N4 Online Behind a Router Advice Needed!

Hi Guys, Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. What I have. 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. @Home ISP. It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. I am looking at four different routers with ports: D-Link DI-704 Linksys BEFSR41 Netgear RT-314 SMC Barricade Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my lan. Could be trouble! So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Gary

"GK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. Gary, I've had no problems with my Linksys BEFSR41, when properly configured it works fine. Now rather than open up a ton of ports for firewall-computer gaming, I usually just set my computer into the DMZ and race online. I hosted TPTCC races last season using this technique, most had superb connections, and those that didn't usually traced their problems to someone else's router somewhere else. > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > lan. Could be trouble! I would definitely use the firewall router. Blocks both computers in one swoop, makes it easy to add others, and allows easy configuration if you add more to your network. (Plus keeps people from snooping your interior network).... > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? No, you can host no problem. I'm really not sure about racing BOTH computers simultaneously (if connecting to a remote server), I would think that it would not work, but can't say for sure. However, you should be able to HOST races on one machine and connect from the other machine, although I've not tested it, the HOST server is the one that has to worry about connections, and if the other machine connects using TCP/IP, it should be no different than connecting from a remote address. The other participants (outside the firewall) should have no idea that one computer is inside, as it's then up to the server to compute the vector/speed of all connected player cars... Cheers! -- �� Jan Kohl �� SECURITY CONSULTANT The Pits - http://www.theuspits.com Castle Graphics - http://www.castlegraphics.com

Since you already have a hub, why not get a router without the built-in hub? Might save some money, but I haven't really looked at prices lately so I'm not sure. I am using a Zyxel Prestige 310, which sits between my cable modem and my hub. It works fine as a client for all games, but does not work well as a server. I know 2 other people who had the same experience with these boxes - great for clients, bad for servers. One of those guys replaced his with an SMC router/hub/print server. I don't know if it is the same model as the one you indicated. He does not like it, but his primary complaint was about how unreliable the print server was. I'm not sure how well it works for games. He did say that what he has heard from other people is that the Linksys is the one to get for games. I don't know why, and I have no personal experience with it, so you might want to do some more research first. That's not very specific advice, but I at least wanted to assure you that you can play games from behind a router without any problems. And I have also had more than one computer playing games through the router at the same time. The router definitely has enough bandwidth. You may find that some older games cannot distinguish between two different clients with the same IP, but to the best of my knowledge most games made in the last few years don't have that problem. Lastly, a router gives you some extra security. Properly set up, a NAT router is as impenetrable as any firewall. More so in fact, since a router can be set up to offer a kind of mindless "deny everybody" security, where firewalls are designed to provisionally let some kinds of traffic through. HTH, Hal "GK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> Hi Guys, > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > What I have. > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > @Home ISP. > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router

that

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> has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > D-Link DI-704 > Linksys BEFSR41 > Netgear RT-314 > SMC Barricade > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across

my > lan. Could be trouble! > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If Idecide > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? Whatif

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> I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > Gary >

Thanks for your advice. The reason I am looking at getting a router with ports is that the price is not much different when only adding four ports. The cost of the routers I mentioned range in price from $70 - $110. Plus I get 4 100mps full duplexed ports instead of 4 shared 100mps half duplex ports on my hub. Gary Haqsau wrote:

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> Since you already have a hub, why not get a router without the built-in > hub? Might save some money, but I haven't really looked at prices > lately so I'm not sure. > > I am using a Zyxel Prestige 310, which sits between my cable modem and > my hub. It works fine as a client for all games, but does not work well > as a server. I know 2 other people who had the same experience with > these boxes - great for clients, bad for servers. > > One of those guys replaced his with an SMC router/hub/print server. I > don't know if it is the same model as the one you indicated. He does > not like it, but his primary complaint was about how unreliable the > print server was. I'm not sure how well it works for games. > > He did say that what he has heard from other people is that the Linksys > is the one to get for games. I don't know why, and I have no personal > experience with it, so you might want to do some more research first. > > That's not very specific advice, but I at least wanted to assure you > that you can play games from behind a router without any problems. And > I have also had more than one computer playing games through the router > at the same time. The router definitely has enough bandwidth. You may > find that some older games cannot distinguish between two different > clients with the same IP, but to the best of my knowledge most games > made in the last few years don't have that problem. > > Lastly, a router gives you some extra security. Properly set up, a NAT > router is as impenetrable as any firewall. More so in fact, since a > router can be set up to offer a kind of mindless "deny everybody" > security, where firewalls are designed to provisionally let some kinds > of traffic through. > > HTH, > Hal > > "GK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Hi Guys, > > > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > > > What I have. > > > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > > @Home ISP. > > > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router > that > > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > > > D-Link DI-704 > > Linksys BEFSR41 > > Netgear RT-314 > > SMC Barricade > > > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across > my > > lan. Could be trouble! > > > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I > decide > > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What > if > > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > Gary > >

Leave the hub, add a single port router (e.g., similar to the Linksys 4-port on your list, they make a cheaper single port that will serve the purpose). Then do this: Connect the @home (WAN) cable router to the LAN router you buy. Connect the LAN router you buy to the hub you already have.(1) Connect the PCs to the hub. (1) On a small network like yours, you won't see much (if any) difference between a hub and a switch - there's just not that much traffic. I have a similar setup and it works great. Hint: Not sure about the other routers on your list, but the Linksys BFR11 (or something) single-port (and their multi-ports) will serve as a DHCP server. @home sees one IP/ MAC address (the Linksys), and you're internal LAN nodes will get IP addresses from the built in Linksys DHCP services. You can also manually assign IPs (and do other cool things) if desired through the Linksys' HTTP interface. You can also lock down ports, or open them up. You can also expose a single computer to the WAN - so @ home will assign an IP to the router and an IP to that node, if desired. All this is definitely cheaper - and more flexible than purchasing additional IPs from @home. -- Philip D'Amato [email hidden] "GK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Hi Guys, > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > What I have. > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > @Home ISP. > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > D-Link DI-704 > Linksys BEFSR41 > Netgear RT-314 > SMC Barricade > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > lan. Could be trouble! > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > Gary >

Jan Kohl wrote:

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> > "GK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints.

I've had good luck with my Linksys. I run my host 'puter in DMZ and leave my driving machine behind the firewall. Works fine; the only problem is that VROC chat can take a little while (45 sec or so) to initialize.

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> Gary, I've had no problems with my Linksys BEFSR41, when properly configured > it works fine. Now rather than open up a ton of ports for firewall-computer gaming, > I usually just set my computer into the DMZ and race online. I hosted TPTCC races > last season using this technique, most had superb connections, and those that didn't > usually traced their problems to someone else's router somewhere else. > > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > > lan. Could be trouble!

Hum??? I'm not sure how bad this would be. I imagine that a firewall setup would be more secure. It all depends on what services are bound to wht protocols. Keep your file sharing away from TCP, using NetBUI for local stuff. Isolating each service to a seperate protocol is supposed to make for a fairly safe system, even w/o a firewall in place.

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> I would definitely use the firewall router. Blocks both computers in one > swoop, makes it easy to add others, and allows easy configuration if you > add more to your network. (Plus keeps people from snooping your interior > network).... > > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > No, you can host no problem. I'm really not sure about racing BOTH computers > simultaneously (if connecting to a remote server), I would think that it would not > work, but can't say for sure.

I can verify that two GPL drivers on the local network _cannot_ access the same remote server simultaneously. We can race on two different remote servers or on a third, local computer. > > However, you should be able to HOST races on one machine and connect from the > other machine, although I've not tested it, the HOST server is the one that has to > worry about connections, Put the host on DMZ so others can ping it and have zero delay access. > and if the other machine connects using TCP/IP, it should > be no different than connecting from a remote address. The other participants (outside > the firewall) should have no idea that one computer is inside, as it's then up to the > server to compute the vector/speed of all connected player cars... -Greg -- ============ Anti-Spam measures have been taken! Remove duplicate letters to reply.

Hey Philip, Thanks for advice and I agree with what you said about not seeing any real difference between the hub and switch. I just checked Pricewatch, and the difference in price is only $20. My hub is older so my thinking is to spend the $20 to get a switched, full duplex network. May not needed today, but never know what tomorrow might bring! Thanks again, Gary Philip D'Amato wrote:

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> Leave the hub, add a single port router (e.g., similar to the Linksys 4-port > on your list, they make a cheaper single port that will serve the purpose). > Then do this: > Connect the @home (WAN) cable router to the LAN router you buy. > Connect the LAN router you buy to the hub you already have.(1) > Connect the PCs to the hub. > > (1) On a small network like yours, you won't see much (if any) difference > between a hub and a switch - there's just not that much traffic. > > I have a similar setup and it works great. Hint: Not sure about the other > routers on your list, but the Linksys BFR11 (or something) single-port (and > their multi-ports) will serve as a DHCP server. @home sees one IP/ MAC > address (the Linksys), and you're internal LAN nodes will get IP addresses > from the built in Linksys DHCP services. You can also manually assign IPs > (and do other cool things) if desired through the Linksys' HTTP interface. > You can also lock down ports, or open them up. You can also expose a single > computer to the WAN - so @ home will assign an IP to the router and an IP to > that node, if desired. All this is definitely cheaper - and more flexible > than purchasing additional IPs from @home. > > -- > > Philip D'Amato > [email hidden] > > "GK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > Hi Guys, > > > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > > > What I have. > > > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > > @Home ISP. > > > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > > > D-Link DI-704 > > Linksys BEFSR41 > > Netgear RT-314 > > SMC Barricade > > > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > > lan. Could be trouble! > > > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > Gary > >

"Greg Campbell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > I can verify that two GPL drivers on the local network _cannot_ access > the same remote server simultaneously. > We can race on two different remote servers or on a third, local > computer. Okay that likely means that GPL is not capable of recognizing two different clients with the same IP address but different port numbers, in which case no internet connection sharing scheme, hardware or software, will work. If you want to run GPL this way, you will probably have to buy two IP addresses. I still think that newer games will work with connection sharing, though. I have not tried racing over the internet yet, but I know in the first person shooter world connection sharing has been possible with just about any game released since 1998. I would think N4 would work just fine.

Haqsau wrote:

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> > "Greg Campbell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > > > I can verify that two GPL drivers on the local network _cannot_ access > > the same remote server simultaneously. > > We can race on two different remote servers or on a third, local > > computer. > > Okay that likely means that GPL is not capable of recognizing two > different clients with the same IP address but different port numbers, > in which case no internet connection sharing scheme, hardware or > software, will work. If you want to run GPL this way, you will probably > have to buy two IP addresses. I still think that newer games will work > with connection sharing, though. I have not tried racing over the > internet yet, but I know in the first person shooter world connection > sharing has been possible with just about any game released since 1998. > I would think N4 would work just fine.

AFAIK, GPL can be setup to use alternate port values. Would this allow the router or remote host to keep the two local GPL machines from conflicting? -Greg -- ============ Anti-Spam measures have been taken! Remove duplicate letters to reply.

GK <[email hidden]> writes: > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. if you have an old 486 or some piece of crap like that just lying around you might just want to take a look at floppyfw -- a firewall/masquerading router on a floppy. it uses linux, but is AFAIK incredably easy to set up. http://www.zelow.no/floppyfw/ -- Gunnar #31 SUCKS#015 Tupperware MC#002 DoD#0x1B DoDRT#003 DoD:CT#4,8 Kibo�: 2 "a language is a dialect with an army and a navy"

Get the Linksys with the four port switch. A switch allows better throughput than a hub because each port is capable of 100mb instead of sharing 100mb amongst each other. Despite the advice I've seen posted by others, DO NOT make any of yyour boxes a DMZ box. That will comprimise the security of your entire network since you share files and printers. If you're not going to host a N4 server, I don't think you have to do anything special on the Linksys. To avoid problems, I would not use DHCP either. In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

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> Hi Guys, > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > What I have. > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > @Home ISP. > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > D-Link DI-704 > Linksys BEFSR41 > Netgear RT-314 > SMC Barricade > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > lan. Could be trouble! > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > Gary > >

-- ========================================================= Redneck Techno-Biker & "programming deity" http://www.paddedwall.org/john DeMONS/1 for Nascar Racing 3 & Nascar Legends http://www.paddedwall.org/demons DeMONS/2 for Nascar Racing 4 (in development) http://www.paddedwall.org/demons2 Barbarian Diecast Collector (460+ cars and counting) http://www.paddedwall.org/diecast If you want to send me email, go to the first URL shown above & click "Send Me Mail" in the contents frame. =========================================================

"John Simmons" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... <snip> > Despite the advice I've seen posted by others, DO NOT make any of yyour > boxes a DMZ box. That will comprimise the security of your entire > network since you share files and printers. If you're not going to host > a N4 server, I don't think you have to do anything special on the > Linksys. To avoid problems, I would not use DHCP either. Good point, John. I don't allow file/printer sharing on my machines, so I'm not too concerned about floating it outside the firewall... Cheers! -- �� Jan Kohl �� SECURITY CONSULTANT The Pits - http://www.theuspits.com Castle Graphics - http://www.castlegraphics.com

In article <tjl%6.16351$[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

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> "John Simmons" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > <snip> > > Despite the advice I've seen posted by others, DO NOT make any of yyour > > boxes a DMZ box. That will comprimise the security of your entire > > network since you share files and printers. If you're not going to host > > a N4 server, I don't think you have to do anything special on the > > Linksys. To avoid problems, I would not use DHCP either. > > Good point, John. I don't allow file/printer sharing on my machines, so I'm not too > concerned about floating it outside the firewall... >

Hey Jan, why don't you guys at The Pits interview the various 3rd-party developers that provide sim-related tutorials, add-ons, and utilties? That would be way cool, and would give the "layman" (end-user) an idea of what we do, why we do it, and what's in the works. -- ========================================================= Redneck Techno-Biker & "programming deity" http://www.paddedwall.org/john DeMONS/1 for Nascar Racing 3 & Nascar Legends http://www.paddedwall.org/demons DeMONS/2 for Nascar Racing 4 (in development) http://www.paddedwall.org/demons2 Barbarian Diecast Collector (460+ cars and counting) http://www.paddedwall.org/diecast If you want to send me email, go to the first URL shown above & click "Send Me Mail" in the contents frame. =========================================================

"Greg Campbell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> > > Haqsau wrote: > > > > "Greg Campbell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:[email hidden]... > > > > > > I can verify that two GPL drivers on the local network _cannot_

access > > > the same remote server simultaneously. > > > We can race on two different remote servers or on a third, local > > > computer. > > > > Okay that likely means that GPL is not capable of recognizing two > > different clients with the same IP address but different portnumbers, > > in which case no internet connection sharing scheme, hardware or > > software, will work. If you want to run GPL this way, you willprobably > > have to buy two IP addresses. I still think that newer games willwork > > with connection sharing, though. I have not tried racing over the > > internet yet, but I know in the first person shooter worldconnection > > sharing has been possible with just about any game released since1998. > > I would think N4 would work just fine. > > AFAIK, GPL can be setup to use alternate port values. Would thisallow > the router or remote host to keep the two local GPL machines from > conflicting? > I can't answer that since I don't have GPL. However I would guess that the alternate ports are for the server. That's a pretty standard option which allows you to run more than one server on one machine. But it wouldn't fix the problem of GPL not being able to differentiate two different clients with the same IP but different port numbers. The problem is that NAT routing, which is the technology used by broadband routers and internet connection sharing software, works by using the router's IP address for all outgoing traffic, and just assigning different ports to different clients so that it when responses come back it can figure out which pc's to send them to. So no matter what you do to the client pc's, if you are playing through a NAT routing device they appear to the server to all be sitting on the same pc. If the server only uses IP addresses and doesn't look at port numbers, it can't tell them apart. Fortunately, as I said, most newer games are able to differentiate clients by port numbers. But based on what you said earlier it appears like GPL can't.

Haqsau wrote:

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> I can't answer that since I don't have GPL. However I would guess that > the alternate ports are for the server. That's a pretty standard option > which allows you to run more than one server on one machine. But it > wouldn't fix the problem of GPL not being able to differentiate two > different clients with the same IP but different port numbers. The > problem is that NAT routing, which is the technology used by broadband > routers and internet connection sharing software, works by using the > router's IP address for all outgoing traffic, and just assigning > different ports to different clients so that it when responses come back > it can figure out which pc's to send them to. So no matter what you do > to the client pc's, if you are playing through a NAT routing device they > appear to the server to all be sitting on the same pc. If the server > only uses IP addresses and doesn't look at port numbers, it can't tell > them apart. Fortunately, as I said, most newer games are able to > differentiate clients by port numbers. But based on what you said > earlier it appears like GPL can't.

OK. Thanks for the clarification! -Greg ============ Anti-Spam measures have been taken! Remove duplicate letters to reply.

With NASCAR4 you may specify a different "net_server_port" in the CORE.INI of one of the machines behind the router which should then allow both machines to connect to the same external server at the same time. It should also work for GPL, though I've personally never tried it. - Eric "Haqsau" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:V%l%6.10883$[email hidden]...

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> I can't answer that since I don't have GPL. However I would guess that > the alternate ports are for the server. That's a pretty standard option > which allows you to run more than one server on one machine. But it > wouldn't fix the problem of GPL not being able to differentiate two > different clients with the same IP but different port numbers. The > problem is that NAT routing, which is the technology used by broadband > routers and internet connection sharing software, works by using the > router's IP address for all outgoing traffic, and just assigning > different ports to different clients so that it when responses come back > it can figure out which pc's to send them to. So no matter what you do > to the client pc's, if you are playing through a NAT routing device they > appear to the server to all be sitting on the same pc. If the server > only uses IP addresses and doesn't look at port numbers, it can't tell > them apart. Fortunately, as I said, most newer games are able to > differentiate clients by port numbers. But based on what you said > earlier it appears like GPL can't.

I use a 5 port 100Mb switch with 3 computers connected to it in peer-to-peer LAN setup (no "server") and have 2 IPs from the cable company setup on 2 of the computers (3rd is notebook and isn't always hooked up) and I use a software firewall on all the computers that allows unrestricted LAN use and internet use as needed. I don't think using a switch and multiple IPs is that big of a deal. I decided to go this route since I have a N4 server on this connection as a backup to our primary server and for fun runs and what have you. This did away for the need for all the "port forwarding" and all that other that good stuff that comes with running online games through a router. I would suggest a switch not a hub if you don't get a router. I ran a 10/100 hub for the longest until I tested the actual bandwidth, ugh. Sim GK <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> Hi Guys, > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > What I have. > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > @Home ISP. > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > D-Link DI-704 > Linksys BEFSR41 > Netgear RT-314 > SMC Barricade > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > lan. Could be trouble! > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > Gary >

"John Simmons" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Hey Jan, why don't you guys at The Pits interview the various 3rd-party > developers that provide sim-related tutorials, add-ons, and utilties? > That would be way cool, and would give the "layman" (end-user) an idea > of what we do, why we do it, and what's in the works. Sheesh...that means I may have to interview myself someday... ;] Good idea! Can I count on you for one? ;] Cheers! -- �� jan kohl �� security consultant http://www.theuspits.com http://www.castlegraphics.com

In article <bx707.62457$[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

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> "John Simmons" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > > Hey Jan, why don't you guys at The Pits interview the various 3rd-party > > developers that provide sim-related tutorials, add-ons, and utilties? > > That would be way cool, and would give the "layman" (end-user) an idea > > of what we do, why we do it, and what's in the works. > > Sheesh...that means I may have to interview myself someday... ;] > > Good idea! Can I count on you for one? ;] > > Cheers! >

Sure! -- ========================================================= Redneck Techno-Biker & "programming deity" http://www.paddedwall.org/john DeMONS/1 for Nascar Racing 3 & Nascar Legends http://www.paddedwall.org/demons DeMONS/2 for Nascar Racing 4 (in development) http://www.paddedwall.org/demons2 Barbarian Diecast Collector (460+ cars and counting) http://www.paddedwall.org/diecast If you want to send me email, go to the first URL shown above & click "Send Me Mail" in the contents frame. =========================================================

Re DMZ you make a valid point, which is why I don't enable that myself. It's an easy solution for many people though, and that's the value. If you do a little research, for the games that require it, you *can* enable (open) specific TCP ports - and while a little more difficult to setup (mostly just to find out what port needs to be opened), it does limit the potential liability of opening your home LAN to the Internet. Re DHCP, you also make a valid statement - and the point is I assume you're referring to the usual DHCP issues. I use it mostly for the added challenge ;) Static IP management on a home LAN of my size (5 nodes) is ridiculously easy and bullet-proof, but I still choose to run DHCP just so I can troubleshoot things once in a while... -- Philip D'Amato [email hidden] "John Simmons" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Get the Linksys with the four port switch. A switch allows better > throughput than a hub because each port is capable of 100mb instead of > sharing 100mb amongst each other. > > Despite the advice I've seen posted by others, DO NOT make any of yyour > boxes a DMZ box. That will comprimise the security of your entire > network since you share files and printers. If you're not going to host > a N4 server, I don't think you have to do anything special on the > Linksys. To avoid problems, I would not use DHCP either. > > > In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says... > > Hi Guys, > > > > Cable Internet has finally come to my neighborhood! I have some > > questions as to the best way to connect my small lan to the Internet. > > > > What I have. > > > > 2 computers connected @ 100mps to a 5 port 100 mps hub. > > 1 Motorola surfboard 4100. > > @Home ISP. > > > > It sounds like the best way to go is replace the hub with a router that > > has four 10/100 switched ports. But after reading several reviews, > > users seem to have greater instances of problems when connecting this > > way, especially online gaming. Complaints of getting disconnected and > > can't see all the game servers are the major complaints. > > > > I am looking at four different routers with ports: > > > > D-Link DI-704 > > Linksys BEFSR41 > > Netgear RT-314 > > SMC Barricade > > > > Another option is to buy a second IP address and continue to use my > > hub. Sounds like the most trouble free. But then I am not running a > > separate lan from the Internet. I do share files and printers across my > > lan. Could be trouble! > > > > So far, I only play N4 online, but who knows, that may change someday. > > Also, only one computer so far is used for internet gaming. If I decide > > I want to host a small race online, does this effect my choice? What if > > I want to use both computers to play online simultaneously? > > > > Any information would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > Gary > > > > > > -- > ========================================================= > Redneck Techno-Biker & "programming deity" > http://www.paddedwall.org/john > > DeMONS/1 for Nascar Racing 3 & Nascar Legends > http://www.paddedwall.org/demons > > DeMONS/2 for Nascar Racing 4 (in development) > http://www.paddedwall.org/demons2 > > Barbarian Diecast Collector (460+ cars and counting) > http://www.paddedwall.org/diecast > > If you want to send me email, go to the first URL shown > above & click "Send Me Mail" in the contents frame. > =========================================================