Timing out? Can't Contact Server? This MAY help you...

[Beekdoor]

If you're looking for a possible fix to the timing out issues or contact issues, read below.

 

 

First off, if you have limited to no network knowledge, you're doing this at your own risk and in no way am I guaranteeing this will work for everyone.

 

One last note, the links I'm providing below offer more in depth steps on changing your Network Settings in case I miss anything.

 

1.) You're going to want to change your XBOX/PS3 IP ADDRESS to a STATIC one, not dynamic (this should fix NAT issues as well). Here are two links detailing Dynamic vs. Static IP addresses and how to assign for both PS3 and Xbox users.

 

Xbox: http://portforward.com/networking/staticip-xbox360.htm

PS3: http://portforward.com/networking/staticip-ps3-playstation-3.htm

 

In order to change your settings to manual and assign your own IP address, you'll need to find these pages on your console (Xbox/PS3).

 

 

 

2.) Once you locate these settings you're going to want to pick a number for your IP address. Most common addresses are 192.168.1.xxx. The number(s) after the last decimal are the one(s) you'll be changing. Note, this does vary from router to router. This is the typical number for Linksys Routers. It is important to pick a number that your router will not automatically to assign another device on your network. Those of you reading the Xbox guide above, refer to STEP 9. For those of you reading the PS3 guide, refer to STEP 12.

 

3.) Now that you have a number selected for your new static IP address, you're going to want to enter this number into your consoles respective Network Settings. You will also be asked for Subnet Mask, Gateway and DNS settings. All of these should stay the exact same as they were before, though you will still have to enter them. Before you change your settings to Manual, the Subnet Mask, Gateway and DNS numbers you're currently using should be visible; write them down. If they are not visible, you may use your PC/Laptop to find the numbers (as long as it's connected to your router's network).

 

-- 3 b. ) To find your Subnet Mask, Gateway and DNS numbers, go to your start menu (Windows only). Type "cmd" into the search box, or fine the "run" program and type "cmd." Once you have located it, press enter. A black box should pop up. Type "ipconfig/all" (no quotations, obviously) into the box and hit enter. You should see results similar to the picture below. You may have to scroll through all the numbers, but you're looking for Subnet Mask, Gateway and TWO DNS servers. They should be similar with a number or two in difference.

 

 

 

4.) Now that you've got these numbers, you're going to plug them into the Networks settings page on your console.

 

5.) Test your PSN, Xbox Live connection once you've plugged these numbers in. If you receive an NAT error on Xbox, you may have to forward some ports on your router. I don't have a PS3, so I'm not sure what type of error you would receive if the NAT is moderate or strict. You're going to want to OPEN your NAT for GTA. In my experience, GTA games are the worst to play when your NAT is not OPEN. If you don't encounter an NAT problem, give GTA a try.

 

 

 

ONLY READ BELOW IF YOUR NAT IS MODERATE OR STRICT.

 

6.) If your NAT is moderate or strict, you'll need to forward some ports on your ROUTER. Tad bit more complicated due to the vast variety of routers, but not impossible. You'll need to type your GATEWAY number into your browser address. You'll be asked for a username and pass. This varies from router to router, especially if you manually changed yours.

 

http://portforward.com/

 

The website above should help for those of you that do not know your passwords and usernames, you will just have to locate your router. It will also provide port forwarding guides for MANY programs once you select your specific router.

 

7.) Once you're in your routers settings, look for Applications and Gaming, or a page similar to the image below. The image below contains the ports that are required to be open for the XBOX 360. I'm unsure whether or not the ports are the same for the PS3. Enter these numbers, but when it asks for the IP addresses last three numbers, USE THE NUMBERS YOU SELECTED for your static IP address. Also, do NOT worry about the last numbers in my picture (1630), they do not matter. Make sure to click enable, or the equivalent check box on your router.

 

 

8.) Save your settings. Return to your console and test your connection. Pray for an open NAT. If it's open, you should be good to go, test out GTA. However, if it is still moderate or strict, I have on more option for you to try.

 

9.) If you're still encountering NAT issues, go back into your router settings and look for a DMZ option. You'll want to enable. it and add the last three digits of your selected IP address into the box. Should look similar the picture below.

 

 

10.) Once you've done this, save your settings and test your connection. Pray TWICE AS HARD for an open NAT. If it's open, give GTA a try. If not, well then I'm sorry. This is the extent of my self-taught Networking Knowledge

 

This solution has worked for me, I hope it works for you, however, there is no guarantee. If you have any questions, message me or post below, I'll do my best to help. Also, if any of you are Network Admins or someone with experience in networking, please feel free to add anything I've missed or elaborate on what I have here.

Edited October 5, 2013 by Beekdoor

[natsamson]

ummm Ill pass lol

[MeGusta90]

I remember people told me to do this type of stuff to get better connection in BF3.

 

 

Never worked or just f*cked my internet and I had to reset

[CaptainBlack69]

tl;dr

[Beekdoor]

ummm Ill pass lol

 

Just trying to help man. It's really not too difficult. Half the post is detailing how to fix NAT, not how to setup a static IP. If you have no NAT issues, it should be a quick fix.

 

I remember people told me to do this type of stuff to get better connection in BF3.

 

 

Never worked or just f*cked my internet and I had to reset

 

Like I said, it may work, it may not, but I'm just trying to help some people. I know how frustrating it is trying to play this game.

Edited October 5, 2013 by Beekdoor

[GTA_Girl84]

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but is NAT 2 good ? Does that mean open?

Edited October 6, 2013 by GTA_Girl84

[Beekdoor]

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but is NAT 2 good ? Does that mean open?

 

It doesn't sound stupid at all. I take it you're a PS3 player? I just looked it up, NAT type 2 is open, you're good.

 

http://community.us.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-General/NAT-Type-2-Tutorial/td-p/27538324

Edited October 6, 2013 by Beekdoor