Let me state the condition right up front, then I'll explain what I THINK might be happening.

1.) I can only connect to servers hosted by ECGN (Yarr, Eli's, etc.).
2.) I cannot connect to any other server (including Banzai servers), even though they all show up in my "Zonematch" window as available

My Connection Settings:
+ I'm on SWBell DSL
+ MW Network settings are "Zonematch" and the Banzai IP addresses, (LAN is not checked)
+ Speeds are set appropriately

My Hardware Set-up:
+ Linksys BEFWS114 V. 2 Router and a Linksys 10/100 NIC
+ Plenty of horsepower/memory/graphics capability

My Software Set-up:
+ Win XP--updated to current
+ DX9--updated to current (suspicious that this may be a factor)
+ MW4 Mercs PR1 with Clan and IS Packs (no Mektek patch)
+ Updated drivers (Catalyst 3.9 for Radeon Card, latest router firmware patch, etc.)
+ Norton IS Firewall (with appropriate holes auto-poked for MW)
+ XP Firewall turned off.

My Suspicion:
I'm afraid that the latest DX9 update requires that the server hosting a DirectPlay game (like Mercs) have the same level of DX9 update in order to work correctly. Therefore:

1.) Most game hosts have not gone to the latest DX9 for a number of good reasons
2.) ECGN HAS gone there
3.) I can get on those servers because YARR is an ECGN server, and I HAPPEN to have the IP address for YARR input into my connection settings.
4.) Some of hte other ECGN Merc games HAPPEN to be on the same IP address, so I can get to them, too.

My Conclusion:
This is pure speculation. Anyone else have any ideas? I don't think it's my firewall/router settings (I can connect to YARR with no worries--if it were the firewall/router, I wouldn't be able to!) and though I haven't tried EVERY other server, I've tried enough to know that this is not a problem isolated to one or two servers, or to one or two evenings. I've looked through some of hte M$ Knoweldge Base, and do find vague reference to DX9 behaving strangely in relation to Direct Play games. Nothing definate, and nothing I can easily download to change the situation.

I like solving problems, but this one has me stumped. I come to the Wizards of Banzai to plea for aid. And to Brewder, I ask, What level of DX9 is YARR utilizing?

Does not sound like a network issue. If it was then I believe you would have problems with all servers.

Is there anyway to roll back the DX9 update you did? Or remove and install the previous version?

I assume you did verify that your firewall is not blocking the servers you are having problems with?

I tried to reproduce your problem. I have plenty of power for multiplayer (you can never have enough, can you? hehe), a Linksys NIC, but I am on cable instead. I have current DX9, too. I don't have any problems connecting to any servers, though. On the other hand, I have cable and that may be a factor in your question. I used to have problems connecting and lagging only in ECGN-hosted servers when I had adsl.

Now, I don't use Banzai's IPs in the connection settings. You can see both Ronin and Yarr just by selecting Zonematch. I tried typing in each server's IP addresses, and the showed up twice: once with Zonematch icons, one with IP icons. When I tried to insert both addresses separated by a comma, it crashed Mercs.

Try a tracert to the servers you're having problems with. It may be a bad node in the path.

(what exact error pops-up?)

ECGN Computers run on Win 2000 OS, I don't know what DX they are running tho.

See the ports thread pinned above...

Sounds like the opposite problem of what many of us NOT on ECGN put up with. It's a port issue with the LinkSys router. For me to enter an ECGN hosted (or whatever the term) game I would either have to go thru the router setup described in the above thread or just open my DMZ. I just open the DMZ but keep the Norton firewall up, it's the only way I can get into Yarr!!!

Try opening your DMZ in the router, if that works then it's a port thingie.

Titus

This is an utter stumper to me, Lemur. I've heard of dozens of people having problems connecting to ECGN servers - but this is the first time I've ever heard of anyone who can only connect to those.

*ponders*

I dunno, man... I have nothing to contribute here. Just wanted to post something so you'd know I was thinking about it, anyway.

I know I may not be adding very much here, and it may be something that has occured to you... however, I'll just toss it out there. When I first started playing, I had horrendous connection issues. Some I could connect to, most I couldn't, and some I could connect to after an hours worth of trying. I was a regular over at MW4Online at the time, and posting my woes.... After a period of time, someone mentioned the firmware for the router. Apparently Linksys routers are pretty notorious for causing issues because the latest firmware... well, I don't know the technical terms. I just know it boogered things up.

I managed to get a link to the Linksys ftp site where all the firmware was kept, and it became a trial and error of downloading and installing until I found the firmware that actually let me in, as it were. I'll go ahead and head over to MW4O and see if I can find that thread with that link to post here, so keep an eye on this space, if you want to try that out.

Thanks for the suggestions, and the moral support (Wildcard...). I used to be in the "ECGN won't let me IN!" crowd, and grumped right along with Slomo about Yarr's fickle nature. I have no idea WHY that has reversed.

I did a fairly major reload of some Win XP stuff last night (SP1, among other things) and will do some testing on Friday night. I've got class to teach tonight and won't have time.

From Fury:

QUOTE

I managed to get a link to the Linksys ftp site where all the firmware was kept, and it became a trial and error of downloading and installing until I found the firmware that actually let me in, as it were.

I have the latest update, but, as you say, that may not be the best choice for MW. I'll look into trying some other versions. If you find a specific version that works, send it along.

From Titus:

QUOTE

Try opening your DMZ in the router, if that works then it's a port thingie.

I should have mentioned this before...I have tried the DMZ and my old port settings (both) and get the same result. I need to review my port settings (I haven't done that since I got home) but I went straight to the DMZ to try and rule those out as a problem area. The fact that it works ANYWHERE should mean that it's not a port thing. Otherwise I'd get nuthin.

From Lord Helpme:

QUOTE

ECGN Computers run on Win 2000 OS, I don't know what DX they are running tho.

That shoots holes in my Dx9 theory, I think. Can you run the latest Dx9 in Win2k? Not sure. I'll have to research. One step closer, though, thanks.

From Hazmat:

QUOTE

Try a tracert to the servers you're having problems with. It may be a bad node in the path.
(what exact error pops-up?)

I'll try the tracert and see what I get. Since I was connecting to some, I didn't think about going down that path. The exact error is the same faceless error that you get when a server is unavailable or full. Nothing special, just "Can't connect to server..." etc.

From Shiv

QUOTE

Is there anyway to roll back the DX9 update you did? Or remove and install the previous version?

I did not think this was possible, but after a little reserach, I think it is. That may be the first thing I test when I get back to this. I downloaded a little freeware app that is supposed to roll you back and/or delete DX entirely so that you can reinstall at the level you want to be.

As usual, you folks are great at jumping in to help. I'll take these ideas back to the lab and see what I come up with.

Banzai!

At the time I went through my troubles, the latest firmware was pretty much pants. I don't know if this may have changed, as I haven't been behind a router for at least 6 months or more. All of that information, and the firmware I dowloaded were all on the old box, so I believe they're gone. Of course, you're using a different Linksys router than I was too, so whatever firmware I had wouldn't work for you. I will still try to find that link for you, though.

Of course, I'm certainly not technical enough to be making any kind of advice here, but if I were you I'd save messing with the router firmware until it's an act of last resort. Find out if there's a simpler fix first... as all that installing, uninstalling, installing different gets to be a major pain.

About the Linksys updates, make sure you get the drivers/firmware updates from the vendor or Linksys. My last NIC update from windowsupdate.com made it unstable.

Ronin = DirectX9.0b
Me = no ideas /=

Actually, I have a thought. The ECGN servers don't run MercShield.

Hey Lemur, can you double-check the model number of your router for me please mate?

I *think* you have the "BEFW11S4 - Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch - Version 2", does that sound right?

~Ment~

Sounds like the one I have also. oops, I have the G version, does both B and G protcols.

Been using it for quite awhile.

Assume you are looking for firmware version info.

v1.02.1, Mar. 4, 2003

*waves his hands about in the ultimate of post resurections*

Hey folks..
ecgn|tek here from irc.gamesnet.net|#ecgn..

Low and behold I was a huge Mercs fan for a long time then pulled away from my true calling only to return here in the past few days, and I have fallen fate to that of which our original poster suffers. I can only get into the 8 ECGN server we current host out of any of our datacenters, yet when trying to connect to any other server, MekTek or Classic the same ol' error occurs. I am a long time gamer and know the typical routines to try and make things work, plenty of system to pack the game in, and have the benefit of access to the hosted servers to further diagnose issues.


Now, if anyone here wants to assist me in troubleshooting or has any insights, please contact me directly. Of course our hopes is to pin this lil bug to the ground and follow up with the footprint of my Shadow Cat. If you get my drift.

tek bickler
ecgn server support
tek{at}ecgnetwork[dot]com, #ecgn|irc.gamesnet.net

Gentlemen,
I was able to resolve the problem 100%. I run a Linksys BEFSR41(NOT v.3), updaing to the latest firmware 1.45.7, and turning off UPnP Service in the Password tab. I can hit and play at length on any server now. (Note: You will have to restore ALL your settings on the update so you will want to make note of them before hand)

While doing research on this, I was able to see that upon attempting to connect to the game server, refreshing what should be my empty UPnP forwarding tables were now populated with MW4Mercs information. In a previous release of their firmware they had resolved some UPnP issue, but i would presume if you have an older version and are unwilling to upgrade I would suggest trying to turn off UPnP and seeing where that gets you.

If anyone has problems connecting to any server hosted by us, don't hesitate to come in to our irc channel or drop us an email, we are always happy to help out!

tek bickler
ecgn server support
tek{at}ecgnetwork[dot]com, #ecgn|irc.gamesnet.net

Thanks, everyone!

I've been out of touch for a few weeks in 'Card's neck of the woods (funeral, family travel, etc.) and have not been around to read or post. I just passed that Linksys router/WAC to my children in Virginia Beach. They have not set up their little network yet, but as soon as they do, I'll play with UPnP and see if it resolves the issue. I know it was STILL an issue two weeks ago when my son and I tested his new computer at my house using that router. His Mercs is upgraded to full Mektek pack levels, and he was having the same old weird ECGN-only issues.

I haven't upgraded my own set-up yet, but will now that the holidays are over. I did a little quick testing with my new router (an SMC Barricade G) model, and found that I could connect without issue from the DMZ. Now to configure all of the ports so that I don't HAVE to be in the DMZ and to bring mercs up to speed...hopfully, I'll be back on the serves by next weekend.

Thank you very much TekThrawn--and to Hazmat for pinging me that an answer might be waiting here.