Home LAN

[TheGreatSatan]

How do I set up multiple computers in separate rooms of the same house to play the same 1st person shooter game at the same time? Like a LAN, although I've never been to a LAN

[Spawn-Inc]

not fully sure on this, but i will give it a shot.

ex. there are 4 people with 4 computers
you will need a router that can handle 4 people or more. and 4 cables for each one. in the game 1 person (host) would make the game as a lan then the 3 left would join the game in the lan section. steam has the option to search only lan games.

i think thats all there is to it.

[TheGreatSatan]

Don't all the computers need to have the game loaded on it with separate disks for each? There's got to be some setup feature to get them all playing the same game

[Spawn-Inc]

oh ya, from a legal standpoint would would need a copy of the game per pc. there are "no-cd patchs" that are legal so you don't need to use the disc. with that you may be able to get by with 1 copy of a game.

these guys have pretty much any game with patchs, no-cd fixes, and trainers.

http://www.gamecopyworld.com/

[HackSore]

I do not condone piracy. now that is out of the way, if you are hosting with one of the machines, you should have no problems using the same install with most games, you wont be able to join internet games though.

But as was said before, from a legal standpoint, you need a disk for each machine, unless of course the game has no copy protection, such as UT99.

[crenn]

Install game onto every computer

Get a 8-16 port switch (depending on the number of computer).
Get a router or a server to handle DHCP.

[ContraptionMaker]

First do you already have a network? If not you will need a router. If you plan on running CAT5 you should look for a gigabit or 10/100/1000 connection speed. If you want to go wireless go with an "N" wireless especially if you want to play games. You want a data exchange as fast as possible to prevent lag. The wired network will cost less, but with the wireless, you don't have to run wires, you can place your computers anywhere and if a fifth friend comes over with his laptop, he can join with out the need for a second router.


What os are you running? If you are running XP you can use the network setup wizard. I think Vista has one too. The main thing is make sure they are all part of the same workgroup.


Here are the instructions for XP:
Open the system app under conrol panel and choose the "Computer Name" tab:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/systemproperties.jpg

Then click the "Change" button click the Workgroup button and type in a name for your workgroup:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/change.jpg



Then you should see this message box:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/name.jpg


Last restart the computer:

http://contraptionmaker.info/network/restart.jpg


Do this on each machine.


Once that is complete you should see the sharded folders in Explorer.
If not you need to make sure file sharing is enabled.


To this go to the start menu, control panel, network connections, local area connection:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/local.jpg

Click the properties button:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/netproperties.jpg


Make sure File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is checked.
Click OK


You should now be able to see the shared folders on the other computers in Explorer.


Now just follow Spawns instructions:

not fully sure on this, but i will give it a shot.

ex. there are 4 people with 4 computers
you will need a router that can handle 4 people or more. and 4 cables for each one. in the game 1 person (host) would make the game as a lan then the 3 left would join the game in the lan section. steam has the option to search only lan games.

i think thats all there is to it.


Most games nowadays use TCIP but some older games use the NetBios or IPX protocol. If you need this for a game you will have to install it from the connection properties box:


Click Install:

http://contraptionmaker.info/network/netproperties.jpg


Click Protocol then click on Add:

http://contraptionmaker.info/network/compent.jpg





Choose the protocol with IPX/NetBios in it and click OK:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/protocol.jpg




The protocol should install it self and be checked. If not check it and NetBios if there is a separate entry for it:


http://contraptionmaker.info/network/netproperties2.jpg

You may need you XP cd to complete the installation if the drivers are not already on you machine.



I hope this helps. Let me know how it works out.

[TheGreatSatan]

I won't be doing it anytime soon. I'd +rep you again, but it won't let me.

[ContraptionMaker]

I won't be doing it anytime soon. I'd +rep you again, but it won't let me.

Thanks Man! Wonder why you can't rep? When you do decide to do it just let me know I'll see if I can help you out if you need it.

[Spawn-Inc]

Thanks Man! Wonder why you can't rep? When you do decide to do it just let me know I'll see if I can help you out if you need it.

because if you cannot rep the same person again until you rep a couple of other people first. prevents someone from making 2 accounts and repping one of them to death.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm going the SgtM route!

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

I do not condone piracy.

lmfao no-cd exes and such are not piracy... they may help piracy... but then again anybody can download a game and burn it....