Starting a multiplayer game - Choosing a service provider

Starting a multiplayer game – Choosing a service provider

Four Winds uses DirectPlay to establish the network communication. DirectPlay examines your system and presents the communication channels you can use to host or join a multiplayer game. The options varies according to the system.

If your system supports Internet connection, you should see Internet TCP/IP connection for DirectPlay listed as one of the service providers.
If your computer is connected to a local area network, you normally see IPX connection for DirectPlay listed as one of the service providers (but the local area networking may also be done via TCP/IP).
If you have a modem installed, you should see Modem connection for DirectPlay listed as one of the service providers.
If you have support for direct cable connection installed, you should see Serial connection for DirectPlay listed as one of the service providers.

What happens after you click the Next button depends on whether you decided to host or join a game and on the selected service provider.

If you act as a host of the game, no other selections are needed and the wizard displays the property sheet where you can specify options for the multiplayer game.
If you join a game hosted by another computer, you may need to specify further options, depending on the selected communication channel. For the Internet connection, you must specify the IP address of the host and for the modem connection, the modem to be used and the phone number of the host. For TCP/IP connection over LAN, and for IPX and serial connection no other options need to be specified.
Note: When using TCP/IP protocol for LAN games, the joining players should leave the IP address field blank, when it is requested by the system.
You must specify the IP address as a node number (e.g., 123.234.456.0). Notice that the IP address of the host may change between the sessions: e.g., most of the home-based or personal Internet connections are based on dynamically assigned IP addresses that change each time the user makes the connection to the Internet. In this case the host should provide the joining players the IP address (e.g., using e-mail or telephone). The host can check his IP address by using the Show addresses command (in the shortcut menu of the current game statistics on Statistics tab of the Game Manager), or by using Microsoft IP Configuration utility (or equivalent). For more information, see Identifying the IP address.
If you choose TCP/IP protocol and your are behind a firewall, please check the ports that need to be available for inbound and outbound traffic.
If you act as a host of the game that is to be played on the Internet and other players cannot see the session you have created, please check the FAQ article Why my IP address is not visible to other players.