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2003 - 2004
Windows XP Shell / User
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Presents... A Zone.com Helpsite
Networks Ports Routers
DISCONNECTS, LAG AND LATENCY
NOTE: Some of the suggestions in this section are for 56K users as well as Cable / DSL users. Just skip over the steps that don't apply to you.
If you aren't being disconnected but want to improve your connection, skip to the 2nd section titled "How to Improve Your Connection".
Disconnected
While Playing or Chatting on Zone.com? Try this..
Another reason for disconnects could be an external router or modem that has overheated. Try unplugging it for awhile, and contact your ISP to see if they have a newer model if the problem keeps recurring. If you haven't configured your router firewall, it might be blocking you.
Disconnects can be caused by your Modem or Network Cards and by other programs running on your system. Firewalls and even AntiVirus programs have been know to slow down or disconnect players.
Disable startup programs using the method explained at: http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm.
Make certain that your Network adapter or Internal Modem is not in the slot directly beside the graphics card. This can cause a conflict which may cause disconnects. In fact, if you move your card to another slot, it may solve a conflict it's having with another card(s) in your system.
How To Improve Your Connection
First: Run this SPEED TEST
Second: Download TCP Optimizer Utility double click it to run the program: Select the type of connection you're using: Dialup, DSL, DSL (PPPoE), or Cable, then click "Optimal settings", click Apply changes, and click Exit. That's all. :-)
Third: Run the SPEED TEST again. Notice any improvement?
Fourth: Use these Tip Sites to Improve Your Connection:
Lastly: Extra fine tweaking for the more advanced users:
Extra items in your Networking Properties Components list may confuse and delay your system while it's connecting as it has to choose which component to transfer the data through. This link shows how to Remove Unnecessary Networking Components. Note: If you don't use dial up, replace "Dial Up Adapter" with "Network Adapter" in the instructions they give you on that web page.
If you don't use a Dialup Modem, delete it. In 99% of cases VPN components aren't used, so you can safely delete those as well.
Advanced Users can try Reinstalling ICS and Networking Components.
Lag/Latency can be caused by your Modem or Network Cards and by other programs running on your system. Firewalls and even AntiVirus programs have been know to slow a connection down.
Scan for Adware, Trojans and Spyware which could be consuming your bandwidth using SPYBOT and for virus's use Housecall.
Disable startup programs using the method explained at: http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm.
Many cable companies provide a LinkSys card to their subscribers. This card has known issues, so if possible request a 3 COM card instead. Disable Fast IP on a 3Com card for best results. If the cable modem is using Nat, upgrade to Nat32 for better TCP/IP compatibility. Make sure your Modem or Network card has "Bus Mastering" Capabilities. If it doesn't then it has to wait for your processor before sending data, which will cause severe slowdowns.
PORTS USED TO PLAY ONLINE
AND HOW TO
OPEN THEM
Official list of ports used by DirectX
I broke down the ports listed in the those two articles to make this list which is similar to the way router configuration pages refer to them:
DirectX 8 and 9: All DX Ports are UDP:
*Erratum: Asherons Call ports should include port 2001 UDP Inbound, to avoid disconnections at the Character Selection Screen. Make sure you have checked Derived from IP for port address in the AC Setup.
D) Test your connection to see if there's a firewall blocking you
E) These sites have instructions on how to configure most Firewalls. If the Firewall is built into your Router, skip down to that section.
ROUTERS, DSL, CABLE AND NAT
Use DMZ: You Won't Have To Open Ports
Instead of having to open all those Ports, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) allows one IP Address (computer) to be exposed to the Internet. Some applications require multiple TCP/IP ports to be open. DMZ allows just one computer to be exposed for that purpose. It is recommended that you set your computer with a static IP if you want to use DMZ. Use a local firewall when using DMZ though.
You may have to remove proxy settings, or remove the dial-up settings of the computer you configure for DMZ access. Those settings are in the Internet Explorer "Tools" / "Internet Options" menu under the "Connection" Tab / "Lan Settings".
HOW TO CONFIGURE A ROUTER
How To Configure Using DMZ
A) Find the local internal IP of the computer you want to play from
B) Click http://192.168.1.1 to login to the router. Password is admin. Some models of Linksys use http://192.168.101.1 check your manual!
REMEMBER: That link and password is ONLY for LINKSYS. If you have a different brand of router, check your manual for instructions or the 1-800 Tech help number or scroll down about 3 pages for help links.
C) Click the Orange Advanced Button, then "DMZ Host".
D) Enter the last number(s) of the Internal IP on the DMZ host page. I.E.: if it was 192.168.1.2, type 2 then click APPLY and you've finished!
** If you don't have a static IP assigned to your computer, and it changes, your DMZ will not work until you enter the new IP into the router. To avoid this problem, call Linksys and have them help you assign a Static IP.
Also: Watch this +Action clip to see the Linksys DMZ being Configured.
How To Forward or Open Ports
That was pretty easy. However if you have 2 or more computers on your network that you want to be able to play online with then we'll have to forward the Zone and DX Ports from the LinkSys Router to each of the computers on the network using this method:
Now we have one computer using DMZ to play online, and a 2nd computer using Forwarding. To add a 3rd computer, forward the ports to it's internal IP using the the method we used for the 2nd computer.
Linksys upgraded their firmware making that screenshot out of date, but still a valid reference. You should contact your Linksys Tech 1-800-326-7114 to upgrade your firmware to make it DX 9 UPnP compliant, and also help you setup Static IP's for each computer. For more detailed info visit: +Lord_Piper & +CyberDad's router tech page.
If You Don't Have a LinkSys
CALL THE ROUTER'S MANUFACTURER
by CONSULTING YOUR MANUAL,
Visit Tim William's Help Site,
OR ONE OF THESE SITES BELOW!
Cisco Technical Support Site (all topics)
SOLUTIONS FOR DSL USERS
Read the DSL
PPPoE TROUBLESHOOTER
for more suggestions and
Carrick
Solution's RASPPoE FAQ!
INTERNET CONNECTION SHARING
Here are some great ICS Helpsites
INSTALLING HOME NETWORKS
(C)opywrite 2003 +NibblesNbits. Last Updated on Sept 16, 2003 at 10:20pm Note: This site is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.