I and my friend have been trying to host session between each other. We've tried searching for each others IP address, tried hosting a session in the Zone, but just can't seem to get it right.

Now heres the kicker: we have been able to join in someone elses game and see each other. We are both using XP, he has a directway conection, I'm using cable.

I've read the threads on this forum and I really don't think the problem is caused by a firewall as we can join other hosted games. Just not if one of us is the host.

So is there a speceal setting that we are over looking?

Yes, I'm going through a netgear router, then into a cable modem for Comcast. I can't bypass or take the router out of line as my better half is on it as well.

And have no idea if there is a firewall in the router or how to turn it off.

BTW: I don't think my friend is using a router, just the Directway Satilite modem.

Yet we both can join a game hosted by someone else, just can't join each other if one of us is the host.

Thanks Mark for the replys. I don't seem to get lob off afterjoining a session, actualy last night I had joined one and after about a hour of flying the host left and the game then said I was the host. So I am totally lost on this one.

You where flying on "The Zone" then Steve....

cheers
eno

as this method leaves you vulnerable to hacking.

Your router should have whats known as a DMZ...  When you place your comp in the DMZ it opens all ports to the internet (This is extreamly risky). To access this try typing 168.192.1.1 into your browser ... this should bring up your router settings page. Find your NAT settings, these are the routers inbuilt firewall settings. Somewhere in these settings there should be a Port Redirection table (more of that later) and on the same page a way of accessing the DMZ. Once ya have ya puter in the DMZ then try acessing games or hosting them. Remember to take your outer out of the DMZ when finished. Try this first and let me know how you get on.

More on the port redirection table.

Port redirection points specific ports to your Internal IP (your router gives your puter this IP). The inbuilt firewall of a router essentially masks your computer/s from the outside world by presenting  it with one IP even though there might be 20 comps behind that IP. When you access the internet your puter opens ports ... but the router prevents others from outside opening them. You can allow these ports to open individually in the NAT port redirection table....(It does what the DMZ does but just on specific ports and is therefore safer). The ports that need to be opened for FS2002 are as follows.

UDP 47624
TCP and UDP 2300-2400

FS9 are as follows
UDP 23456
UDP 6073

If you use FSHost
TCP and UDP 80

If you use Teamspeak (this needs double checking with any TS help files)
UDP 8767
UDP 1024-65535


For Roger Wilco
TCP 3782
UDP3783

Give the DMZ method a try first ... this will rule out any other factors.

If your in any way uncomfortable with this then PM me and I'll give you my email and we can work out another way of communicating so I can talk you through it.

cheers
eno

Your welcome .......... I know its a bit daunting at first... but once you've done it once then it becomes easy .... and as long as you remember to reset things after then 999/1000 you wont have a problem.

I'm only gonna be about for another few weeks due to an enforced regression to dial up due to a move. However I will be popping in and out occasionally afterwards. So if you still have problems then let me know sooner rather than later so I can help.

cheers
eno