online gaming w/ router? can i?

[aUt0eXebat]

ive been seeing some posts that people are having problems with multiplay online? will i have trouble? I am getting an 8 port SMC cable/dsl router

 

[JackMDS]

All Entry level Cable/DSL Routers have a Hardware Firewall on the WAN side. This Firewall can not be disabled; the Firewall by default blocks a lot of I/O ports that are used by games, and other applications.

Few options are available.

One computer (only one at the time) can be put in the DMZ, that means that the computer goes directly to the Internet and bypasses the Firewall, as a result, every thing is opened for Good, and Bad.

The Barricade has a menu, which allow opening of specific I/O ports.

It is not a big deal to change these setting, since the Barricade menu behaves like an Internet site. (Address http://192.168.123.254/), and you use the Internet browser to set every thing. Make sure that you download the latest firmware, since it provides the best flexibility.

Thought simple in nature, you have to put some effort to learn and understand how this works, and how to use it.
Problems occur when people expect Scotty to Beam Down knowledge directly to the Brain.

A lot of info about usage of ports by Games and Applications here:

Special Applications - Port List

Firmware; log here, and scroll down to the Barricade section:

Asante / SMC Router Help

 

[aUt0eXebat]

ok thanks! I didnt realize that routers had their own private IP to set settngs, that is cool. I should be able to figure this out, I like to learn about this stuff. Only things I was worried about that the router wouldnt let me do was play Team Forttress Classic, and Counter Strike, and Online instant messengers....

another question (i know, there should be a FAQ for this kind of stuff too)
will i be able to use Instant Messangers on diff PCS at the same time? and online gamming?

 

[randal]

yes

why? different ports will be opened for each outgoing connection; those will be translated back to the right computer.

$.02
randal

 

[aUt0eXebat]

ok cool, good cus more then just I like to use AIM and other net apps while im using the net too.

Another question...

I am going to setup a VPN, so when im at class and i need some files, saved homework or whatever, I want to be able to VPN into my Home domain i set up, how can i do this if my IP is dynamic? I know how to set up VPN and all that.

 

[JackMDS]

DNS - Domain Name System

 

[aUt0eXebat]

Ok, ill check it out.
i dont want a webserver or anything, just to be able to VPN into my network to retreve files