RTSLAN

Download RTSLAN (196 kb)

This program for Windows 2000 or XP Professional sends the packets from various game to your friends on the internet so you can play together via the LAN game.

Step 1: Open Ports (Only if you have a firewall)

Game Lower Port Range Upper Port Range Notes
Warcraft III 6112 6112 Only the host player needs to run RTSLAN
C&C Generals 8086 8088 Everyone must run RTSLAN; See notes below

If you have problems opening ports, simply disable your firewall or set your machine DMZ while you play the game.  

Step 2: Fake your external IP on your computer (router users only)

IMPORTANT: If you are using a router with certain games (like C&C Generals) and have a "fake" IP address (i.e. 192.168.1.100) you have to trick Windows into listing your external IP so that you can set it on the options page of the game:

-go into Network Connections and double-click on your "Local Area Connection" and hit "Properties"
-double-click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
-click "Use the following IP address" and enter your fake IP as the IP address (i.e. 192.168.1.100)
-for Subnet Mask use 255.255.255.0
-for Default Gateway and Preferred DNS Server use your router's IP address (i.e. 192.168.1.1), or your ISPs DNS Server (depends on who your ISP is)
-Click on Advanced and then under IP Addresses click on "Add"
-Add your external IP and its subnet mask (you get this info from your router's status page)
-after hitting ok several times, test your internet...if its not working you did something wrong
-now when you go into the game (i.e. C&C Generals) options, set your IP to this external IP

Step 3: Configure RTSLAN

Enter your name, your external IP and the users you are playing with via the Add button.  Once everyone's address is entered make sure there is a check next to their name (uncheck anyone not playing) and press the Start button to begin forwarding packets.

Step 4: Play the Game!

Open up the game and select Multiplayer LAN.  You should see your fellow players in the lobby and be able to start up a game just as if you were on a local area network!  If you don't see someone they are either not forwarding (press Start), they did a typo on an IP, or they are blocking ports.

AutoConfig:

I've added an optional autoconfig utility to RTSLAN.  This is especially helpful for people who have dynamic IPs that change all the time, and for setting up games with 4 or more players.  To use AutoConfig, one player should host, leaving the AC Host IP field blank and clicking on "AutoConfig".  The rest of the players should enter the IP of the host in the AC Host IP field and after pressing AutoConfig, RTSLAN will attempt to connect.

Once everyone has connected, the host presses the Sync button which sends everyone's setup info to all the players, automatically entering users into the user list and filling in your External IP.  

NOTE: autoconfig uses port 8087 to accept incoming connections; the host must have this port open in order to use this feature.

Bugs, Suggestions etc.

For bugs and suggestions email RTSLAN at mud dot ca. Don't bother asking for help to get your particular setup working because I will simply ignore this mail. Also, if the instructions above are too complicated for you then you shouldn't try using this program or get someone else to help you. I will NOT port this to Win9X or ME, so don't ask.

I will make this program available at http://www.mud.ca/RTSLAN/RTSLAN.html, and if and when I update it I will update that page. I will add support for other games but currently I am playing WC3 and Generals...

This program is provided "as is", with no warranty or guarantee of suitability for any purpose. The author is not liable for damages caused by its usage, use at your own risk.

Warcraft is a registered trademark of Blizzard Entertainment
C&C Generals is a registered trademark of EA Pacific
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation