hosting/joining game instructions

[a_night]

I would like an explaination of the game startup process. I used the gamespy site that came with the ptw software for a while but lately have just been clicking in with multiplayer from autorun. I am curious if anyone can offer the merrits of one over the other. But my real concern is simply getting into games more efficiently. I have hosted a few successfully from each site but usually when I host the game never appears in the lobby. On the gamespy site I can toggle to the lobby and verify it does not appear and from the other I can close the "hosted" game and confirm with someone in the lobby that it didn't appear. Is this is a technicial issue with my pc or connection (cable modem), or is it due to game site problems?
Technical issues asside I often see lobby participants gather to play and password protect a game. Is there a forum other than the afore mentioned lobbies for planning a game? I realize member e-mails are available but hesitate to randomly solicit people figuring the lobby is designed for getting games together. But when games open password protected I presume I am missing something.
Last but most certainly not least, it is cumbersome to toggle windows and look up players on ladder and send e-mail with passwords and such. I spend a lot of time waiting for players, then waiting for hosts (when hosting fails) then securing ladder memberships, to finally launching. The launch phase is about 50% successful. I am again not sure if the issues are with my pc or connection, or if game servers fail or other players or hosts have pc or connection problems, or diplo is in disguise and just canceling games after leading us on. In a nutshell can anyone offer a guide toward more efficient/successful ladder games? Thanks all for forum participation! See you in civ, a_nightlite

[a_night]

I checked the ptw readme files on troubleshooting problems with hosting/joining games and figured all the ports that need to be open (in the pc and with the ISP) must be or I would never be able to host/join. Since problems are intermittent I was guessing there were site problems and on occasion I here grumbling in the lobby to suggest that is the case. But I wonder if (admitting my ignorance) resetting the cable modem makes a difference. My ip is not static so resetting does change my address. I find problems with civ multiplayer without other indication of connection problems. The last couple days I failed to connect regularly but reset my modem and all was well again. I will report if I learn more. Thanks to all for consideration...even those without answers.

[SirPartyMan]

I wish I had my old post from the old ladder forum for this one ... but I'll do my best. I know how frustrating this is. The vendor should never have made it this difficult. Hopefully future versions will install more seamlessly, but this one can be tough.

If your computer was configured with lax or no security, you might be "lucky" and be able to join and host right away. But, for most people they have some security software in place. Including things like a router or a firewall. Some operating systems like Windows/XP come with an Internal Firewall system build-in.

Often disabling the firewall isn't enough because still your operating system communication settings are going to block the kind of intrusion that gaming demands.

Pay attention, because this just might be the difference between your connection working or not.

We're into the "fine print" now of the TCP business. When you open ports, you must declare them as one of two types: TCP or UDP. It's not important what these acronyms stand for, just think of them as two different "kinds" of communication that want to use the port.

To make a long story short, what you want to do is define each of the nine ports with each of the two methods, for a total of 18 Definitions into your network settings on either your (router) and/or your pc's operating system "control panel". Consult your router documentation for details. Here is a link to the Linksys Router documentation:

www.linksys.com/support/support.asp?spid=1


In Windows XP, you can do this from Control Panel/Network Connections/right click on your highspeed Internet Connection and select "Properties" then Advanced Tab.

So for example if you want to be able to host IP games,
you need to define three ports.

Here is a critical section from the CIV3PTW ReadMe (which is accessible via your Start Menu to Infogrames etc..).

..................................................................

"* Hosting a game requires that your computer act as a server on the internet and have a public IP address that others can use to join your game. Firewalls and NAT routers prevent this by isolating your local area network (LAN) from the internet. To host a game, you must configure your router to forward certain ports from the internet to your computer. You can do this with port forwarding or DMZ. Port forwarding connects individual external ports to your internal computer. DMZ forwards all (65536) ports to your computer, effectively placing your computer outside the firewall. Using DMZ is simpler, but more dangerous since your computer is now fully exposed to the internet at large. Consult your router documentation for either method. Ports that need to be forwarded are:
13139 (Custom UDP Pings)
6500 (Query Port)
2302 (DirectPlay)"

...........................................................

So what I did was define all 3 of these ports to BOTH UDP and TCP .. allowing both kinds of communication traffic across all 3 ports. That's a total of 6 definitions. It's probably slightly overkill. You might not need TCP for 13139 for example, but why guess? Just open up 3 ports twice -- once for TCP and once for UDP

Some people are successful with DMZ or Virtual DMZ as some routers call it. Others are successful with port forwarding. My personal experience is if you persevere you can always make it work with port forwarding, unless your ISP has the ability and the desire to block you from acting as a server on one or more of those ports. In which case, you should change ISPs.

OK, ready for the home stretch:

To be able to host in the "regular" Gamespy host mode you also need these ports:

6667 (IRC)
3783 (Voice Chat Port)
27900 (Master Server UDP Heartbeat)
28900 (Master Server List Request)
29900 (GP Connection Manager)
29901 (GP Search Manager)
13139 (Custom UDP Pings)*
6500 (Query Port) *
2302 (DirectPlay)* *same as IP mode


For further in-depth information, consult:

Further GameSpy connection information can be found at www.gamespyarcade.com/software/support/firewalls.shtml


* Apolyton.com has a wonderful post on this. I advise you to read and think about: apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=66350 -- don't worry that the article refers to 1.14f. It is still right on the money on the router firewall issues.


While not specific to CIV3PTW, the following article explains things well: www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/game-behind-router.asp

Don't quit. Others before you have battled and succeeded. And don't forget whenever you make a change in your network settings, you have to reboot before testing.

Good luck.

SirPartyMan

[donaldkipper]

if u are using a software firewall ie norton or zonealarm, and have trouble hosting, try giving 'Microsoft DirectPlay8 Server' permission to access the net - worked for me, didnt have to manually open any ports

[CanuckSoldier]

Yes, most software firewalls are somewhat easier to configure than routers. I use ZoneAlarm Pro, and after giving Gamspy and Civ3 and Directplay server "sever permissions" all I have to do at most to host is set the internet security to medium. And I can join games with it set on high, no problem.

[DocZulu]

Hi,

I need a LOT of help. I know very little about computers and mostly only use Microsoft Word, web browsers, Real AUdio and Microsoft Outlook on my computer.

1. What is a Port?

2. How do you "open" a Port?

3. Where can I find a "port" on a Microsoft Windows M.E. computer?
I just bought the game and am quite excited to play but I was shocked to learn you just couldn't load and play.

I will check the website while I am away for christmas break. I may be able to play--if I ever figure this stuff out--from another computer.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[CanuckSoldier]

Well we need to know a litttle more DocZulu. WinME doesn't have a built in firewall. So do you have a software firewall like Norton Personal firewall or Zonealarm? Or do you connect to the interenet threw a router that has a hardware firewall? I assume that for some reason you think you are behind something that is blocking ports. Ports, by the way, are how specific internet applications connect with your computer and the application/games on it. Directplay that Civ uses needs quit a few ports to operate properly.

How do you connect to the internet? At home? or at a university/work? DSL/Cable or Dialup?

I few more details an I'm sure we can help you.

Merrry Christmas

CS

[Mo D]

Maybe I'm getting sappy, or maybe it's just the warm and fuzzy feelings of Christmas, but I think I speak for most everyone when I say:

Canuck: You are truly an asset to our Ladder. Thanks for all you do to help people out.

Doczulu: If Canuck can't help you, no one can. You came to the right place.


Mo

[cmdishr]

Its an age thing Mo, The older you get the more emotional you get!!

[Mo D]

Bah! I don't believe that!

(...wipes tear from eye...)


Mo

[CanuckSoldier]

Well thanks Mo. *blushes*


I must be the Christmas Season Mo....it can't be age.......although I am watching more "girl" movies....hmmmm.(ps, I am going to take the wife to see lotr tonight....)


Thanks again, but it all you players and staff that make this work for everybody.


Merry Christmas

[agntsmith]

cne.gmu.edu/modules/network/tcpip.html

Basic TCP/IP tutorial including ports at the site above

But that will only confuse you. Lets talk about doorways. Essentially a port is a doorway where bits of data enter or exit. Some of the doorways are called UDP and some IP.

The problem with the doorway is that undesireables enter and can invade your home (Pc) . So you get a chain lock (firewall) to close all the doors. But you need to open it a crack to see whos there and let them in or out if friendly.

So before we can help you ... we need to know what home (pc), what chain (firewall) you have. If you don't know get someone who does to come and visit your home and find out.

You see C3C wants specific doors to be open and if you don't ... you wont be able to play

[Gorilla]

Greetings all. I am having a similar problem and hoped I might get some help. New player and I have read all I could find on setting up.

First, if someone could give me a primer or point me at a source of information on how Multi-player works, that would be great. By "works" I'm referring to the process one sets up and initiates a games. I'm familiar now with the settings and menus, but I see references to different rooms as well as Game Spy and C3C lobby. I have no idea what these really mean yet.

Now for the problem. I have 2 computers and a cable modem connected to a HUB. Each computer has a separate IP address and uses Windows 2000 Professional. The IP addresses are actually on different subnets though which so far has made a LAN game impossible without disconnecting the modem and changing one system to a static address on the same subnet.

This wouldn't be an issue however if I could see a hosted game in the Gamespy lobby. Regardless of which of us hosts a game, the other does not see it in the lobby. Direct IP doesn't work either. The little countdown windows goes from 20 to 1 and then starts over until we get tired of waiting.

We have no firewall or router (software or hardware). The first time she tried to host an internet game, she didn't check 'Password' and instantly two people joined. I still could not see her game in the GS Lobby. Direct IP hasn't worked for either of us.

We both see the same games in the GS Lobby but not our own. At most we've seen 6 games. Is that normal? Is there some way to check and see if a game you hosted on your computer is showing up in your lobby?

So in a nutshell, we can both get to the Internet staging screen. Other people can obviously see her game since some joined. Neither of us can see the others hosted game. We can play on a LAN if we disconnect from the internet and set a static IP.

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[donaldkipper]

firstly, i would not advise playing online without a firewall

secondly, windows 2000 is not designed for games - it has a lot of extra security stuff in and im not sure how this will affect MP civ...

why are the two machines on different subnets? - are they part of a larger network? if u are just trying to play each other without setting a static IP, when in the c3c lobby, where it says internet (i think), click it and it changes to 'Local Game' - then click host - u will be taken to the staging room

the other player then needs to click on 'direct ip' (white box by gamespy logo on left of screen) and enter your ip address - that player should then join the staging room

make sure u are entering the external ip address, not the internal.... - i would imagine u will get much better/smoother game by running off the same subnet

[Gorilla]

Hello Donald. Thanks for the response.

firstly, i would not advise playing online without a firewall

I agree. I wanted to troubleshoot the issue in as pristine an environment as I could. Once I figure out why it won't work without a firewall, I will then add a router.

why are the two machines on different subnets?

/shrug Those were the IP addresses Comcast issued our machines. I think it's illogical as well as incovneient.

if u are just trying to play each other without setting a static IP, when in the c3c lobby, where it says internet (i think), click it and it changes to 'Local Game' - then click host - u will be taken to the staging room

You are right. I've tried hosting LAN games and had the joining party change to Local. The game hasn't shown up in the lobby unless I turn off DHCP and set the IP addresses to the same subnet.

The other player then needs to click on 'direct ip'

Direct IP hasn't worked either. A countdown box appears and after the 20 second timer expires it starts over. It does this continually until we cancel.

Thanks again for the response. I'll see if there's any W2K security settings that could be responsible.