Multiplayer over local WiFi or lan

[les]

Hi all,

Can't quite find a solution to this one, I know it's been discussed before, but wondered if anyone has got it working...

Trying to link 4 pcs to fly multiplayer but we can't always have an internet connection as we take the setup to airshows and schools.....I can setup a good WiFi router so they can have a really good connection to that , but no internet.

Is there anyway to make this work? I can use a phone hotspot for authorisation.....

 

Thanks 

[HC_Official]

I can use a phone hotspot for authorisation.....

 

^ this will work (for auth) , I assume you have 4 different DCS accounts one for each PC ?

Edited August 22, 2024 by HC_Official

[Maverick87Shaka]

7 hours ago, les said:

Hi all,

Can't quite find a solution to this one, I know it's been discussed before, but wondered if anyone has got it working...

Trying to link 4 pcs to fly multiplayer but we can't always have an internet connection as we take the setup to airshows and schools.....I can setup a good WiFi router so they can have a really good connection to that , but no internet.

Is there anyway to make this work? I can use a phone hotspot for authorisation.....

 

Thanks 

You can't use Multiplayer feature in "standard" DCS without an internet connection.
So it's totally fine to have even a "bad" hotspot mobile connection to let all computers connect and authenticate in DCS, let the server start, and then the internet connection is not even required. You can connect all the client using local ip address of the server and you're ready to go.

And by the way, setup a "good wifi" is always the worst choice, just make an Ethernet connection between all the client using a switch, or mobile router with sim so you'll also have also the "basic" internet connectivity required to run your setup.

And to be honest, before bring a similar setup tu a public event, like an airshow or whatever, I suggest you try to reach out ED to check with them feasibility of your initiative according to the TOS and other legal stuff.
 

[les]

Thanks for the reply, I think we are all good on the legal side- we don't charge any money as we are essentially a youth organisation, linked to the RAF. I contacted ed when we first started using dcs and they threw us a few free modules to get going, which was really good of them.

We have had a stand at RIAT the last two years, in the tech zone, but of course with the 4 setups running offline as stand alone.

Ok cool, so looks like its feasible, I can link them up via switch then let them all authenticate over a phone hotspot, then using local IP...I'll give it a go! I'm sure I'll hit problems getting them to recognise the server etc but I'm sure I can sort it

Many thanks

Les

[Maverick87Shaka]

2 hours ago, les said:

Ok cool, so looks like its feasible, I can link them up via switch then let them all authenticate over a phone hotspot, then using local IP...I'll give it a go! I'm sure I'll hit problems getting them to recognise the server etc but I'm sure I can sort it

Many thanks

Les

They even don't need to, use the CONNECT BY IP functionality on clients and you'll be ok.
If you have a small budget to invest in the project, I would recommend something like this:
https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/5g-4g-router/archer-mr550/

A "small" 4G router, that you can bring with all other equipment for the flying rig, and Ethernet cables

There are also more advanced options depending on the budget available, that can embed on the router itself some other service, for example to block all other internet traffics that each client try to do (terrible window update for example), and leave you the option to allow just the ED Master Game server, to enable your "portable" 4 RIG kit to play multiplayer.


p.s. If you plane to have the same setup also for RIAT 2025, please le me know   I can be interested (if you're also from your side) maybe to do something together

Fly Safe!

[les]

Mega, 

Thanks for the info, fantastic.

We are hoping for another invite for RIAT 25 , I'll keep you posted!