So, apparently something that previously worked before isn't working now so had to remove an IP digit
... figures
in login.ini the line,
local_network = 172.16.0.1
worked before, as that would cover all computers on the network connected to the router, but it does not now. So, by using,
local_network = 172.16.0.
works fine.
However, this doesn't really answer why the router gateway 172.16.0.1 is not being recognized when it should, actually used the gateway address on the older eqemu setup and worked.
So, if anyone else has same issue, I guess try deleting the last number in local network ip address :/
Very strange.....