How is it possible that Steam refuses to connect when computer is in DMZ?

[Ichinisan]

I've suffered with Steam connectivity issues since Steam was first released and I'm getting tired of dealing with it. I found on steampowered.com that "Steam does not support connection through a router in DMZ". I couldn't believe it, but Steam actually works when DMZ is disabled.

When a software distribution model DEPENDS on your customers being able to connect to your server without problems, what excuse does Valve have for this BULL$#!@ ?

More importantly, how the hell can CLIENT software be designed in such a way that it's even possible for DMZ to cause connection issues? I need one of you network gurus to clear this up for me, or I'll drive myself crazy trying to figure this out...

 

[nweaver]

why would you normally run in the DMZ?

 

[spidey07]

possibly the server makes a connection back to the client similar to other protocols like FTP or SQLnet. Or it may negotiate another port number via the application layer.

eitherway, entirely possible.

 

[Ichinisan]

In what way does DMZ makes client/server connections more difficult?

It is absolutely retarded that a platform for distributing software would allow any such connection issue to go unfixed. This should be resolved with a software update, not simply acknowledged in a FAQ database.

 

[spidey07]

bah,

It's simply rediculous that folks don't understand networks and feel they are entitled to certain things.

no worries.

It's this ignorance that pays me.

Let's hope it cntinues.

 

[Ichinisan]

Originally posted by: spidey07
bah,

It's simply rediculous that folks don't understand networks and feel they are entitled to certain things.

no worries.

It's this ignorance that pays me.

Let's hope it cntinues.

Would you mind explaining to me why it's acceptable for the software be happy with NAT and bomb when DMZ is enabled? Why is this acknowledged and not fixed?

Don't call me ignorant for asking. Asking a question is the opposite of ignorance. Answer or "STFU".

If you're referring to Valve being ignorant, forgive my outburst.

 

[Nothinman]

If you're talking about a SOHO router where DMZ means 'all new connections are forwarded to this machine' then no it doesn't make a lot of sense that it would fail. It's possible that their server tests for NAT by attempting to connect to your IP and since the connection works it assumes there's no NAT but really there is and you've just got everything forwarded to your machine. Why not take some packet captures and see?

 

[Ichinisan]

Yes, I have tested with mostly SOHO routers. I considered that Steam might assume that you're not NAT'd, which would indicate an error in programming logic. This would mandate another software revision (as Steam likes to do frequently anyway), not simply a mention on the FAQ.

 

[jlazzaro]

Using a Router with Steam

Valve strikes again! Don't count on any sort of update to fix this...ive been waiting for my CS:S update for over a year. As for the cause, I've came to the conclusion they as a company take pride in frustrating their customers.