Hosting non-dedicated games on the internet

[Czesanne]

While joining internet games using the built-in browser works fine, I've got problems setting up a simple non-dedicated private game for 2 players over the internet.

I create a new game using the in-game interface and ask my friend to connect directly to my IP (using "remote"). We've tried a lot of things:

- turn on/off firewall on our ADSL connections
- make sure we are using the same port (2234)
- use the same version (Resistance 1.90)

Is hosting a non-dedicated server over the internet impossible?

Thanks in advance,
Czesanne

[bn880]

Are you able to serve anything from that machine? Liek FTP server or dedicated OFP server? You could be behind some sort of proxy.

Also make sure you are both using either Sockets or DirectPlay network implementation.

EDIT: Ah and the port number... don't forget he might have to change that.

[Czesanne]

Thanks for your tips. Yes, I hosted a dedicated server which appeared in the Gamspy listing. So, there should no firewall or proxy problem. I now believe it may be the wrong port we are using (2234). We will try the default port 2302 instead and see if it works.

Czesanne

BTW: Cool project, your CoC. I'm a senior software developer and specialise in "real" AI (automated knowledge acquisition). The OFP AI is really amazing.

[bn880]

Thanks and I agree about OFP AI being very good, although there are still many things that can be expanded on.

Sorry I can't help you more with the hosting problem, you should post again if you still can't get it running, maybe someone else can figure it out.

[Mister Frag]

Czesanne, check the following:

1. Find out your external IP address at www.whatismyip.com -- that's the address that the other players should connect to.
2. Make sure you are all using the same network code implementation. I prefer DirectPlay, because it permits VoIP communications.
3. Stick with the default port number of 2302.
4. See this entry in AvonLady's FAQ on what ports need to be opened up and/or forwarded to the system that is hosting.
5. If you are using Microsoft's ICS or ICF, try turning them off temporarily just to eliminate them as potential causes of the problem.

I host games for my friends over the Internet all the time, it is definitely possible.

[Czesanne]

I've finally got it running. It was the port. With 2302 it works fine, even through the firewall (Norton).

Thanks for your advice.

Czesanne

[Sniper_Kyle]

Eh.....I feel like a noob....but how do you "open" ports?

[RN Malboeuf]

that wont help you kyle
refer to my other post

[Sniper_Kyle]

Refer to my other post in that thread and you realize that my problem is more complicated than that. But ya....how do i open ports?

[RN Malboeuf]

in your other post you claim to have guys connecting to your game via IP
this means your ports are fine

you only need to open ports if you have a fire wall or a router which has a built in hard ware fire wall or if you run a soft ware fire wall like blackICE or Zone Alarm

for BlackICE and routers you would have to selcted the ports and set them to be open (you do this by goin into thier control or config or settings), ZoneAlarm will ask you if you want the programs to have internet access and will open the ports for you