If you don't mind helping me, I'd really appreciate it.

Here's what I have:
DirecWay Satellite 2-way Broadband Internet Service, the modem is USB which connects to my main computer, I have a home network with a 5 port router (which can also act as a broadband router on the 5th port if necessary), my main computer serves as a host for Internet Connection Sharing through Windows 98SE to two other computers on the router.

What I tried (which I believe to be the only way for me to possibly connect the PS2) was to attach the PS2 Network Adaptor to my 4th home network router port, went through the PS2 net adaptor Automatic setup, and no dice, wouldn't connect. So I tried the manual config, which pretty much went trial and error as the things the setup asks for I couldn't find or figure out (I'm not the brightest genius when it comes to networking), eventually though somehow I got everything entered and I got a confirmation that said it connected and I was now online, but that the registration could not be sent. Hmmm.... So anyway, I'm finally able to smile from ear to ear, I throw in my rented copy of SOCOM Navy Seals (which I've had for about 2 rentals periods over-due now waiting to get online), I go to the Online option, and I get a message of pure evil, Could Not Establish a Link with your Network settings What?!?!

So I go through the Network Config Edit option in the game, do a Test Connection, and it says everythings ok and working properly, so I go back in and try it again, still cannot (or will not) connect.

Funar Replies:

It sounds like your setup is correct, but there's a few things you should make sure are configured.

First off, I do not recommend using Window's Internet Connection Sharing with a PS2. ICS will not work with a PS2. I always tell people who ask me to spend a few extra bucks on a cable/DSL router. It's well worth the money. Connect your computers and PS2 to the router's built-in Ethernet ports. If your router only has one Ethernet port, go buy yourself a little 8-port hub, connect the hub to the router, and your computers/PS2 to the hub. Personally, I avoid connecting via USB.

Secondly, since you have a router, you need to make sure it can provide port forwarding. Most routers that support Network Address Translation (NAT) or IP Masquerading can do this, but there are a few exceptions. Consult your router's manual for details. Port forwarding can also be called 'Destination NAT.'

Third, you need to set up a local network and assign your PS2 an IP address on it. Each computer on your local network needs to have its own IP address. The address can be assigned by your router via DHCP, or you can configure the addresses manually. If you have a small network (and it sounds like you do), I'd recommend manually configuring your addresses. Most routers will use addresses in the 192.168.x.x range for internal networks. For example's sake, we'll say that we have this configuration:

Router's Internal Address: 192.168.0.1
Windows 98SE Machine: 192.160.0.10
Playstation 2: 192.168.0.11

Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Broadcast Address: 192.168.0.255
Gateway Address: 192.168.0.1

Now, here's how NAT works. Your router will receive an IP address from your service provider. This is known as the router's External Address. This address may be different every time you connect, depending on the policies of your service provider. We're not really concerned about what the address is, but you should verify your router is actually being assigned one. As an example, we'll say the service provider assigned the address 10.29.49.199. This is the address the internet will see your data coming from. The router will 'translate' or 'masquerade' packets from your 192.168.x.x network to show as if they were coming from 10.29.49.199.

When you connect to a SOCOM server, it thinks you're coming from 10.29.49.199. When these servers want to send you game information, they will send their packets to 10.29.49.199 via TCP ports in the range of 10070-10080. The problem is, 10.29.49.199 is not the PS2's address. So, your PS2 never receives the response packets, and you get your "Failed to Connect" error messages.

How do we fix this? It's pretty simple, really. Your router needs to be instructed to 'forward' any packets it receives on TCP ports 10070-10080 to your PS2's internal network address, 192.168.0.11. For this, you'll need to consult the manual of your router as each different make has different ways to achieve this.

Once your router is configured to translate outgoing packets, and redirect incoming packets to the correct local address, you will have completed the bidirectional flow of data that is required to play SOCOM (and other networkable PS2 games).

I hope this helps you. Here's a recap:

• Configure your local network (router, computers, & PS2).

• Be sure your router is getting an address.
• Don't try using ICS with a PS2!
• Set your router to forward incoming data on ports 10070-10080 on to your PS2. Without this forwarding, you won't be able to connect.

Good luck!

Check out these other related articles, here on MG:

• New PS2 Forums on MG!

• NFL Gameday 2003 and Firewalls
• PS2 Network Adaptor hits the shelves - sort of
  
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