Networking Extras

Disclaimer

This page should be considered "experimental" and at your own risk. Forge, it's developers, and supporters won't be able to help you with this. I'll try to provide some details about setting up the software and networks listed here, but please direct any support to the platform or provider's support. This should mostly be just a list of options of how to get around not having control of your network connection.

Networks

So you found out you don't have control over your network to open ports for a remote game connection. Some scenarios where this may be; you're on a cell data connection, you're on a public Wi-Fi Hotspot, or you're at school or work.

Please don't use this guide to get around security of your work/school network on a work/school computer, only use it for accessible networks like hotspots or the like, with your personal devices. Attempting to subvert security measures may be considered a crime, in the least you'll get fired or expelled, I like you I don't want that on you.

These connections don't allow you to forward ports to your device's IP address, and that's a problem with Forge for remote connections. You'll need to be able to communicate with a server or service outside of the network first to set up a line of communication, which then allows you to make direct connections to another device. The most common concept is a Virtual Private Network or VPN, allowing a virtual network to be instantiated, and connected to. Additionally newer concepts such as Software Defined Networks can provide similar functions, without the layers of security/encryption a VPN would.

Virtual Private Networks

VPNs were not designed to subvert security, but to provide a secure communication path on less secure networks. Allowing enterprise or work computers the ability to remotely connect to the work network. Today, VPNs providers provide a secure channel to the internet for "legitimate reasons." However going back to the original intent, you can stand up a private network that you and friends can access using VPN software. Don't confuse a VPN provider (PIA, Nord, Etc.) as a VPN software or service (OpenVPN).

Software:

If you know of other VPN software (NOT SERVICE PROVIDERS), please expand this list.

• OpenVPN

Notes:

VPN Software will require control of a network, or a place to install the VPN, and have remote access to it. So this is where complexity is introduced, you'll either need to set up the VPN on a home network you can control, or on a server that you can rent from a provider. Once this is done, both players can install the VPN software on their devices, and connect to the server.

Once you've connected to a VPN Server, you can return to the Network Play guide and test your connections as a "Local Private Network".

Service Providers:

Some VPN service providers, may allow you to have port forwards through their networks. Check with the provider before signing up, however both players might need the same provider, but might not. You can search google for VPN providers, we don't need to list them here.

Software Defined Networks

A software defined network, is similar to a VPN, but without the encryption and stuff that can slow and prevent a connection out. Therefore you only need to configure the basic network settings like; IP Schema, and allow access. Once you've configured the "virtual switch" users can connect with the provider's software, you can accept their access, then assign an IP address, and connect to each other.

Providers:

I'm only aware of one provider at the moment, please expand this list if you know of others!

• ZeroTier One - It's free for personal use.

Notes:

Configuring a network can get complex, however a simple network should already be configured by the provider. You should be able to follow the instructions from the provider to stand up your first network, provide your friend the link to the software, the code to the network, and accept their access.

Once you've done this, you can return to the Network Play guide and test your connections as a "Local Private Network".