Howdy All ---

I have set up TWO computers behind my router. Both computers are loaded up with IL2FB-1946 4.08 and Hyperlobby client. First, I have no problem connecting to "outside" servers via HL. Both of my computers sign on to HL and connect up OK....except to each other. If I set up one as a working server on HL, I cannot connect to it, and vice versa. That is, I CANNOT CONNECT VIA THE USUAL SCREEN -- and get the timeout error -- but I can manually connect the two machines as server/client if I put in the manual IP:PORT address. But that does outsiders no good, of course.

My objective is to run one computer full time as a "dedicated server" and use my other computer for play, etc.

It also appears others cannot get into my server either from the outside although they get on board OK on HL, but the final connect never takes place.

I know ages ago, that there was always a problem with trying to put a server BEHIND a router, but does that problem still exist in the system and/or with HL?? If it does, I could put one computer ahead of the router (between the modem and the router) and my "playing machine" behind the router --- BUT IS THAT NECESSARY??? Wondering how others have done this kind of setup and what problems might be biting me here???

Is anyone running their server behind their firewall?? I would sure like to know !!!!

**EDIT** OK, here is where I am so far. I have both machines set up behind the router. The SERVER IS PORT FORWARDED TO PORT 21000 IN UDP PROTOCOL. From what I have read, this should do the trick for HL, etc. But no joy. My other machine will not connect via HL -- just times out.

Comments and ideas please -- Thanks!! GnG

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Guts_N_Guns,

Howdy Again All ---

Well, some good news. After much hair-pulling today trying to figure a solution, I finally got one. I had been ignoring (not sure why) the Virtual Server function in my router. In some ways, it is similar to Port Forwarding, but a bit more than that. Anyway, long story short, I took out the data in the Port Forwarding section and used the Virtual Server to specify both external and internal port numbers (always 21000) in and out of the server computer. Had to insert its internal IP address too.

And, it worked --- FINALLY!! Had some successful hookups this evening and got it going. There will probably be others that want to run separate server and play computers BEHIND A ROUTER and this works! At least it did with my DLINK router.

Cheers -- GNG ---

Thanx for posting the information....I know that it is sure gonna help me soon...and probably others....I have been wanting to do the same thing....

Well all you needed to do was put the Server on port 21001 UDP and your client on the default 21000 UDP

Look in your Server Hyperlobby conf ini you make the settings there for clients joining the server and what port it uses.

You cant have both PC's behind the router using the same port.

The loopback needs the client ip behind the router.


[Forgotten Battles]
joinDelay=20
clientRate=8000
;Determine the client source port. Useful when is more that one user behind the NAT router.
;Must be diferent for each user behind the same NAT router
localPort=21000
;This detecting right IP address for systems with more that one network adapters
;Default is 1 (on)
DetectLocalIP = 1
;Set to 1 when both server and client are behind a router, using
;private network address and both are behind one public ip address
loopback=1
;When is loopoback set to 1, here must be specified private ip address
; of the server behind a router
loopbackip=192.168.xx.xx
Order=20
Description=V4.09m
Difficulty=3
serverPort=21001
MaxPlayers=32

Hello Guys -- and thanks for the details on the config file in HL. I did bring it up and study it a bit but did not change it at this point. It would seem that the same functional logic is taking place in my router with the setting I made in it. But I will certainly keep that info on ice for the future.

The beauty of it all, is that both a client and the server can exist behind the router and function well while providing full access to other clients on the Net without resorting to something risky like opening up a DMZ, etc. that would compromise security.

Thanks again --- I hope this effort will be of help to others who want to do a similar setup.

Cheers --- GnG ---

The problem arises when you have your DF server running behind the router and you want to host a COOP as I do sometimes, where's the incoming traffic going to go, to your server or your PC ?

That's the reason you direct the HL conf ini to the specified port, would be interesting to see if you can host a COOP when your server is running to see if pilots go into the DF server or your PC.

If you dont "Do" COOP's then its no problem

Hi Alpha -- yep, will be interesting to see what happens -- gotta a ways to go to get the whole system lashed up and some maps programmed up for some realistic play but once there, will run some experiments to see. Appreciate your experience here and comments. So far, no problems with other players jumping on the server and playing a bit in regular play.

Will post any news that comes up with the server lash-up. Thanks again.

GnG ---

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Guts_N_Guns,

Good Luck