[lanse] Re: A Little help needed :)
- From: "Michael Knowles" <Michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <list@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 21:30:09 +0100
My rambles:
Not sure whether you need to delve into UDP simply to cover TCP/IP on a
LAN-gaming forum (but then again i'm not sure you need to delve into this
anyway so long as you provide a mechanism by which people can connect
seamlessly!)
If you're going to talk about 2 layers of TCP/IP, it would make sense to
make a brief reference to their position in the OSI model, otherwise people
will get confused and think they're two different things.
Also, the 0-255 word you're looking for is an octet.
Look to explain subnet masks as just that - they're a bitwise mask for the
IP address. It's easier to comprehend. (subnet masks seem to be a bugbear
for most to learn).
In terms of networking, I would explain to the user that it would be a good
idea to have a single protocol loaded in the protocol stack, as this will
give marginally better performance. It's because the NIC/processor doesn't
have to timeslice between TCP/IP and IPX for example. Also, having
NetBIOS/NetBEUI loaded is a fudge which states you don't know how to run an
IP network infrastructure ( :-) )
I would steer clear of the 192.168.x.x network as well, since this is the
client autoconfigure network range if the client doesn't find a DHCP server
on the subnet. This may initially give the client accessibility, but if you
want longer-term stability and a lower TCO (in this case less hassle from
the kid who's PC will connect but won't do certain things a couple of hours
into an event) then it's best to choose the 10.x.x.x network. I also find
this is easier for the newbie to grasp, without having to remember 192.168
Also, in terms of subnetting, you're very unlikely to have 1275 computers on
a gaming session. You will also find degradation on a subnet with more than
500 devices present (yes, I come from a company background with subnets of
up to 4096, and have the experience!). I would heartily recommend only
using a c-class subnet mask (255.255.255.0) since this provides for 253
active addresses and will also traverse switches, routers, and NICs at a
slightly greater speed due to octetting in the hardware (very slightly
greater speed, but take it whilst you can!).
However, all of this is background info, since you don't need to be telling
people this but knowing it yourself. My advice then would be:
1) Run a DHCP server (this removes misconfiguration as a possibility, and
also allows for vanilla network stacks to be used out of the box.
2) Run a DNS server as well (most of the services in the Windows clients of
today run slower if you don't provide one - make sure it does reverse
lookups properly otherwise gameservers like Half-Life won't start in
dedicated mode bizarrely!)
3) Run WINS as well if you want to (not fully required).
4) Give a standard config sheet out to everyone at an event, so that they're
not waiting around.
5) Cover the "automatic dialling the internet" angle from both IE *AND* mail
clients!
6) Make a note of removing ICS if you're at a gaming session since it
provides DHCP to the internal side.
Now, suggestions for further gaming-related items:
- Talk about NAT implementations (which will allow you to run multiple
clients from a single internet IP)
- Deal with latency, and what can and can't be done
- Deal with the DTE/DCE full or half-duplex issue concerning different
network equipment manufacturer's kit
Everything else from there should be just exploration and fun!
Cheers,
Mike.
----- Original Message -----
From: <jonquinn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <list@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 8:46 PM
Subject: [lanse] Re: A Little help needed :)
>
> Hey. Sorry, never actually posted on this list before. Most of it is ok,
although i would question your choice concerning which sections to go into
detail on. Considering it's mainly pointed at gaming you might also want to
talk about the UDP RFC. Maybe also tidy up the long winded bit on subnet
masks and IP addresses, and you might want to mention local gateways for
ICS. Apart from that it seemed ok, with a little spelling and grammar
check. If there is anything wrong which i haven't noticed its probably
because i read it very quickly. Sorry :P
>
> Jonathan Quinn
>
> Student at Cardiff University
> Department of Computer Science
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Khan" <Khan@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <list@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 7:50 PM
> Subject: [lanse] A Little help needed :)
>
>
> > Hello Peeps,
> >
> > Got a bit of a favour to ask of everyone who
> > knows a little about networking, I have written a TCP/IP guide for the
> > UKlans.com site and wondered if anyone out there could take a look and
> > see if its clear or if I need to add anything, the word document can be
> > found here:
> >
> > HYPERLINK
> > "http://www.uklans.com/content/tcp-ip.doc"http://www.uklans.com/content/
> > tcp-ip.doc
> >
> > Any feedback would be a great help,
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> > Khan
> >
> >
> > ---
> > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.344 / Virus Database: 191 - Release Date: 02/04/2002
>
>
>
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