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Router for Internet Gaming through Cable Modem?

E

EglsFly

Senior member
Currently I have dial-up <barf!>, but will soon be getting broadband access.
I want to go ahead and purchase a router to give me some time to get familiar with it before I get the broadband access.

I want to go with a Linksys branded router, but unsure of which to get.
The Linksys BEFSX41 Firewall Router or the BEFSR41 Router.
Linksys Routers

Right now I am running Zone Alarm for a personal Firewall and wanting to keep up that kind of protection if possible. I was thinking of getting a Router that already has a Firewall like the Linksys BEFSX41 and therefore not need to run Zone Alarm. One less app running! 🙂

I need to be able to online game from multiple computers behind this router.

But I am concerned about the Firewall Router causing potential headaches for online gaming.
Would the BEFSR41 be a better choice or does it not matter?
Games I like to play are: America's Army, Unreal Tournament 2003, Battlefield 1942, Ghost Recon, Nascar 2003, etc.

Any comments, experiences, suggestions, etc., would be appreciated.
Thanks!
 
I don't have any experience with that router, but i have the linksys BEFW11S4 (wireless/4 port switch). If you want to host servers for those games, you might be in trouble, but if you just want to play them you should have no problems. Through mine i play America's Army, Battlefield 1942, DOD, NS, and CS without any problems
 
If you are connecting to outside game servers; you shouldn't have any problems; when your computer sends out, recieving in, the router will know to forward it.
But, if you want serve a game on your network; it is possible; but only if you want to play with people you know real well!

The easiest way to make it possible to get access inside your network is to setup a VPN server. As long as this machine is setup in your router to host the neccessary ports, or is a DMZ PC. Someone VPN'd in to your Server gets a ip address on your lan and its "virtually" a part of your own lan, so they could access your whole lan allowing gaming, file sharing amonst multiple machines. But both ends require a decent connection for this.
 
Thanks for the info as I may want to setup a server while hosting a local LAN party so that a few outsiders can possibly join in on the game...?

Also, what about multiple PCs behind the firewall running the same game, connecting to public Internet server?
Is there some issue with sharing the ports or something when playing the same game?

 
get the "x" router and dump zonealarm. set up a pc in a DMZ, which forwards all ports, and host away. make sure you have no important personal data on the game host if you put it in a DMZ.
 
What about the second question...

about multiple PCs behind the firewall running the same game, connecting to a public Internet server?
Is there some issue with sharing the ports or something when playing the same game?
😕
 
The problem with multiple machines connecting to the same Internet server is all your machines will be using the same IP... some servers do not allow multiple connections from the same IP, so this will prevent you from playing...

As for using the same port, the router will take care of it so it's not a problem...
 
This is a good Router with Firewall (not just NAT) for the price. I was researching routers a couple weeks ago and came across some articles@CNET and this router did well. Which router did I get? None yet. I?m moving in a week and need to see I?m going to have to use wireless else it's this one. If wireless then that changes everything.

What?s nice about this firewall for us LAN Party hosts is that a Linksys 16port switch (that I have) fits perfect on top of it. I only wish I had a Linksys cable modem to be at the bottom of the stack.

Multiple Games over the same NAT Router? BCYL is correct. Check the support site for each of your games. I know I researched RTCW and found that Activision shows how you can run MP Clients over one Internet connection, but warns it?s not supported. I never tried it, but think it should work.

By the way, I play a couple of the games listed. If you haven?t tried Desert Combat .3n Alpha for BF you gotta try it. It?s like getting a new game for free.

I also host a LAN Party, {SNA} LAN Parties. I?m setting one up for the 7th of June in the Pittsburgh area. If you know anyone please tell them to check us out (will post this over the weekend at At & Lanparty.com).

PM me if you have any other question or just reply to your post?subscribed.
-JC
 
I ended up ordering the Linksys BEFSX41 firewall router, along with their Cable Modem and 16 port 10/100 switch. In addition, I already have the Linksys EFSP42 2 port Print Server box!
With all 4 of those stacked, it should look sweet. 🙂

sep, thanks for the info on the Desert Combat mod! I plan on trying that out.😀
 
Gonna warn you off the Linksys router. There are alot of people having trouble with them in certain online games. Everquest, DAOC, Morrowwind.

They have been fighting with firmware versions etc, just to try to get the routers stable, otherwise they are getting periodic 1-3 second lag sessions. Go with a netgear router and you'll probably be much happier.
 
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