Unable to open port?

from Sins Forums
Okay, I seem to have an issue with being able to opena  port for Sins. I can't creatge a game where people can join, So, I checked out the FAQ, saw what port needed to be open on my router. Except, I ran into a problem. That being, the name of Sins program Sins of a Solar Empire.exe, won't fit into the program name thing for my router. Assuming that is the [problem. Can anyone give any advice on what to do? Or know anything that can help? 
10,413 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
That blank is generally just for your own reference. It doesn't matter what you actually put there.
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
Okay, Thanks :) I'll try hosting again soon and see if I get the same error.
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
its a bug in the reporting software. It sometimes tell you the port is closed even if its open, make sure its open and just wait for a few minutes and see if people join (make sure there are people around and that your game name isn't stupid, and that its a reasonably sized map)...

I always get the same error (even when connecting direct to the internet, bypassing the router completely) and I have been hosting games fine despite it.
Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
its a bug in the reporting software. It sometimes tell you the port is closed even if its open, make sure its open and just wait for a few minutes and see if people join (make sure there are people around and that your game name isn't stupid, and that its a reasonably sized map)...

I always get the same error (even when connecting direct to the internet, bypassing the router completely) and I have been hosting games fine despite it.
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It's not a "bug" in the "reporting software", it is as I've stated in my guide (Networking and SINS) the fact that the connection-testing incorporated with patch 1.02 is "simplistic" in nature and not meant to be definitive. It probably incorporates one or more of the following and if you fail even one of these the message is prompted:

WAN-side ping-test
IDENT-port scan
ICO & Game-port scan

I don't allow WAN-ping response or IDENT so it's no wonder my setup results in the message eventhough I can and have been able to host since release-day!


thanks,

the Monk
Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top
What would I be failing on a computer that connects DIRECTLY to the internet without a router?
Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top
What would I be failing on a computer that connects DIRECTLY to the internet without a router?
End of quote



NAT-filtering test, which can be as a result of one's ISP, or the Microsoft Security patch for NAT-traversal for Windows XP.  :D 


thanks,

the Monk
Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top
my point is, the test is faulty. maybe bug isn't the "correct" word choice. But if the test thinks there is incorrect port forwarding on a router less setup then the test needs revising.
Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top
my point is, the test is faulty. maybe bug isn't the "correct" word choice. But if the test thinks there is incorrect port forwarding on a router less setup then the test needs revising.
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It's not saying that you have "incorrect port forwarding" it's simply implying that there may still be issues that may prevent most, some, or only few people from connecting to you.

Most, Some, or Few is dependant on WHICH of the tests they are performing you are failing. I don't think it necessary that they explain in the message which of the tests you're failing.

If you'd read my first guide "Networking for the Gamer" you'd know that especially in a P2P scenario where level of NAT-filtering is hugely important you could run into the following scenario.

Host (behind strict-NAT) ->> No one can connect

Host (behind moderate-NAT) ->> OPEN and MODERATE NAT clients can connect but STRICT is SOL

Host (behind open-NAT) ->> OPEN, MODERATE and some STRICT NAT setups will be able to connect


So, even if you're behind OPEN-NAT, allow WAN-ping, and whatever else they're testing for (keep in mind this test is also there for them to gather info on how to make things better) you may still receive a message warning that people may or may not be able to connect to you, because in a P2P (unlike client-server) environment the "connection-process" is not entirely up to you. There is nothing "faulty" in that logic.

the Monk
Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top
i have not tried to play on ICO yet

suppose i do not do any port forwarding on our home router (my dad doesnt want me to change the router's secure setup for any reason) :

would i still be able to JOIN (only) games on ICO ?

(do u absolutely have to configure your router to join ?)

Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top
You don't need to do any configuring to join a game. The problem is only when people want to host.
Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top
Like I said in my reply (#8) SOME people will be able to connect without making any changes at all (the people who aren't really behind "strict-NAT" to begin with), most others will need to make changes in order to play.


@ Ironfuzz

This game is peer-to-peer. The "host" only "snychronizes" all of the players, and does not actually HOST anything. The only reason you wouldn't have to make changes to your router (if you have one, and you don't have the needed ports forwarded for some other reason already like Battlenet etc.) to play this game is if your router has UPnP enabled (by default many do) and you never bothered to disabled the windows UPnP services, and are therefore having the UPnP "dynamicaly" opening/forwarding traffic everytime you play SINS. :)

the Monk