Constant Link Deaths-Help!-Linksys Router/DSL/Win2k/Eqemu4.1

[mudman1]

My server is having some problems.

It seems as soon as one person logs in, the other gets Booted. The error code usually is unexpected packet during CLIENT_LOGIN. Everyone basically is loggin in getting disconnecting and relogging in, rinse repeat., or just going link dead period. Should i got to different provider, like cable instead of DSL? or change settings? The following is a complete rundown of my setup. Thanks in advance for the help.

MY SETUP FOLLOWS
------------------------------------------------------------

MYSQL SETUP:
Version 3.23
Grant all privs: on
3.13 Addon spawns sourced
name of database: eqnew
Not been edited with FQAdmin

*note ####.50 is internal IP of server pc.

EQEMU 4.1:
See login.in and boot5zone printout at bottom of post for reference. I am using NO-IP.com for host name slamdef.no-ip.info in both boot5zone and world address.

Hostname Service:
Using No-IP.com: slamdef.no-ip.info
(I have the client to update the IP and have tried with and without this domain name in EQEMU setup with just IP numbers instead)

OS & Hardware:
Win 2k service pack 3, no firewall programs nothing running in the background
PIII, Intel, 512meg ram,GeforceII,Kingston NIC

CONNECTION:
Pacbell ADSL service
Wirespeed modem: current download 1meg, upload 100k

ROUTER:
BEFSR81, most recent firmware flashed

Here is my Router setup maybe someone can tell me if this is the problem I will go through the whole menu and options set.

SET UP MENU
Hostname: blank
Domain name: pacbell.net
Lan IP Address- ###lanip######
Username:#####@pacbell.net
PWD: #####
Keep alive: Checked

DHCP MENU
dhcp:enabled
Start IP address: ##lanip######.100 ( should this be 100? )
Number dhcp users: 50
dns 0 0 0 0 0

ADVANCED SETTINGS
filters: none set
private Mac filt: none set

Block WAN Request : Enable ( I disbled this not sure if it helps)
IP Seccondary pass through: Enable
PPTP pass through: Enable
L2 TP pass through: Enable
Remote access: Disable
Use default MTU: Enable
size of MTU: none specified (1492 default)

FORWARDING
FTP,Telnet,SMTP,DNS,TFTP,Finger,HTTP,POP3,NNTP,SNM P-not

PORT TRIGGERING
none specificified (i tried them with eqemu ranges- same prob.)

VIEW PORT FOWARDING RANGE
Ports for EQEMU specified here as follows
eqemu1, 5999, tcp-yes, protoco udp-yes, ######.50,enabled
eqemu1, 9000, tcp-yes, protoco udp-yes, ######.50,enabled
eqemu1, 7995-7999,tcp-yes, protocol udp,#####.50,enabled

DNAMIC ROUTING
Working mode: Gateway
Dynamic Routing: disable

STATIC ROUTING
none

DMZ HOST
IP ADDRESS: #######.50 (internal ip of host,
+ experimented with this off which blocks any login)

MAC address
#########

THE INTERNAL IP OF HOST:
Kingston NIC settings as follows:
IP Set: #######.50
255.255.255
Gateway: ###lanip####
Primary prefferred DNS: ###lanip######
(also tried with dns of pacbell)



### NOTE:

On client PC where I run EQ i have tried it with the client PC connected through the router with the hosts file on the client edited as follows: 127.0.0.1 localhost

I have also tried with client dissonected from the network and using a standard dialup to make sure it wasn't my client conflicting and host file with 127.0.0.1 localhost removed and rebooted.

I read EVERY post on NAT,IP,forwarding,1017 error, readme, ect, I printed them and followed line by line.

I can not fiquer out what is causing people to be constantly booted from my server. The database has not been customized, there is no strange settings in Win2k nor any firewall ect, its a fresh install of 2k. IF anyone can tell me if my router or whatever is set wrong or suggest inprovements please advise. Thanks in advance.

Mudman
Defender Server


##############
EQEMU setup files:
##############

LOGINSERVER.in
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[LoginServer]
loginserver=eqlogin1.eqemu.net
loginserver2=eqlogin2.eqemu.net
loginport=5999
loginport2=5999
worldname=DEFENDER
worldaddress=slamdef.no-ip.info
locked=false
account=
password=


[WorldServer]
Defaultstatus=10
Unavailzone=

[LoginConfig]
ServerMode=Standalone
ServerPort=5999
UplinkAddress=
UplinkPort=
UplinkAccount=
UplinkPassword=

BOOT5ZONE.EXE
-------------------------------------------------------------------
@echo off
start zone . slamdef.no-ip.info 7995 slamdef.no-ip.info
start zone . slamdef.no-ip.info 7996 slamdef.no-ip.info
start zone . slamdef.no-ip.info 7997 slamdef.no-ip.info
start zone . slamdef.no-ip.info 7998 slamdef.no-ip.info
start zone . slamdef.no-ip.info 7999 slamdef.no-ip.info
exit
cls

addon.in
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[Database]
host=localhost
user=#####
password=######
database=eqnew

[CommandLevels]
$MAXCLIENTS=-1 (or set to 5)
@NPCSPELLS=8
!setaaxp=0,!setaapts=0,!level=0,!damage=100,!heal= 0 ect ect

[Shawn319]

EQemu doesnt like routers. unplug the router and dont use DNS addresses..


connect directly to the internet and use your real ip where it asks you.

[mudman1]

is there no hope for it, i really need to be able to access dsl with both pcs, how about changing to cable instead of dsl or working more with opening ports?

Thanks Mudman
Defender

[mudman1]

well heres and update:

i tried it with the blank database that comes with 4.1 and people could log in and for the most part stay in.

but ... when i added the 3.13 addon by using the batch file and ran the cleanup it was the same old thing again people could barley stay logged in for more than 15 secconds.

M-

[obacono]

I use the same type of router and I have no problems connecting and staying on.

However, having said that - I have noticed people creating accounts and then not creating char's. I presume this could be because my server isn't responding quick enough.

I don't use a DMZ, just port forwarding to my internal server (for now).

The server is holdyourbreath if you want to test it for me (I know I have some issues with certain classes not being able to log on)

I do know that most elves (apart from dark) seem to be ok. Humans for the most part are ok aswell...

[mudman1]

Hi obacono,

Are people being able to log in your server and stay in? How many can stay on at one time and for how long I will log in your server today as soon as i see it up. Lets do some testing


Also what kind of connection do you have DSL or Cable and who is the provider? Have you tried putting your Internal IP in the DMZ host? did that change anything.

Anyone else reading this post who has wone the router wars, or has simular probs. would like any tips. I am not sure if these link deaths are even caused by the router. I am going to experiment again today with running the server without it. I have been at it non-stop for 10 days.

My server used to be great, i would host with dsl and client in with dailup. Then dailups no longer worked well so i tried Internet Connection sharing which just sucked. Now I am using the router option. which seems the best now but still doesn't work. Funny each setup works but then fails on some final detail. but with each setup its a different issue.


I might now see if changing my internet provider helps, from Pacbell. adsl to adelphia cable might help, but I hear Adelpia sucks even more. or maybe another dsl provider , one that might guarantee ports and have no firewalls or whateveror have a (different dsl modem that might work better with NR041 Linksys router ect ect keep changing things until it works even if the Tyan MB needs to be switched for one with slightly differnt arcitecture. If it works for someone else its got to be alble to work for us too with the right setup and hardware and internet provider.


Mudman
Defender


#### update #### Obacono: tried to get on your server I can't make a character its getting bounced , ill be on the IRC if you would like to chat

[obacono]

I'm on cable, and I've noticed a mudman account on my database - however I still see no toon's created.

I don't know if people are actually timing out trying to connect - and I have a load more accounts created.

The server is still up and running, as are 5 zones.


I took a look at the world server and you seem to get client disconnected alot.


Hmm, it works for me on both my other computers.. This is a bit weird.

I may try putting it in the DMZ and see if that helps.

[mudman1]

Ok this is interesting i have found other games will allow one player to be hosted but multiple players get the boot with linksys

I upgraded to a linksys BEFSR81 Router to see if the extra money helped. Resulted in nobody being able to log in period. I am wondering if the problem is that I am using a Linksys Router. But when i try to connect directly with the server without the router it has problems too.

Sooo... I am going to change my internet provider to DSL Extreem hoping that will help. But the following article is interesting regarding Linksys routers.

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/...r_help_pg4.htm

In general, assume that you will not be able to use the Linksys to allow multiple users to access on-line games, Internet communication applications like Dialpad or Netmeeting, or any application that uses port ranges or dynamically assigned ports. The best you'll be able to do is to allow access from one computer connected to the LAN side of the router. There are exceptions to this rule of thumb, but I'd rather set your expectations lower, rather than higher.

Typically, many Quake III users have been reporting that Quake III is unable to support multiple player connections from behind a NAT. While the first player behind the NAT joins fine, adding additional players is problematic in the default configuration. Symptoms include rejected challenges, dropped delta packets, and severe "connection interrupted" messages.

By default, Quake III clients send and receive data over the same port, causing the server to treat multiple clients as a single data connection. Quake III does have the ability to specify individual client ports for communication by adding a command line switch. Follow the procedure below to add this switch.

1. Right click on the QIII icon
2. Choose "Properties"
3. In the Target field you'll see a line like "C:\Program Files\Quake III Arena\quake3.exe"
4. Add the Quake III net_port command to specify a unique communication port for each system. The complete field should look like this: "C:\Program Files\Quake III Arena\quake3.exe" +set net_port 27660
5. Click OK.

Mudman

[mByte]

Funny I use a linksys v2 router with the emu and it runs just fine.

*if the user has a 10+ datarate i notice all others get dropped

[mudman1]

Hi mByte,

10+ datarate boots people. good to know.

What server is yours, would like to test it.
Can you be more specific about your settings?
do you have dmz host on your internal IP?
do you have ports forwarded if so which?

Aslo what kind of connection do you have and what speed are you getting both download and upload? How many people can play on your server without severe lag?

yes, i agree


I am coming to think it is not the router too. I reinstalled my enternet 300 software for the SBC/ Pacbell and tried to connect directly again, people can't make characters and get dropped even that way. It used to work a couple months ago direct fine though.

I formatted C: and reinstalled Windows2k, just in case something was broken. But again still same problem.

I am going to switch to a cable internet provider on the 22 of this month Adelphia. Devn tells me his works fine he is not to far away from me.


Thanks Mudman
Defender Server

[mudman1]

Hi thanks for your message:

I have ports 200 - 500 forwarding to my server for the emu

How about ports 5999, 9000 ? don't you need these?

my batch file looks like this
start zone [zone short name] [ISP ip address] [Port] [Computer IP Address] start zone freportn 66.12.133.22 201 192.168.1.60

I have been told to put external IP in both spots, i.e. [ISP ip address] [Port] [ISP ip address]
or to do this ? [ISP ip address] [Port] 127.0.0.1
I will try it with IP internal there. Will that help?

start zone [zone short name] [ISP ip address] [Port]

Also I have never seen anyone specify specific zones with ports?

Block WAN Request: Disable

I wonder if this setting is important?

Also how about DMZ Hosting do you have it off???
and what settings to you have in any client PC's Hosts?
What server are on again?
Lastly what OS?

Thanks again, Rich
Mudman
Defender Server

CC - Posted this to forum as well for others to read.

[obacono]

I'm still trying to resolve this, so if anyone can try connecting to my server (holdyourbreath) I'd be greatful.

[obacono]

<pre>
Guild Send Request...
Sending character information.
Unknown opcode: 0x4550 size:0
Unknown opcode: 0x087e size:0
Unknown opcode: 0x0853 size:0
Unknown opcode: 0x0871 size:0
Unknown opcode: 0x0102 size:14
0: 92 40 00 00 00 02 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 | .@............
Unknown opcode: 0x86fc size:0
Client disconnected
</pre>

That's what I'm getting on the server when you try to connect, Mudman.

Hope you didn't patch to the latest version?

[mudman1]

i jsut tried Holdyourbreath, cant get past character screen. same thing for Defender.

[obacono]

I watched you try to connect, and it didn't look pretty, however it looked like it got further than last time.

Perhaps it's worth some other's trying it to see if it works?