Port Forward Issues with AOE

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IP Address

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier associated with your computer. If your friends know your IP address, they c an connect to the games you host. Players behind routers who have problems connecting by IP should consult the troubleshooting section.

To host an AoK game by IP:

1. Run Age of Empires II.
2. On the main screen, click the red "Multiplayer" shield.
3. Select "Internet TCP/IP Connection for DirectPlay" from the list box on the right.
4. Press the "Create" button.
5. Inform your friends of your IP address (If you are behind a router, AoK can only retrieve your private IP address, in the form of 192.168.x.x. To determine your useable public IP address, check whatismyip.org^).

To join an AoK game by IP:

1. Run Age of Empires II.
2. On the main screen, click the red "Multiplayer" shield.
3. Select "Internet TCP/IP Connection for DirectPlay" from the list box on the right.
4. Press the "Show Games" button.
5. Type in the host's IP address and press "OK."
6. Select the game that should now appear.

LAN

A local area network (LAN) usually consists of several computers behind a router. Because LANs bypass connecting to the Internet, games typically run much faster with less latency or "lag" during the connection. There is also no need to forward any ports. A LAN is the ideal way to play AoK among a family with multiple computers.

To host or join an AoK game by LAN:

1. Run Age of Empires II.
2. On the main screen, click the red "Multiplayer" shield.
3. Select "Local (LAN) TCP/IP Connection" from the list box on the right.
4. Press "Create" to host a game or "Join" to join a game. Any available games should appear automatically for all computers inside the LAN.

Hamachi

Hamachi is an application that creates a virtual private network^, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a LAN connection without being physically close to one another. We recommend using Hamachi if you only intend to play against a small group of players.

Download Hamachi^ (from LogMeIn)

To play AoK with Hamachi:

1. Install and run the Hamachi application.
2. Make sure you are online (the power button should be green).
3. Press the round button with the triangle icon to create or join a network.
4. Now, set up the game as you would any other LAN game (instructions above).

Router Troubleshooting

If your computer is behind a router, you may need to configure a few additional settings before you can play online. The following information assumes you have already configured your software firewall to allow AoK data to be transferred freely.
Port Forwarding

The following ports need to be open in order to play AoK online:

* 28800-29100 (TCP)
* 2300-2400 (TCP)
* 2300-2400 (UDP)
* 47624 (TCP)

If your router requires trigger ports, allow these ports instead:

* 28800 (UDP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400, 47624 (TCP)
* 28800 (UDP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400, 47624 (UDP)
* 47624 (TCP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400 (TCP)
* 47624 (TCP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400 (UDP)
* 6667 (TCP) as a trigger port for 28800-29100 (TCP)

Consult PortForward.com^ for step-by-step instructions for individual router models.

DMZ

A demilitarized zone (DMZ) allows unobstructed connections to the Internet. Placing your computer in a DMZ should guarantee a successful connection for playing AoK online. However, because hosts in the DMZ effectively bypass any security offered by the router, this option should be considered only as a last resort when all other configurations fail.