Using a VPN Service Provider to get around port forwarding issues?

[Bidmaron]

For some reason though I cannot get LPT2 to work tonight, although it worked last night when I bought PureVPN. I am on SSTP. Also, when I go to my Mac's network control panel, it shows I am connected to my hotel wi-fi, but PureVPN says "Not Connected". This is despite the fact that the PureVPN application reports I am connected (and obviously, FG thinks I have the dedicated IP address). When I try to connect to PureVPN in the Mac's network panel, it says "connecting..." and then PureVPN disconnects.

[Myrdin Potter]

Contact PureVPN customer support and see if there is something special needed.

Are you in a country that blocks VPN?

I am at dinner st a Korean bbq and need to watch the meat cooking so hard to respond quickly.

[Gwydion]

I just checked, and the external ip blank in the game host section does indeed show my dedicated ip from PureVPN.

When you connect to FG, are the ip addresses for both the external and internal the same dedicated ip from PureVPN? They should be. Also, make sure you have whitelisted PureVPN as an application.

[Bidmaron]

OK. I spent a long time with their customer support (man, I don't see how their service is so cheap given the support they provide. They are awesome). So here is the solution that wound up working:
First, in the Parallels settings for the Virtual Windows 7 machine, in the Networks tab, I selected "Shared Network" (this is what I always use at home, so that was really not a change, but just documenting for the next poor sop)

Second, I followed the directions here (https://support.purevpn.com/how-to-setup-purevpn-manually-on-windows-7-sstp) to set up a custom VPN in Windows 7.

And that was it! My connection test now passes. I would feel better though if I could get someone to connect. My game is firm idol infirm xorn, and my password is Omaha.

[damned]

Prolly too late but I cant conect just now...

[Bidmaron]

Yes I had to go to sleep and shut down. I will bring it up again tonight and see if I can get someone to connect. Thanks for trying sir.

[Myrdin Potter]

They really do have good customer service.

[Bidmaron]

OK, my game is up again on PureVPN and I would like to see if anyone can connect. Post 254 has login details.

[Myrdin Potter]

Connected no problem.

[Bidmaron]

Yep, I see you are in thanks!

So, anyone who needs a VPN running Fantasy Grounds in Parallels on a Mac can use the technique in Post 254 to do so.

[daggerfortysix]

Bidmaron - I'm glad to see you got the SUCCESS. I am sorry I wasn't around to help troubleshoot with you all. I am also a traveling Mac user running Fantasy Grounds via Parallels Windows 10. I also use PureVPN and the only way I can get it to connect is SSTP.

I am curious as to why you had to set up a custom VPN in Windows 7. I didn't have to do that with the Windows 10 on my virtual machine. Do you think that is simply a Windows 7 vs. 10 thing? I have parallels set up to share my Mac's network so Pure VPN in running on the Mac side.

[Bidmaron]

I don't know, dagger why I had to do that. Before my current traveling stint (where I am spending 3 out of 4 weeks away from home), I never had PureVPN. I used the Shared Network setting in Parallels with 100% success on wireless networks with local routers, but I could not get PureVPN to work on L2TP or SSTP on the Windows 7 side. I need to upgrade to Windows 10 (I think the next version of Realmworks is the last version compatible with 7, so I will need to make the change), and maybe I won't need it there.

But the tech support on PureVPN is really superb, and I am overall very happy with the decision to purchase their service.

[daggerfortysix]

Right on, at least it works. Keep up the good fight!

[GlennCauthon]

I'm currently travelling overseas and I found it quite annoying that I couldn't access many of my US based websites because they could only be accessed from within the UK - Hulu, sections of Netflix, HBO-GO, etc. so I started looking into VPN solutions to make it look like I was still in the US. It turns out there are many "VPN Service Providers" available that allow you to "appear" as if you're in another country - essentially making you have an IP address in another country by using a VPN from where you are currently to an exit point in said country. This has allowed me to access websites and use apps as if I was in the US.

You may be asking "What does this have to do with Fantasy Grounds?" Well, I discovered that this also allows a GM to get around port forwarding issues without the players having to install software as well. Most people who frequent these boards know that most port forwarding issues can be solved by using a VPN application called Hamachi - which usually works fine, but has limitations such as each person has to install the software to be able to connect, and the free version is limited to 5 users.

Using a VPN service provider results in the players not knowing any different and the players don't have to install any software or do anything differently - FG pick up the IP address of the VPN and uses this to update the alias, so the players just connect to the alias as normal and the VPN service provider provides the "tunnel" directly to the GM PC.

The down side? So far I have only found a subscription bases VPN service provider - costing around $50-$60 per year depending on who you go with. This is where Hamachi is better as it is free for 5 connections (including the GM) I believe.

The up side? This allows you to use FG without having to mess around with port forwarding and also where port forwarding is not possible. For example, I will be running a game later today over a 4G wireless access point (EE in the UK if anyone is interested). This wireless access point has not port forwarding possibilities and so I wouldn't be able to run Fantasy Grounds as normal. But, using a VPN service provider allows me to get an external IP address that tunnels directly to my PC - it is this IP address that FG will use for connections, not need for port forwarding as the VPN provides the direct link. Only the GM has to have the VPN configured.

This would also be useful for GMs running a game from a hotel room over the hotel's WiFi and other similar locations - run a game from Starbucks anyone? :)

I thought people would be interested in this as an option for port forwarding issues/travelling restrictions. I'll let you know how I go when I play later today.

I realize this is a 5+ year old post at this point, but I'm curious if this worked out for you. When I run my vpn and try "test connection" on FG it always returns "Failed" I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I'm currently traveling for work and will be living out of a hotel for a while. I was hoping to get this up and running while I'm here. Thanks in advance for any and all help you're able to provide!

[Myrdin Potter]

I realize this is a 5+ year old post at this point, but I'm curious if this worked out for you. When I run my vpn and try "test connection" on FG it always returns "Failed" I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I'm currently traveling for work and will be living out of a hotel for a while. I was hoping to get this up and running while I'm here. Thanks in advance for any and all help you're able to provide!

PureVPN with the private IP option (link in my signature) is a proven solution. It also allows location shifting. I use it constantly when I travel and I used to live in China and used it there as well.

Also works using cell phone as a hot spot.

[Trenloe]

Yep, what Myrdin said.

[GlennCauthon]

Thank! I'll give that a shot. I'm currently using Private Internet Access for my VPN and they've been good, but it's not working with this. I hate to pay for another one when I have one, but if it works it works. It may be worth the switch eventually if so.

Unfortunately, it won't matter for now, however, since FG decided it wants to crash now every time I try to load a campaign and I can't figure out what's wrong.

[GlennCauthon]

PureVPN with the private IP option (link in my signature) is a proven solution. It also allows location shifting. I use it constantly when I travel and I used to live in China and used it there as well.

Also works using cell phone as a hot spot.

Thanks again for the help. While starting to buy it I was a bit confused. I have two quick questions for you.
Do you mean the "Dedicated IP" option? I'm guessing that's right but I want to be sure as I don't see a "private IP" option. Do I also need the "Port Forwarding" option for FG?

[Trenloe]

Thanks again for the help. While starting to buy it I was a bit confused. I have two quick questions for you.
Do you mean the "Dedicated IP" option? I'm guessing that's right but I want to be sure as I don't see a "private IP" option. Do I also need the "Port Forwarding" option for FG?
You just need the dedicated IP option, you don’t need the port forwarding option.

[GlennCauthon]

Thanks!

[Myrdin Potter]

Thank! I'll give that a shot. I'm currently using Private Internet Access for my VPN and they've been good, but it's not working with this. I hate to pay for another one when I have one, but if it works it works. It may be worth the switch eventually if so.

Unfortunately, it won't matter for now, however, since FG decided it wants to crash now every time I try to load a campaign and I can't figure out what's wrong.

Not sure what would be causing a crash. I recommend that you start a new thread on that and ask for help.

[patriot101]

I have been reading through this thread and seeing the recommendations for PureVPN. I see on their website, they are offering a 5 year plan with the private IP add on for $79. That sounds insanely awesome. With the amount of travel I do, it would be helpful for me to have the ability to setup a FG game from a hotel. Is everyone still pretty happy with your experiences with PureVPN? I am ready to pull the trigger on this, but taking a deep breath here for a few minutes.

[Myrdin Potter]

I have been using it in hotels for years (just used it this week in Vegas during CES), and it has always worked well. Allows you to use your cell phone as a hot spot as well.

That is why I have a link to it in my signature, it just works.

You will need to have the dedicated ip add-on, which is extra on top of the 5 year special, but if you are in hotels often, you really should be using a VPN anyways. It also works pretty well to allow Netflix and such even when I am not in the USA.

[LordEntrails]

I haven't used it in a few months. But like Myrdin I've used it in hotels and through my phone with no problems from many locations in the US.

[i3ullseye]

That's a great price for Pure..... hey are consistently rated as one of the top VPNs so you can't go wrong. Pretty much any VPN that have some form of port forwarding works for FG.

[damned]

That's a great price for Pure..... hey are consistently rated as one of the top VPNs so you can't go wrong. Pretty much any VPN that have some form of port forwarding works for FG.

Very few VPN providers will work for FG. Even those that allow Port Forwarding often have restrictions on what ports you have access to. Please only post providers that have been tested as working.

[patriot101]

Based in what I have seen here, I picked up the dedicated IP option with PureVPN. It was $138 USD for 5 years, which I thought was a good deal. I hope to try setting up a game in FG while I am away from home this week.

[damned]

I use NordVPN, everything works well

hi denj can you post what steps you needed to do to get Nord running as a GM?

[Angrybob]

Hi everybody. I recently picked up FG and an ultimate license and have since been struggling with connecting. I worked my way through port forwarding only to realize that my ISP (Verizon because I live in the wilds of Indiana) makes Port forwarding impossible. so I backtracked and undid all the changes I made trying that. Then I hunted around for another solution and just bought a 3 year subscription to NordVPN. Player still cannot connect to me. I work on this until frustration overwhelms me and then cool down and try again. I've been wrestling with this since the 16th, I need help.

[Myrdin Potter]

If you look at the various solutions in these forums, you will see that PureVPN with the private IP option has been tested and works. No one has managed to get NordVPN working to the best of my knowledge.

There are free options, like zerotier, in another thread in this forum.

I have a link to PureVPN in my signature.

[seiya5]

If you look at the various solutions in these forums, you will see that PureVPN with the private IP option has been tested and works. No one has managed to get NordVPN working to the best of my knowledge.

There are free options, like zerotier, in another thread in this forum.

I have a link to PureVPN in my signature.


what you have to find out is if nordvpn has static Ip packages and if that is cheaper than purevpn plus their static IP package. if you don't want to switch you still need a static IP for it to work. I m assuming you are talking about FG classic, unity does not suffer from this ad you can play from the cloud.

[Myrdin Potter]

You need more than just a static IP option. It has to have the ports open as well. I have not seen anyone get NordVPN to work and explain how and exactly what to do. PureVPN lots of people (including me) have used it successfully.

[Trenloe]

NordVPN will need to support port forwarding for TCP port 1802. That is the main requirement. A static IP address on NordVPN may not allow port forwarding. Best to work directly with NordVPN to see if port forwarding of TCP port 1802 is possible.

[Trenloe]

And, sorry, but according to this blog on the NordVPN website, it doesn't support port forwarding:

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34257

[Angrybob]

Alright, Thanks for the help :) I just asked for a refund from NordVPN and will be signing up for PureVPN. To make sure I understand correctly. I need to add the Dedicated IP option, but not the Port Forwarding addon? that seems , like maybe I'm misunderstanding

[Myrdin Potter]

Just the dedicated IP option. I use PureVPN when I travel so I can DM from my hotel and it has worked for years for me.

Just make sure it is running before you start Fantasy Grounds.

[LordEntrails]

Counter intuitive, but with PureVPN the dedicated IP is all you need. (Even though FG needs port forwarding, you don't need to buy Prot Forwarding from PureVPN).

[seiya5]

You need more than just a static IP option. It has to have the ports open as well. I have not seen anyone get NordVPN to work and explain how and exactly what to do. PureVPN lots of people (including me) have used it successfully.

it sounded like he was able to open his ports. setting up the firewall to exclude fgc lso helps but yes there is. little more work than a strict ip from vpn. however, getting the static IP is the hardest part

[Angrybob]

Hot Dog! Success! Thanks everybody! I couldn't have gotten this to work without you. :)

[Fauberoptic]

Hot Dog! Success! Thanks everybody! I couldn't have gotten this to work without you. :)

Hmm I am having no success with PureVPN... got it and ran the dedicated IP and my players still cannot connect.
here the steps I did.

run PureVPN with dedicated IP
run FGC and created game ( test did not work wasn't sure if it would or not)
provided players with dedicated IP

[LordEntrails]

Hmm I am having no success with PureVPN... got it and ran the dedicated IP and my players still cannot connect.
here the steps I did.

run PureVPN with dedicated IP
run FGC and created game ( test did not work wasn't sure if it would or not)
provided players with dedicated IP
I haven't used it in some time, but used to work great for me. Sometimes I did have to change the protocol PureVPN used. And the Connection test should (?) work if PureVPN is working right. Try that and let us know.

[Trenloe]

Hmm I am having no success with PureVPN... got it and ran the dedicated IP and my players still cannot connect.
here the steps I did.

run PureVPN with dedicated IP
run FGC and created game ( test did not work wasn't sure if it would or not)
provided players with dedicated IP
1) Make sure that the PureVPN network is set to "Private" and not "Public".
2) Ensure that the "External" IP address reported by Fantasy Grounds is the same as your PureVPN dedicated IP address - if it isn't the connection test can't work correctly, restart FG (close and re-open it) and make sure the External address matches the IP address reported by PureVPN (which should be your dedicated IP address).

[Fauberoptic]

1) Make sure that the PureVPN network is set to "Private" and not "Public".
2) Ensure that the "External" IP address reported by Fantasy Grounds is the same as your PureVPN dedicated IP address - if it isn't the connection test can't work correctly, restart FG (close and re-open it) and make sure the External address matches the IP address reported by PureVPN (which should be your dedicated IP address).

I asked on discord and it was quickly resolved... new computer has anti virus pre installed I was unaware of it.
thank you all for the quick response. Also running test does say success for future reference.