vonB
Posts: 132
Joined: 3/7/2007 Status: offline
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quote:
Can you explain, in simple terms? I'm generally computer knowledgeable, but when it comes to networking, ports etc, I'm a bit clueless. And not something that you or anyone should make an apology for. The current state of connectivity technology makes Internet H2H (IP to IP) connections a minefield for the user. In general terms, the most common Web services work from standard defaults that are set up to allow this to work pretty much out of the box. It has to be, otherwise everyone who tried to do this would have to work out the settings just to surf the net (multiply by number of all web users...). Although the Protocol (TCPIP) is standard, the hardware and services that are used to make connections work are not. Far from it yet. Once upon a time there was the Dial Up Modem (upon which the original CC releases were based as it was the standard connection for most players). There were very few problems then (apart from line stability, and having a different IP# every time you connect). The situation has now changed dramatically. The 2 main (and most common) issues these days are Firewalls and Port Forwarding/NAT, as well as the plethora of different products that provide connectivity. XP users are likely to have Windows Firewall, and a Router is likely to have a Firewall as well. Both will need attention. Port Forwarding/NAT (though not exactly the same) is the service that allows you behind the Router (Private Space - secure) to make the bridge to the Internet (Public Space - insecure). Not all Routers aither allow this (more common in older one's), and if they do, have their own settings. However, the principles are the same. So, it's not something that can easily be explained in simple terms. When the Industry gets it's act together and provides a standard for all this stuff, we might find that direct H2H connections can be made transparent to the player. But not yet... btw the simplest way to get an Internet H2H connection is the Dial Up Modem. CC will work fine on 33.6K assuming a stable line...
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