-=-=-=-=- Playstation 2 Online Gaming FAQ 6.1 -=-=-=-=- This FAQ is meant to be used as a beginner’s tutorial to understanding the basics to the Playstation 2 Online service and how to get connected. Through the course of this FAQ, you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, learn some basic terms for online console gaming, and find some extra troubleshooting help. -=-=-=-=-=-=- Warning & Copyright Information-=-=-=-=-=-=- Author: Eric Lofgren Game FAQ: brutal E E-Mail: ericl3481@yahoo.com Thanks to: Co-Author/Editor: gastaman *Online Game List: togepy Updated:9/13/03 This is intended for personal and private use only. It may only be hosted by the GameFAQs site. This FAQ may only be used for personal reasons and can not be used to gain profit. This FAQ may not be used in any form, including, but not limited to, magazines (printed or online), websites, or CD’s, without first obtaining written permission from the author. This FAQ is copyright (c) Eric Lofgren 2003. -=-=-=-=-=-=- Table of Contents -=-=-=-=-=-=- I. General Information A. Introduction B. Frequently Asked Questions C. Current Online Titles/Future Releases.* D. Compatible ISP List II. Getting Online A. Requirements B. Connecting the Network Adaptor C. Dial up D. Broadband E. Routers/Hubs F. Broadband setups G. Third Party Adaptors III. Trouble Shooting A. General Problems B. General Tips C. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and 4 D. Non Compatible PS2 Serial Number List -=-=-=-=-=- I. General Information -=-=-=-=-=-=- A. Introduction For the Playstation 2, the release of its network adaptor means exciting new things like online competitions and downloadable game upgrades. For games that support it, chat functions allow gamers to interact with one another. Giving the Playstation 2 the ability to access the internet has given it an endless amount of potential and room for growth. --- B. Frequently Asked Questions Q: How much does Sony’s Official Network Adaptor cost? A: Sony’s Official Network Adaptor costs $39.99 (plus tax) Q: What do I get for purchasing the Official Network Adaptor? A: Along with the network adaptor, you get a start up disk to help you with setup. This disk also contains some game trailers and two playable online demos, Frequency and Madden 2003. Q: How do I redeem my copy of Twisted Metal: Black Online? A: The offer has expired to get your copy of this game. Q: Is there anywhere else I can find Twisted Metal: Black Online? A: Ebay or any other online auction site will probably be your best bet. Or online game stores. Q: How much does it cost to play online? A: As of now, There is only one pay to play online game it is Everquest and it is 9 dollars a month. The only expected fees are to play upcoming MMORPG’s (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games). Q: What games can I play if I only have a dial up connection? A: Currently, the only 3 games that require you to have a broadband connection to play online are - SOCOM: US Navy Seals, Auto Modellista, and Midnight Club 2. However, some games place restrictions on dial up users (see individual games for dial up restrictions). Q: Can I talk to other gamers while playing online? A: Currently, SOCOM: US Navy Seals, NCAA 2004, and Madden 2004 support voice communication. All upcoming sports titles from EA will support voice chat. Q: What about chatting through text? A: You can use any standard USB keyboard for chatting online on any game that supports chatting functions. Q: Will the hard drive be released here in the United States? A: No release date has been made public yet by Sony, but everything points toward a US release. Q: Will any games make use of the hard drive? A: The first game that will utilize the hard drive will be Final Fantasy Online. Q: Will there also be a web browser for the Playstation 2? A: No official word yet, but look for one to be released along side the hard drive. Q: Does FastCat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 twisted pair cables also work and will I see a difference in performance? A: Yes, any twisted pair cable Cat5 and above will work. However, due to hardware and connection limitations, you will not see a performance boost by upgrading to any of the above cables. Q: Does AOL Broadband work with PlayStation2 Online? A: Yes, a fix has finally been found (Check the broadband setups for the fix). Q: Does AOL DSL work with Playstation2 Online? A: Yes, just put username@aol.com for your username. Q: Does Juno/Net Zero work with PlayStation2 Online? A: Yes, a fix has finally been found (Check the Dial up section for the fix). Q: Does Web TV work with Playstation2 Online? A: NO due to the propriatery set top box design. Q: What headsets work with Playstation2 Online? A: Labtech USB 711, Labtech USB 712, Logitech USB PS2 Headset, and the Datel USB PS2 Headset. Q: Will Socom 2 ship with or with out a headset? A: Socom 2 ships with out a headset. There is no bundle according to EGM. --- C. Current Online Games/Future Releases.* For the most updated and complete listing of online releases anywhere.* http://www.geocities.com/ps2onlinegames Current Online Titles: Amplitude (SCEA) -- Online DJ battle. ATV Offroad Fury 2 (Sony) -- Online racing. Auto Modellista (Capcom) -- Online racing. Chessmaster (Ubi Soft) -- Online chess. EverQuest Online Adventures (SCEA) -- Massively-multiplayer online RPG. Frequency (SCEA) -- Online DJ battle. Madden NFL 2003 (EA) -- Online football. Madden NFL 2004 (EA) -- Online football. Midnight Club 2 (Rockstar) -- Online racing. My Street (SCEA) -- Online party-game. NBA 2K3 (Sega) -- Online basketball. NBA Live 2003 (EA) -- Online basketball. NCAA College Basketball 2K3 (Sega) -- Online basketball. NCAA Football 2004 (EA) -- Online football. NFL 2K3 (Sega) -- Online football. NFL GameDay 2003 (SCEA) -- Online football. SOCOM: US Navy SEALs (SCEA) -- Online third-person shooter. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Activision) -- Online skateboarding. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (Activision) -- Online skateboarding. Tribes: Aerial Assault (Sierra) -- Online first-person shooter. Twisted Metal: Black Online (SCEA) -- Online car combat. Coming Soon: Games with release dates (chronological): NCAA GameBreaker 2004 (SCEA) -- Online football. 8/26/03 NFL GameDay 2004 (SCEA) -- Online football. 8/26/03 ESPN NFL Football (Sega) -- Online football. 9/2/03 ESPN NHL Hockey (Sega) -- Online hockey. 9/9/03 Nascar Thunder 2004 (EA) -- Online racing. 9/16/03 NHL 2004 (EA) -- Online hockey. 9/22/03 NHL Hitz Pro (Midway) -- Online hockey. 9/22/03 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 (EA) -- Online golf. 9/22/03 Risk (Atari) -- Online board-game. 9/23/03 NFL Blitz Pro (Midway) -- Online football. 9/29/03 NBA Shootout 2004 (SCEA) -- Online basketball. 9/30/03 Destruction Derby: Arenas (SCEE) -- Online car combat. Fall/03 NBA Live 2004 (EA) -- Online basketball. 10/7/03 XIII (Ubi Soft) -- Online first person shooter. 10/9/03 Deer Hunter (Atari) -- Online hunter. 10/14/03 SSX 3 Out of Bounds (EA Big) -- Online snowboarding. 10/14/03 ESPN NBA Basketball (Sega) -- Online basketball. 10/21/03 World Championship Pool 2004 (Jaleco) -- Online pool. 10/21/03 Fifa 2004 (EA) -- Online soccer. 10/28/03 Tony Hawk’s Underground (Activision) -- Online skateboarding. 10/28/03 Warhammer 40K Fire Warrior (THQ) -- Online first-person shooter. Q4/03 SOCOM 2 (SCEA) -- Online third-person shooter. 11/4/03 Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (EA) -- Online first person shooter. 11/11/03 NCAA Final Four 2004 (SCEA) -- Online basketball. 11/11/03 EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers (SCEA) -- Massively-multiplayer online RPG. 11/17/03 ESPN College Hoops (Sega) -- Online basketball. 11/18/03 NCAA March Madness 2004 (EA) -- Online basketball. 11/18/03 NBA Ballers (Midway) -- Online basketball. 11/19/03 Need for Speed Underground (EA) -- Online racing. 11/20/03 Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest (Snowblind) -- Online hack and slash. 11/24/03 Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm (Ubi Soft) -- Online first-person shooter. 12/2/03 NFL Street (EA Big) -- Online football. Q1/04 Final Fantasy XI (Square) -- Massively-multiplayer online RPG. 1/5/04 MX Unleashed (THQ) -- Online motocross racing. 1/5/04 Gran Turismo 4 (SCEA) -- Online racing. 1/6/04 Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain (Sony Bend) -- Online shooter. 1/20/04 The Fast and the Furious (Vivendi Universal) -- Online racing. 2/5/04 Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (Ubi Soft) -- Online stealth shooter. 3/1/04 Resident Evil: Outbreak (Capcom) -- Online cooperative horror survival. 3/15/04 Iron Storm (Wanadoo) -- Online shooter. Spring/04 Killzone (Guerrilla) -- Online first-person shooter. Fall/04 For a complete listing check togepys site. He is amazing at keeping track of this stuff.* --- D. Compatible ISP List Adelphia Cable Comcast Bellsouth DSL Sasktel High Speed Shaw Cable Internet Central MSN dsl Roadrunner Optimum Online Earthlink Freeserve ntl:home BT Broadband Telewest Broadband BT Openworld Korea Telecom's KT Megapass AT&T DSL Verizon DSL AOL Dial-Up AOL DSL Insight Broadband Yahoo SBC DSL Note: List has been provided by Message Board users at the GameFAQs Playstation2 Online Board and is far from complete. If you do not see the ISP you are using on this list and would like me to add it, please contact me. -=-=-=-=-=- II. Getting Online -=-=-=-=-=-=- A. Requirements -Playstation 2 -Official Sony Network Adaptor (or compatible 3rd party adaptor) -Sony Playstation 2 (8 MB) Memory Card (the memory card must have at least 137kb of available space to save configuration) -Online capable game or demo -Phone cord (only for dial up) -1 or more Cat5 twisted pair cable (straight cable or crossover cable will depend on setup. For broadband only) -ISP (Internet Service Provider) -Router or Hub (optional - please see broadband setups section) -Computer (optional - please see broadband setups section) --- B. Connecting the Network Adaptor To connect the Official Sony Network Adaptor: 1. Remove the cover for the expansion bay, located on the rear side of the Playstation 2. 2. Place the network adaptor over the expansion bay, placing the plugs on the network adaptor into their matching ports. Push firmly, until the network adaptor is securely seated. 3. Use a coin to tighten the two screws on either side of the network adaptor. Do not use a screw driver. Also, do not tighten too much, as it could cause permanent damage. --- C. Dial up To setup a dial up connection: 1. Make sure you have the username, the password, and the access number for your account ready. 2. Physically connect the Playstation 2 to a phone jack. The phone jack must be in service and you must have a working phone line. Use any standard phone cord. Plug one end into the smaller port on the network adaptor and the other end into the phone jack. 3. Place the startup disk into the Playstation 2 and select ISP Settings. Follow the instructions on the screen. 4. After you input the information for the necessary fields, save the profile to your memory card. Advantages: -Easiest setup -Cheaper Internet service -Can be used anywhere that has a working wall phone jack and working phone line Disadvantages: -Slower speeds mean more chance for lag -Occupies the phone line (incoming callers will either get a busy signal or disconnect you, depending on if you have call waiting) -Broadband users may not want to play games with you -Some games may place restrictions on you *NOTE* If you have MSN for your ISP, you have to put "msn/" before your username. Example: If your username is togepy, you would put "msn/togepy" for your username. Thanks to togepy for this tip. If you are using Juno or Net Zero as your ISP, it will be more difficult to connect online with your PlayStation2. For detailed information on the further steps required to connect online with your PlayStation2 using Juno or Net Zero as your ISP, please go to the following link: http://www.geocities.com/ps2connectionfaq/juno.html Thanks to ChRoNo58 for providing this link. --- D. Broadband Broadband is the future. It offers fast and smooth connections that provide many benefits over dial up. While not currently a standard in the United States, it is widely spreading at a fast pace. Online gaming really goes hand and hand with broadband service. Broadband comes in two common forms, cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). To this day, there has been much debate as to which offers a better service. While many would like to proclaim a definite winner amongst the two, in the end, it all really matters on where you live. Check reviews of your local broadband services from people in your area, as broadband providers differ from place to place. What is good in one place, may be awful in another. --- E. Routers/Hubs Routers A lot of people ask about routers. A router is a device that allows multiple devices to access a network at the same time. Why is this helpful? Well, if you are doing the swap cable trick required by a Direct Connection, you are probably resetting your modem over and over again. You are also only able to use one device at a time. The router allows you to use all of your devices at the same time, with no need to ever touch your network again. It saves you from purchasing a second IP address that is, in some cases, unavoidable. By allowing you access to the Internet with a computer as well as your Playstation 2, you can use online chats to setup up matches while on the Playstation 2. This is one of the most common ways of setting up matches. If you are looking for a router, I suggest the Linksys BESFR.41. It is the only router that I have found that has been a trouble free solution to my online woes. It also basically works straight out of the box. It is compatible with all games and even works well with the voice chat function for SOCOM: US Navy Seals. I did, however, have to forward some ports in order to host a game in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4. My network has been rock solid and very fast. The router usually goes for about 60 dollars. The set up is also very easy. Hubs A hub is also a device that allows you to hook up multiple devices to a network at the same time. They tend to be cheaper, but the trade off comes in speed and options. A hub takes your bandwidth and splits it by the number of devices you are using, giving each device part of the bandwidth, unlike routers, which play traffic signal, giving the devices in use the total bandwidth. The math goes as follows: If you use 2 devices, each only get 50% of the bandwidth. If you use 3 devices, each gets 33% of the bandwidth. If you use 4 devices, 25%. You can see how a router would be a better choice if you had a lot of devices. If you are trying to save money, only have 2 devices, and you have a pretty fast connection, then I would say a hub is an alternative to buying a router. Most likely, though, you will eventually want to upgrade to a router, as most gamers want to maximize their speeds online. --- E. Broadband Setups There are various ways you can setup your Playstation 2 for online gaming. Picking the right one for you is a matter of what is the most convenient and easy way for you. The following are the four most common ways to setup a broadband connection for the Playstation 2: *NOTE* Unless you have purchased a static IP address from your ISP, there is no need for you to manually configure anything. Simply pick automatic configuration. Also, if you are using AOL Broadband as your ISP, it will require some further steps for you to connect online with your PlayStation2. For more detailed instructions on the further steps you must take, please go to the following link: http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,5479690~root=aolplus~mode=flat Thanks to gastaman, for providing this link. Direct Connection For a Direct Connection, you will need: -One Cat5 twisted pair straight cable -Broadband modem with Ethernet port To setup a Direct Connection: 1. Make sure you have any network information needed for you to log onto the internet available. This includes username and password (DSL only, otherwise known as PPPoE information) and DHCP host name. This information is only required if your ISP requires you to input it to connect to the internet. 2. Remove all cables from the broadband modem. This includes the coaxial cable for cable modems, the phone wire for DSL modems, the Ethernet cable, and the power cable. Let stand for 5 to 15 minutes. Plug all of the cables back into the broadband modem. 3. Physically connect the Playstation 2 to your broadband modem. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the network port of the network adaptor and the other end into your broadband modem. 4. Place the startup disk into the Playstation 2 and select ISP settings. Follow the directions on the screen. 5. After you input the information for the necessary fields, save the profile to your memory card. Advantages: -Easiest broadband setup type to configure -Cheapest broadband setup type to configure Disadvantages: -If you are sharing your Internet connection with other devices, you can only use one of those devices at any given time -Every time you switch between devices, you must repeat step 2 Router/Hub Connection For a Router/Hub Connection, you will need: -One Cat5 twisted pair straight cable for the broadband modem -An additional Cat5 twisted pair straight cable for every device you wish to connect -Broadband modem with Ethernet port -Router/Hub -Computer (for setting up the router/hub) To setup a Router/Hub Connection: 1. Make sure you have any network information needed for you to log onto the internet available. This includes username and password (DSL only, otherwise known as PPPoE information) and DHCP host name. This information is only required if your ISP requires you to input it to connect to the internet. 2. Remove all cables from the broadband modem. This includes the coaxial cable for cable modems, the phone wire for DSL modems, the Ethernet cable, and the power cable. Let stand for 5 to 15 minutes. Plug all of the cables back into the broadband modem. 3. Physically connect your broadband modem to the router/hub. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the Ethernet port of the broadband modem and the other end into the WAN port of the router/hub. 4. Physically connect your Playstation 2 to the router/hub. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the network port of the network adaptor and the other end into any available port (other than an uplink port) of the router/hub. 5. Physically connect your computer (and any other device that will be sharing the internet connection) to the router/hub. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the Ethernet port of computer or device and the other end into any available port (other than an uplink port) of the router/hub. 6. Using your computer, follow the documentation that came with your router/hub to configure your router/hub with any information required by your ISP. 7. Place the startup disk into the Playstation 2 and select ISP settings. Follow the directions on the screen. 8. After you input the information for the necessary fields, save the profile to your memory card. *NOTE* If you have DSL and you input your username and password into the router and the router is set to keep the connection alive or connect on demand, you do not have to input your username and password into the Playstation 2. The router will do the necessary work of connecting you to your ISP. When asked if you are required to input a username and password to connect, simply answer no. Advantages: -Access the Internet with every device at the same time Disadvantages: -You must purchase extra equipment -Because every device is sharing the same connection, multitasking will consume bandwidth and eventually cause lag ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) For an ICS connection, you will need: -Broadband modem with either a USB port or an Ethernet port -One Cat5 twisted pair crossover cable -One Cat5 twisted pair straight cable (if you are planning on using a broadband modem with an Ethernet port) -One USB device cable (if you are planning on using a broadband modem with a USB port. This cable is usually supplied with the broadband modem) -Computer running Windows 98se or higher, with one available Ethernet card (two available Ethernet cards, if you are planning on using a broadband modem with an Ethernet port) To setup an ICS Connection: 1. Before you begin, make sure that you can establish an Internet connection with your computer. Connect the broadband modem to the computer, either using the USB device cable or the Cat5 straight cable. Use the setup disk that came with your broadband modem to create a network connection for your computer to your ISP. 2. Enable ICS on your computer. This process varies, depending on what operating system you are running. Go to www.microsoft.com, and type in internet connection sharing in the search bar. Choose the appropriate operating system and follow the directions. 3. Physically connect your Playstation 2 to your computer. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the network port of the network adaptor and the other end into the available Ethernet card on the back of your computer. 4. Place the startup disk into the Playstation 2 and select ISP settings. Follow the directions on the screen. 5. After you input the information for the necessary fields, save the profile to your memory card. *NOTE* When using an ICS connection, the computer your Playstation 2 is connected to must be turned on and must be connected to the internet. When setting up your Playstation 2, you do not have to input any username or password. Advantages: -Share your Internet connection without having to purchase any/much extra equipment Disadvantages: -Your computer must be on and connected to the internet whenever you are online with your Playstation 2, even if you are not using your computer Wireless Connection For a Wireless connection, you will need: -Broadband modem with an Ethernet port -One Cat5 twisted pair straight cable for the broadband modem -An additional Cat5 twisted pair straight cable for every device you wish to hard wire to the network -A wireless Ethernet bridge for every device you wish to connect to the network wirelessly -Wireless router To setup a Wireless connection: 1. Make sure you have any network information needed for you to log onto the internet available. This includes username and password (DSL only, otherwise known as PPPoE information) and DHCP host name. This information is only required if your ISP requires you to input it to connect to the internet. 2. Remove all cables from the broadband modem. This includes the coaxial cable for cable modems, the phone wire for DSL modems, the Ethernet cable, and the power cable. Let stand for 5 to 15 minutes. Plug all of the cables back into the broadband modem. 3. Physically connect your broadband modem to the wireless router. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the Ethernet port of the broadband modem and the other end into the WAN port of the wireless router. 4. Physically connect your Playstation 2 to the wireless Ethernet bridge. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the network port of the network adaptor and the other end into the wireless Ethernet bridge. 5. Physically connect any other device that will be sharing the internet connection to the wireless router or to a wireless Ethernet bridge. Plug one end of the Cat5 cable into the Ethernet port of the device and the other end into any available port (other than an uplink port) of the wireless router or wireless Ethernet bridge. 6. Place the startup disk into the Playstation 2 and select ISP settings. Follow the directions on the screen. 7. After you input the information for the necessary fields, save the profile to your memory card. *NOTE* Some setups will require further steps to configure the networking equipment. It is recommended that you follow any documentation that comes with your wireless equipment on how to configure your wireless equipment, before you attempt to put your network together. Recommended Wireless Setup: http://www.linksys.com/splash/wetplaystation.asp Advantages: -Very clean setup that leaves no messy cables running around Disadvantages: -Very expensive alternative -Can become a very complicated setup --- G. Third Party Adaptors There are currently two known third party adaptors that have been confirmed to work. They are: -Linksys USB100TX -GO-net Broadband Adaptor These third party adaptors work by taking the Ethernet connection coming out of your broadband modem and turning it into a USB connection that plugs into your Playstation 2. Newer games are leaving out drivers for third party adapters. Auto Modellista and Midnight Club 2 are 2 of the games that do not work with third party adapters. One game that seems to be giving the GO-net Broadband Adaptor some trouble is ATV Offroad Fury 2.** **GO-net Broadband Adaptor technical support on the subject: "There is a known technical issue with ATV Offroad Fury 2 and the GO-net adapter. If you would please send your name and address to dparsons@dateldesign.com, with the subject, "GoNet Upgrade For ATV2", we will get an upgrade disc to you ASAP. Thank you, and we apologize for the inconvenience." Thanks to kyleox1 for the information.** -=-=-=-=-=- III. Trouble Shooting -=-=-=-=-=-=- If you run into difficulties getting your Playstation 2 online, even after viewing this FAQ, here are a few helpful sites. -http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/onlinegaming -http://www.playstationpro2.com/misc/ps2_online_faq.html -http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/NetworkAdaptorFAQ (link provided by the1manshow2k3) -http://www.xbox.com/LIVE/connect/choose.htm(Same setup, great diagrams - link provided by gastaman) -http://www.webopedia.com(Technical terms defined - link provided by gastaman) --- A. General Problems Q: Why won't my connection work whenever I switch between my computer and my Playstation 2? A: Whenever you switch between the two, you may need to reset your broadband modem to get the changes to work. Q: I have my computer and my Playstation 2 both connected to a router. They were working fine until now. What's wrong? A: You might have to reset your router and reconnect to the internet. Q: How do I reset my broadband modem? How do I resent my router? A: To reset the broadband modem, unplug all of the cables running into the broadband modem. Let sit for 5 to 15 minutes. Plug all of the cables back in and let the modem run through its cycle (allow all the lights to become solid, with the exception of the "act" light, if present). To reset the router, do the same. Q: I've reset the modem and the router and I still can't get it to work. What's wrong? A: You may have to do an entire network reset. Here is what to do: 1. Turn off all computers. 2. Delete any online setups saved on your Playstation 2 memory card/s. 3. Disconnect all of the cables running to the router. Let sit for 5 to 15 minutes. 4. Disconnect all of the cables running to the broadband modem. Let sit 5 to 15 minutes. 5. Plug all of the cables back into the broadband modem. Let it cycle until all of the lights are solid, with the exception of the "act" light, if present. 6. Plug all of the cables back into the router. Let it cycle until all of the lights that should be on are on. 7. Create a new online configuration for the Playstation 2. If you can get past the registration, it usually means that everything is back in order. 8. Turn all of your computers back on and try to access the internet. 9. Try to play a game online with your Playstation 2. This will usually fix the problems you run across that are caused on the ISP's end and not yours. These problems include, but are not limited to: -The lease on your IP address expiring -Your ISP upgrading the network --- B. General Tips 1. Make sure you are using the proper type of cable. Cat5 twisted pair straight cables are the most commonly used and are intended for connections between the Playstation 2 and a router or broadband modem. A Cat5 twisted pair crossover cable should be used only for connecting your Playstation 2 to a computer. 2. Sometimes an ISP will limit the amount of devices you can have access the internet. By detecting the MAC address for the device accessing the internet, an ISP can determine if a different device is trying to access the internet at a later time. If your ISP only allows one device per IP address, you will be locked out when you try to connect with another device. You will then have to reset your broadband modem before being able to access the internet with any device. To get around this, you will have to purchase a router or hub. By doing this, you will always report the same MAC address. 3. If you need your network information for a manual setup, you can obtain it in two different ways. You can either call your ISP and ask them for the information or you can click on the start button, select run, and type in winipcfg. If you are using a networking operating system, at the run bar, type in cmd and it should bring up a command prompt. Type in ipconfig/all. The information you will need is: -IP Address -Subnet Mask -Default Gateway -Primary DNS server -Secondary DNS server -Router Address It is recommended that you have some networking knowledge before you attempt to do a manual setup on your own. 4. You can tell if you will need to do an automatic configuration or a manual configuration by the type of IP address you are receiving from your ISP. If you have a dynamic IP, you'll need to run an automatic configuration. If you have a static IP, you'll need to run a manual configuration. An easy way to tell what kind of IP you have is to ask yourself or someone who knows, "Do I have the basic broadband package?" If you do, you have a dynamic IP. If you don't, you could have either. To find out then, right click on "My Network Places" (Win2k and up) or "Network Neighborhood" (Win98se and down) and select properties. Select your network connection, right click, and select properties. Highlight "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and select properties. If you "Obtain an IP address automatically", you have a dynamic IP. If you have the "use the following IP address" bullet selected, you probably have a static IP. If you are still unsure, give your ISP a call. Also, if you are using a router with DHCP enabled (if you are using a router, most likely it has DHCP enabled), you should also use automatic configuration. 5. There are certain problems like a failed connection or a lack of voice communication for SOCOM: US Navy Seals that are caused by the router. These kinds of problems can be solved by forwarding ports or upgrading the firmware. This can be somewhat tricky, so make sure you know what you are doing before you attempt this. Just follow the instructions that were included with your router. Forward ports 6000 to 6999. If that does not work, upgrade the firmware. Do not upgrade the firmware, unless you are experiencing problems that can not be solved. 6. If your router supports it, make your Playstation 2 a DMZ Host. It is the easiest way to free your Playstation 2 from the router's built in firewall. Follow the instructions that came with your router to find out how to do this. --- A link for configuring router D-Link DI604: http://www.geocities.com/sscrewy1/DLink.html It is a great walkthrough to get your microphone to work with Socom. Thanks goes to screwy1 for making it. --- Port Numbers/Game List: -Frequency Online TCP Ports: 10070 - 10080 UDP Ports: 10070 Allow incoming ICMP Echo Rep -SOCOM, Twisted Metal: Black Online, NFL GameDay 2003, Amplitude, Auto Modellista, Midnight Club 2 TCP Ports: 10070 - 10080 UDP Ports: 10070 -NBA2K3 Ports: 28000-28000 -THPS3 and THPS4 both use. Ports: 5150-5150 --- C. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and 4 Are you having trouble hosting a game of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 or 4? Here is the solution straight from their site's help section. Go into your router's configuration. Getting there will vary, depending on what router you have. Just follow the instructions that came with your router. Once in your router's configuration, forward the following port range to your Playstation 2's IP address (to find out what the IP address of your Playstation 2 is, find the DHCP clients table in your router setup and find the IP address that is associated to a device with no name): 5150 to 5150 Make sure to select both TCP and UDP. --- Madden Router Ports Make sure that these ports are open if a router is being used with the title. - Ports 10500-10519 are TCP and are outgoing ports for connecting to the NCAA server. - Port 13505 is TCP and is an outgoing port for connecting to the EA Messenger (buddy list) server. - Port 3658 is UDP and is an incoming/outgoing port for connecting to another user to play a game. - Port 7777 is UDP and is an incoming/outgoing port for connecting to another user for headset use during a game. Ports 10500-10519 and 13505 are TCP and only for outgoing connections. If a user can connect to the servers and enter the Online Menu and lobby, they do not need to do anything with these ports. If they cannot, they need to be open for TCP. Ports 3658 and 7777 are UDP and used for connecting to other users and playing games. Port 3658 must be open for UDP for a game to be played. Thanks to djwins for the tip. --- D. Non Compatible PS2 Serial Number List. You take the plate cover off and look at the bar code serial number. 3369556-3369651, 3372352-3372651, 3379084-3380151, 3380260-3381867, 3381976-3382083 3383152-3383691, 3384652-3385191, 3386152-3386907, 3388192-3389271, 3391084-3392055 3393868-3394407, 3394516-3394731, 3397192-3398055, 3399868-3400947, 3403192-3403839 3404692-3405339, 3406192-3406515, 3406624-3406839, 3414661-3416388, 3417661-3418740 3419173-3419280, 3419821-3419928, 3420661-3421308, 3421417-3421524, 3421417-3421524 3421633-3422064, 3423661-3424848, 3425161-3425268, 3434377-3434592 If your numbers fall in any of these ranges. No adapter compatibility. --------------------------------- I hope this FAQ has been of some help to you. Thank you to all of the people who helped me get online when I first got my Network Adapter. Thank you to all of the people who have contributed to this FAQ. A big thank you to gastaman for all of his help in writing this FAQ. PS2 Online is growing in leaps and bounds. It is a great time to be plugged in. Hope to see you online. -Brutal E