GM Connection Issues - Tried Everything - Try Hamachi

[ddaley]

Have you had an external client actually connect yet?

Completely understand that! I hope it really is working but seems to for me.

[Gwydion]

Have you had an external client actually connect yet?

Stay tuned...... I just had damned connect to test it and he was able to connect, but then it dropped him after a minute or two. He was able to connect again and it dropped him again (and my VPN disconnected). Not sure if its a PureVPN issue, an issue with my hotspot connection, etc.. I'll keep testing but maybe its not quite there yet with my settings.....

[Trenloe]

... an issue with my hotspot connection, etc..

If you're using a hotspot for your internet connection then keep an eye on the external IP address the hotspot is providing. This can change and if it does the VPN (any VPN) will drop and need to reconnect.

[Gwydion]

If you're using a hotspot for your internet connection then keep an eye on the external IP address the hotspot is providing. This can change and if it does the VPN (any VPN) will drop and need to reconnect.

Yes. I really think that might be it. I actually also checked my Kaspersky AV and for some reason my PureVPN network connection reverted back to "public". i updated it again to trusted and then I had Geoquester connect (from NY) and he got on my table fine and stayed on until we decided to call it after 5 min or so. So, I think the connection is working and I just need to keep making sure the network shows as trusted in my AV program and make sure I'm in a solid strength area if I try to use my hotspot. It was fluctuating between 2-3 bars (out of 5) so it might have been switching ip addresses without me knowing.

I'll keep testing, but it does seem to be working.

[Llyle]

Hiya guys!

A lot of this thread seems to be dedicated to helping DMs set up their game to be able to connect players, which is awesome!
I'm only a player, but have a question anyway, if I may:

I'm in the process of pre-session-zero-talks with a DM, who is setting up a semi-new campaign. He seems to be cool and the campaign seems to be amazing and I'd like to join. I'm in no way tech savvy or knowledgable in any way, so when he tells me he can't run it 'normally' but uses LogMeIn Hamachi, I believe him. I asked some tech friends about it and they say that Hamachi is often used by hackers, as it's difficult to protect yourself if you're connected via this "virtual home network" they called it. So my concern is security. How can I protect my computer and data and other computers running in my home network? I don't want to be distrustful towards fellow gamers, but I don't want to be careless/naive either. The DM seems to be awesome, but I've only known him for about 5 days via a handful of PMs, and who ever is going to be player in his campaign I have no ider who they are. If it were only me and my data, I'd probably don't care as much, but I feel I have responsibility to do my part of protecting my friends I share my home network with. So what are my options?
Any ideas?

[Andraax]

If you're running a local firewall, you should be fine. Hamachi basically puts your computer and his computer on the same "virtual" network, so your router no longer can filter out attacks. If you instead are using a firewall on your home computer, then you should be OK, unless the guy is a really good hacker (and in which case your router might only slow him down anyway...)

Think of it as basically you taking your computer to his house and connecting it to his network. That's essentially what is happening.

[Llyle]

I see. So if I relied on the router for protection, I need a firewall on my home computer now. Any suggestions, what the best options are?

[Andraax]

I just use the Windows one, it's gotten pretty good over the years. Set the Hamachi network to "Public" and it should give you maximum protection.

[Llyle]

I just use the Windows one, it's gotten pretty good over the years. Set the Hamachi network to "Public" and it should give you maximum protection.

Excellent, how do I do that... and I guess I have to set FG as an exception somewhere then, how do I do that?

[Andraax]

Settings->Network & Internet->Windows Firewall.

For "Guest or public networks" make sure Firewall state is On, "Incoming connections" is set to "Block all connections not on list".

You should not need anything special to be a player in a campaign. The exceptions are needed for the GM side.