Almost impossible to solve problem...

[JesterMania]

Okay...I have a problem and so far, none of the message boards and people I've talked to have been able to solve this. I'm hoping someone here can or else I don't know what to do. Here's the situation:

I'm using Sympatico HSE (PPPoE ADSL) on Windows XP Professional and whenever I try to SEND files or set up a SERVER such as a game server or FTP server, people cannot receive files or connect to me. This happens on all Windows OS (don't know about Linux) with the exception of Windows 2000 Professional.

I'm currently using Windows XP's Internet Connection Sharing and a RJ-45 crossover network cable to link mine and my sister's computer up as a little home network. I am acting as the server.

I've tried disabling MTU Discovery and setting up my own MTU (currently at 1480). When I try to ping my ISP now my pings return "Request timed out" (every single one of them).

So can any help me? Please....

[glc1]

Welcome to SpeedGuide.net...

XP's ICS is the problem. You need to forward the required port(s) to the system acting as the FTP/game server. This can't be done with ICS. There's other proxy/NAT software out there that might work for you, such as Sygate (http://www.sygate.com) and WinGate (http://www.wingate.com), but I suggest getting a router.

[JesterMania]

Thanks for the speedy reply! I have 2 new questions:

When I right-click on my internet connection->Properties->Advanced->Settings->Services I think there is a way to map ports there. Is that the location or am I wrong?

My next question is...how do I find out what port(s) my program needs?

[glc1]

Originally posted by JesterMania
Thanks for the speedy reply!No problem.:)

Originally posted by JesterMania
When I right-click on my internet connection->Properties->Advanced->Settings->Services I think there is a way to map ports there. Is that the location or am I wrong?Sorry, couldn't tell you. I still use 2K. If it pertains to port mapping, then definitely try it and see what happens.

Originally posted by JesterMania
My next question is...how do I find out what port(s) my program needs? Ask.:) Lots of networking sites have charts. I know my ISP does too. The program's/game's web site sometimes does (may need to look at FAQs, support sections, etc.).

[legalmind]

Originally posted by glc1
Welcome to SpeedGuide.net...

XP's ICS is the problem. You need to forward the required port(s) to the system acting as the FTP/game server. This can't be done with ICS. There's other proxy/NAT software out there that might work for you, such as Sygate (http://www.sygate.com) and WinGate (http://www.wingate.com), but I suggest getting a router.



Yep, get a router! So simple even AOL people can do it!

[YeOldeStonecat]

Originally posted by JesterMania

My next question is...how do I find out what port(s) my program needs?

Some answers can be found here:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/app_port_list.htm

[JesterMania]

Wow it sure looks like you guys know what you're doing. Good thing I stumbled upon this board...thanks for everything.

The final question I have now is, does anyone know exactly how to forward ports in Windows XP using PPPoE ADSL on ICS? It's similar to dial-up in that after you dial-in and connect, a small monitor icon appears in the system tray displaying the connection status. If you click the icon, click on the "Properties" button, click the "Advanced" tab, and click the "Settings" button, it takes you to the "Services" tab where (I presume) is the location where you configure port forwarding. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I've configured all the ports of MSN Messenger right at that location and yet it still refuses to send files (although basic chatting works). I'm beginning to think it's got something to do with my ISP's "transparent proxy" rather than myself. :rolleyes:

[glc1]

Originally posted by JesterMania
Wow it sure looks like you guys know what you're doing. Good thing I stumbled upon this board...thanks for everything.

The final question I have now is, does anyone know exactly how to forward ports in Windows XP using PPPoE ADSL on ICS? It's similar to dial-up in that after you dial-in and connect, a small monitor icon appears in the system tray displaying the connection status. If you click the icon, click on the "Properties" button, click the "Advanced" tab, and click the "Settings" button, it takes you to the "Services" tab where (I presume) is the location where you configure port forwarding. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I've configured all the ports of MSN Messenger right at that location and yet it still refuses to send files (although basic chatting works). I'm beginning to think it's got something to do with my ISP's "transparent proxy" rather than myself. :rolleyes: You may have to use XP's built-in PPPoE support before you can forward ports.

[evilroy]

You can access port forwarding by going to the Advanced Tab of the Properties dialogue box for your netowrk connection. Enable ICS then select the Settings button at the bottom of the box. Another dialogue will open and then you need to select Add. Yet another box pops up allowing you to enter the info.

While the router is the best way to share a connection it is also about $100 to buy. If you are on a tighter budget you might try a hub with an interlink port. This would run ya about $35 and you could ditch the pesky ICS in XP. Been using both for a year and they work well. The main advantage is the router allows me to port forward, is a DHCP server for my network and it facitlitates dynamic IP addressing so other gamers don't need to know my current IP, they just type my URL and bam we're playing. I use dyndns.org cause its free and the router does all the work. Hope this helps.

[glc1]

Originally posted by evilroy
If you are on a tighter budget you might try a hub with an interlink port. Assuming only one routable IP is provided with the account, a hub alone wont share a connection. Each PC would need it's own routable IP from the ISP. Due to the extra monthly fee associated with each additional IP, a router would be far cheaper in the long run.