DMZ vs. Port Forwarding

[[Å’]psychedelic]

I am running srcds on Windows. I have a NetGear WGR614 v6 router. I have my dedicated server computer running with a static IP. When I forward all the correct ports, my server cannot be seen and/or join from the internet. However, when I place it in the DMZ, all is well with the world (people can join and have a great time).

When my computer is not running in the DMZ, my server is visible on gametiger.net, but it says that its down (an no one can join). Serverspy.net doesnt even show my server at all. However, when I DMZ my server, gametiger shows that its online. And, eventually, serverspy also shows my server in their master list.

I really dont want to keep my server computer in the DMZ for long, but I have had to keep it there for quite some time, as it is the only way for me to host. Any suggestions?

[Drocona]

I'm afraid on some setups, yes.
I have a question though, when you can find the server but not join does it give a 2000 ping in the status window?

[[Å’]psychedelic]

When I try to connect from my LAN, I have no problems (as it should be), but when my bro tries to connect (hes in a different state, on a different ISP), he DID get that ping of 2000 message. He just kept trying to connect, and he eventually got in. One more thing: my server seems kind of sketchy. I mean, one minute, i can find my server in serverspy.net, and 5 minutes later, its not there. Any ideas?

p.s. Drocona, thanks for helping all these people (including myself). Your knowledge is greatly appreciated.

[Drocona]

You're welcome, it's my pleasure.
I think I will be making a general warning post for every server administrator becuase in 1 week I've seen servers pop up with 2000 ping, while fully functional.
I've received multiple reports and I have seen quite a few servers going down myself because of this. I have no clue where this is coming from at the moment. I would like to have as many info from everyone that has this problem.
So we might be able to find out what's wrong.

[[Å’]psychedelic]

Thats very strange.. I managed to get my server up and running once again. All I did was place my server computer in the DMZ and forwarded my server port of 27016. I dont think the port forward helped per-se, as the DMZ gives ALL traffic to my host computer, but you never know. Its very strange tho, because at random times, my server will drop out of the master lists of Steam, serverspy, and gametiger. I called up my ISP, and they said that no ports were being blocked/forwarded, so I think it might have something to do with my router. Any good routers that I should contemplate buying?

[Drocona]

I think you shoudl wait up a bit with buying a new router, netgear routers aren't bad at all.
It doesn't just effect you, I've been searching the server lists a bit and it's happening to rented servers (from a GSP) too.
I think we'll just have to see how this ends up because it's a rising problem as we speak, I've seen atleast 6 servers drop out of my favorites today with the same 2000 ping problem, not showing up in the list anymore and stuff like that.

I made the topic about it in SRCDS General, I hope we can figure this out.

[[Å’]psychedelic]

Alright. ill keep you posted as to my server status and/or if i get this thing resolved. Thanks again, Drocona.

[Drocona]

I also added the server adress in your signature to see how that one runs, I notice the 2000 ping there too as you mentioned. I will post a screenshot in my post to clarify the problem

[[Å’]psychedelic]

Ok, my NetGear router allowed me to keep the port of my server solid. Other than that, it had HORRID lag issues. Furthermore, my regular internet (such as browsing this forum, working on my Clan website, or anything really) would cut out at random times. I have no idea why this would happen. But, during the blackouts, i could still get a server list from Steam. Very strange..... so anyways:

I changed my router to a Trendnet TEW432BRP v. B1. This router is MUCH more stable and is a ton faster. However, no matter WHAT I do, this router changes the ports that Im hosting on. If I forward port 27015, for example, my server is being hosted on 192.168.1.104:27015 on my LAN, but at SOON as it hits the WAN, it changes to xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:6xxxx. (I.E. the port changes from 27015 to some random number in the sixty-thousands. DMZ doesnt help. The only good thing about this oruter is that people can join, they can see my server in the master list, but the port changes every time i restart my server. (Which is a BIG pain in the butt....) Any ideas as to what may be causing the ports to change?