peer-peer NetWrk= problems w/(zone)game. Help wanted!

[puppet]

I set up a peer-peer network with ICS,both systems are running win98SE. (2) 10/100 NIC's,CaT5 crossover. POTS dial-up,Courier ExtModem. 28,800 bps MAX I can get ever.(not enough bandwidth?)
This works fine. The problem comes in when I try to play Fa1.5(zone game). The host system is being used to log on to the site and play. I get into the room but can not see other players. I know alittle about port settings and found a mapping on a site for DirectPlay games. I made the changes but still have the problem.
My first question is what is the difference between "inbound" and "outbound" port settings and how they are written to differentiate the two?
I downloaded ICSCFG.exe v1.5 to configure the ports,too. I don't find a separate setting for each "in-out" port setting.
In trying to apply common sense here and am I to conclude that an entry is made for each setting on the mapping just as written? Even if they are same with the exception of "in" or "out"?
If someone can explain the difference,if any, I can check to make sure I have them written correctly. If not it may be that this cannot be done. If I deselect ICS sharing in the "Internet Options"-connection tab, it works fine. Obviously,
I like to get it to work without this change if that's possible.

 

[SufferinSuccotash]

Inbound connections are those packets coming into your computer, while outbound connections, of course, are those goig to the network. Which computer are you trying to play the game on, the one connected directly to the Internet or to the one connected to the computer running ICS?

 

[puppet]

SufferinSuccotash,
I'm using the system connected directly to the internet. The host,the one with the modem attached.
I know what each setting does,(inbound-outbound),what I don't know is
how they differ in "look" when entered in the registry.

 

[SufferinSuccotash]

My guess is that what is happening is that all the packets for the zone are being forwarded to the client. Check and see if there are port forwarding options.

 

[puppet]

Ok,port forwarding. Where do I look for that? Host system? Client?
Under what registry key?
Let's say for kicks I actually find the key. Then what? How should these be entered?
Thx

 

[Scarpozzi]

I don't think port forwarding would be enabled unless you enabled it. Plus most of your ports in a straight Win machine(unless it's NT or 2000 are open anyway to prevent reg users from having to configure their systems). I would guess you might have some kind of program configuration problem...possibly with your TCP/IP settings, but I would call the vendor's tech support and ask them...do not mention the fact you use ICS. I doubt that has anything to do with it....but I could be wrong.(but I'm too cocky about this stuff to admit it). Just check with the vendor and see if they have any reported bugs about that problem before you rack your brain. Could save you a lot of grief. Good luck.

 

[puppet]

No I didn't enable port forward addressing,at least I don't think so.
The network is a simple one and the only changes that were made to the network settings were IP addressing and subnet mask for the client and host,installed gateway address in the client system(to the host),and DNS Server Search Order in the client system(to the host). That is it!
I'm beginning to think that my physical connection is too narrow to support the game requirements with the bandwidth resources
split in two. Min. required speed at the site is 28800bps. Would having ICS enabled(even though I'm not using the client system)divide the signal in two? If so then I'd be below what is required to connect and play on the zone site. Basic surfing is fine. Network works fine. Just this.
If the signal is not divided as my layman mind would think, then I really don't get it. As you've said,Scarpozzi,there might be a bug in the M$ zone software to make this happen. I've talked to them about this and they started me on the "port crusade". I edited all the changes I made to the registry with regard to the port mapping cause they changed nothing.
Again,if I switch off ICS the game works fine.
With it on,no. It has to be something TOO simple!