnels past/through everything with no need for port-forwarding etc.
thanks,
the Monk
This has caused me a few issues in the last week and a bit - my PC address changed on me (stupid DHCP)...
I also had to open port 7000 on my router to get Sins to work in 1.1 (actually 1.11 by the time I got it working....)
It's the monk!!!
How funny to see you here making the exact same thread
Yes it's me....hehe
You'll find I've made a habit of hanging around gaming forums writing guides, and posting technical threads. Sometimes I don't even play the games.
I am having trouble finding the link on the website you specified as well as using a search engine to find it. Can you post the link to the file at a website or possibly have it uploaded to a file server like rapidshare.com or etc.. I am trying to host rebellion match on my computer.
The link is back in the OP now.
I have to say though that the port numbers in my guide may be obsolete now (as this guide was written for SINS vanilla back in 2008).
Having said that, the STEPS you have to take on your router(s) or other network devices remain the same.
If you want to know the new port numbers follow the following steps:
1. Start SINS REBELLION and HOST a game.
2. Then ALT-TAB, go to RUN and type "CMD". Hit <enter>.
3. Type "netstat -a". Again hit <enter>
4. You will see all ports currently open/using/listening for traffic listed.
5. Make note of the port listening for SINS and replace the port(s) in my old guide with the new one.
Happy hosting!
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