So I would like to use the features of the dedicated server, but my internet plan is to small for me to be able to do port forwarding ('cause it will suck data like there's no tomorrow) so I was wondering if

1) Dedicated servers can be ran as a LAN server

2) Do I require another computer to be able to join my own server?


Many thanks,


Storm

If it's a local IP you shouldn't run into any issues. If the PC you're playing on is also the one hosting, just direct IP connect to localhost. Other computers on the network would do the same except to your local IPv4 address.

I've never found the LAN games function to work in any copy I've bought and installed, so can't really speak on that.

In the init.txt put 'sv_public false'. You should also change your client port in the settings of your game profile.

To determine how many clients you can have connected to your server divide your up stream bandwidth (mega bits) by 40Mb/s.
Yes. there is no difference between a lan and internet server except access to the net.
While not required, it is recommended. It all depends on how powerful your PC is and if there is enough processing power to run both lag free. If you decide to run both on the same PC, and I do not recommend you do so, you will have to change the ports of either the client or the server to allow them to talk to each other or else there will be a port conflict when you start the client game. The client, you see, locks the ports for its own server process.

What exactly do you mean by this? I shouldn't use 2303?

You shouldn't if you are using default ports on your dedicated server. You can change 2303 to 2304 or pretty much whatever port you want that is open.
Edited by raffgie on Apr 22, 2015 at 04:39 PM

So how exactly do I do this?

Edited by SS Flanker on Apr 23, 2015 at 10:19 AM

Ok... so I've done everything you guys have said.

Server Port: 2302
Client Port: 2304

Init.txt file:

sv_name "Shotguns Forever"
sv_public false
sv_maxplayers 16
sv_mapcycle_timeout 5
map_cycle_add beavercreek "Shottie Slay"
map_cycle_add bloodgulch "Shottie CTF"
map_cycle_add derelict "Shottie Slay"
map_cycle_add timberland "Rocket King"
map_cycle_add damnation "Shottie CTF"
map_cycle_add prisoner "Shottie Slay"
map_cycle_add extinction "Shottie CTF"

Ip i put in client: localhost

what am I doing wrong? I couldn't join the server.

If you are connecting through direct IP, then you must also include the server port number. So for example it could be 'localhost:2302'. Also, it looks like you are trying to use SAPP.

If you are using SAPP I would change the init.txt to this:


Edited by raffgie on Apr 23, 2015 at 03:14 PM

Yes, it can. Even your client can be a LAN too, if you choose to create one in LAN. You can tell by going in "multiplayer" menu.



That's an optional. However both dedicated and client will not play nicely with default ports. So, either one need to set a number other than default for -port AND -cport. At first I thought it has to do with -port parameter issue, however it also need -cport included base on experienced and reverse engineering accidental discovery a dedicated server also uses client port as well. For what purpose? I'm not sure...


Also, if want to see LAN Lobby listing the servers to work correctly (between multi-computers on one same local network). I believed your network need to be set as Home/Work network instead of Public network. I sort of able to remember from years, years ago... Using "Public network" just prevent communication between 2 or more computers on same network nor able to list another computer at "Network" in File Explorer.

1) Reason for wanting to run dedicated server for LAN is this: I want to use the full features of a halo dedicated server (so i have the map cycle option etc) while playing at home with my brothers, but not using data by connecting to the internet. (I can explain this more if you need)

2) Can you explain the -port/-cport thing a little bit more?

3) My network is set to home (cause it's at home)

4) Just out of curiosity, would I be able run this off of like a website server? (I'm just thinking outside the box...)

Thanks for your continued feedback in my noobishness (I only just started playing Halo CE)

These should help:

Running A Halo CE Dedicated Server
http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?nid=323

Running multiple instances of the Server
http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?nid=317

Keep in mind that when you start a client it essentially locks all the ports for it's own server. Each client has it's own server so you can host a game. So if you run the dedicated server on the same machine as the client then you have to treat the dedicated server as if it was a second instance and configure it as such.


Edited by Dennis on Apr 25, 2015 at 05:45 PM

Should I put this into the target (like adding console) or should I run this in command line?

-port is used for server port number specifically to host whilst -cport is client port.



Then you should be able see 1 or more dedicated servers on your LAN lobby.



It all depends on your server's system spec to able support a game server like Halo. If talking about hosting company that only provide a web host, then no that's not even permitted if there is a way to bypass it.



As for "Running multiple instances of the Server" tutorial, it also needs -cport included. Don't ask me why, that's how halo dedicated server programmed to do since it does use client port. Or else no one else will be able to join in same server on same computer when you join in your own server.




Client does not lock all the ports. If that were true, then we will have xfire, steam, web browsers, etc, etc, having problem receiving data, aka connecting, either locally and/or Internet except for the client of course. The real fact is Client will lock only TWO ports which are client & server ports. I'm guessing Dennis didn't read his reply carefully?



Either one will work fine.

the dedicated server port is specified on the command line with "port XXXX". The cPOrt command is only for the client not the server.

It locks the server and client ports specified in the settings of the client.

The recommendation is to not run a client on the same PC as the dedicated server since the client has it's own server anyway. It is redundant. Start the client host a game and then just leave HaloCE running and minimize it if you are not playing.

It's a boolean. True or false, on or off, and 1 or 0 are accepted values.
Edited by raffgie on Apr 25, 2015 at 11:48 PM

Then the entire game grinds to a halt because there's nobody there to manually start the next game. If you're not going to be around for a while or you'd like to take advantage of some of the server mods, it's better to use the dedicated server.
Edited by Btcc22 on Apr 25, 2015 at 11:49 PM

I want to be able to run several maps in sequence, as well as having the sv_mapcycle commands. You do not have that option with the client games (I tried)
Edited by stormray73 on Apr 26, 2015 at 12:43 AM

Good point I forgot about that.

Yup. That and I want to be able to skip maps (again, not a feature of the client game)

Therein lies why I wish to play LAN games with the dedicated server. I'm going to try to run the dedicated server off of my PC emulator on my mac. Hopefully it will work.