Setup Instructions
From AlephWiki
These instructions apply mainly to Netgames, the heart of a good Marathon/AlephOne experience. Most of these are tips for the lost people who don't know how to set up port forwarding and such so that they can play.
This stuff needs updating!
Contents |
Hosting
Without a host, a netgame is impossible. Even with the advent of "Firewall-Friendly" AlephOne netgames, the host still needs to be prepared for his task.
Builds
One of the most confusing issues is which build to use. You should always use the latest build from the Sourceforge page). The one that most games should be played with is the latest stable build (right now, as of 2/18/07, is the 12/28 build).
Firewalls
The main problem with hosts (that is, with hosts who can fix it themselves) is the firewall. The two kinds of firewalls are software (the kind you [hopefully] have on your computer) and hardware firewalls, usually there because of a router. The port that a gatherer needs to open is port 4226, both UDP and TCP.
So how do you find out which type of firewall is protecting you and spoiling your fun? First, if you can, look at your internet hardware. A dial-up service usually does not require a hardware firewall because your IP address changes and you're usually not on for too long, so hackers won't be so interested in hacking you. If you have a router, chances are that you have both a hardware and a software firewall. If you are on a Local Area Network, you have a router, so you have a hardware firewall. A good way to find this out is to look at your IP address. If it's something like 192.xxx.xxx.xxx, then you're probably on a LAN. Otherwise, you are most likely hooked up to the Internet itself. To find your IP:
POSIX: If you're smart enough to use these types of OS (Linux, BSD, etc), then you shouldn't need help. But look around in the ifconfig command.
Windows: I like to use the command prompt (Start->run->type "cmd" no quotes) to type in ipconfig and find the IP.
Mac OS X: Go to System Preferences, then click on Network.
In any case, on a LAN, you will have both a LAN IP and a WAN (World Area Network, the address of your router to the Internet) IP. To find the WAN, try What is my IP If it's the same as your "LAN" IP, then life might be easier for you.
Software
This is the easiest firewall to overcome. There are three types of operating systems that usually run AlephOne (in no particular order): POSIX, Mac OS X, and Windows.
POSIX (including Linux and BSD)
You should know how. Refer to your system manuals. Open port 4226, both TCP and UDP.
Mac OS X
Go to the System Preferences, then to Sharing. The Firewall tab will take you to the firewall configuration. Add a new port, 4226, and name it something like "AlephOne" to remember. You can check to box or uncheck it to allow or disallow the port.
Note: you may have specific programs, like Norton, that function differently. If you do, refer to the manual to find out how to open a port (4226!)
Windows
Because of the various antivirus/firewall software for this attackable OS, I can't help too much. But there is a Windows Firewall that should be there automatically. Go to the Control Panel, then to Network. (I think). Configure your firewall by going to the "Advanced" tab of a connection (right-click the connection and go to "properties"). Open UDP and TCP port 4226.
Hardware
This is tricky. There are many brands of routers, with many types of firewall configuration. I can't help much on specifics here, but I can give a few pointers.
Administrator Privileges
You need to have admin access to the router. If you don't know the password and someone who knows little about networking set up the router, check the router's manufacterer site for information on usernames and passwords set by default on the router. For example, my LinkSys router has a user name that is blank (nothing) and a default password "admin".
Accessing the Router
This is varied. Most modern routers (including my favorite, Coyote Linux) have nifty web interfaces, accessed by going to the router's IP address in your browser. Mine is, for example, 192.168.1.1. There, I type in the admin name and password, and I'm ready to work. Some routers use Telnet or SSH to connect; look up details in the manual.
Port Forwarding/Vitual Server
Usually, you want to enable port forwarding, or, if the router does not have it, the "virtual server." Forward TCP and UDP port 4226 to the LAN IP address that you should have found earlier. Look to the manual for better instructions.
UPnP
If you possess a non-Apple firewall, it may have the option of enabling UPnP. This option, which will require administrator acces if not already enabled, will allow Aleph One to communicate with the router and configure the port forwading automatically.
Hosting Types
There are two types of hosting right now: traditional "join by IP" hosting and Metaserver hosting. IP hosting allows absolutely private games and such, while Metaserver allows for more modern, find-games-online type play, including rooms and chatting. Luckily, a host may choose to host on the metaserver and may also allow IP joiners to join.
Either way is simple.
IP Hosting
Find your WAN IP and give it to your joiners. Then click "Host Netgame" in the main menu of AlephOne. Set up the game as you like it, then click OK. Add players as they join. Going above 5 or 6 players is not recommended at this point.
Metaserver
Follow the above instructions, but click the "Advertise on Metaserver" option so that it is ON instead of OFF.
Considerations
While it's nice when everyone has a 2-3 GHz G5 processor, a T3 connection, and the latest stable build, such is "not always" the case. Because of this, it is best to consider a few things before hosting a game:
Hardware
This is a simple consideration. Just don't choose a map with huge open spaces, tons of rockets, and dozens of platforms moving up and down (believe me, some people make such maps ...) If you can't handle it well in single-player, you definitely can't handle it in netgames.
Bandwidth
Be sure to know about how much data you can upload to the internet. The higher the speed, the better the host you are. Even with fast connections, the comfortable limit for most hosts is 5-6 players. 8 is the maximum allowed by the game itself, but the code is still in progress, so it's not quite as optimized as other shooters.
Build
Always use the latest stable build. Problems can arise in a network game when everybody does not have the same build.
Configuration and necessary files
Most people new to Aleph One have no idea how to run the executable. Refer them here for some help in setting the game up.
There are a few steps to running Aleph One for the first time.
Downloads
The Aleph One Engine
Aleph One is the engine of the game (this means that it's the program, without any data files). The first step is to download the engine from the Sourceforge page. Pick your operating system and download the latest version.
The game files
The game files are the data needed by the engine. They are now available for free at the trilogy release page.
Directories
Once you have uncompressed the engine, its accompanying libraries and other files, and the game files, you must place the game files into the same directory as the application (unless you're in Linux; see the README or INSTALLATION file included). This means that the folder should have:
Mac OS
AlephOne, Images, Map, Music (optional), Shapes, Sounds
Windows
alephone.exe, a bunch of other files (folders, etc), Images, Map, Music (optional), Shapes, Sounds
