How to setup DC++ for Active Mode behind a router

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 7:48 am

Some folks are still having some trouble with this, so I neatened up my instructions:

HOW TO SETUP DC++ FOR ACTIVE NETWORKING MODE BEHIND A LINKSYS ROUTER (should work for any router):

If you don't use active networking mode, you can't download files from some computers on the hub. YOU DO NOT WANT TO USE PASSIVE NETWORKING MODE! Passive can't download from other passives and some actives. Active can download from anyone.

Don't use DC, use DC++. We had a lot of problems with DC. Get it here: http://dcplusplus.sourceforge.net/

Unlike DC, DC++ has some nice features like automatic reconnect to the hub (so if you lose the connection it just logs back on automatically when the connection is resotored) and it also automatically resumes any downloads that were in progress when the source computer comes back on the hub.

Following are instructions for setting up DC++ with a virtual IP and from behind a Linksys router:

- You need to configure your DC++ computer to use a static IP address on your LAN (local network) instead of automatically obtaining an IP from the router (this is so you can setup port forwarding on the router). If you're using a Linksys router with factory default IP address of 192.168.1.1 then you can set the IP address of the DC++ computer to 192.168.1.2, set the mask to 255.255.255.0, set the gateway to 192.168.1.1 and set the Preferred DNS to to the DNS address(es) of your ISP.

- You need to find out your WAN IP address. Easiest way is to get into your router's control panel, go to the Status page and make a note of the WAN IP address there.

- While you're in the router control panel, click on the Advanced tab, then click on the Forwarding tab. In the first line of port settings set the port range to 412 ~ 412, leave protocal on Both (or check UDP and TCP - depending on your firmware), and set the IP address to the LAN IP address of the computer running DC++ (in the above example 192.168.1.2)

- In DC++ settings, General tab, select ACTIVE, enter your WAN IP address and specify the port as 412.

NOTE: Unless you're paying for a static IP your WAN IP address will change occasionally - usually only when your modem is reset, but your ISP could change it anytime. In my experience my IP has stayed the same for months on end. However when it does change, DC++ will stop working until you change the WAN IP address in DC++ accordingly.

One workaround for this is to go to http://dynu.com and setup a Dynamic DNS domain address. It's free, just select a domain name and a password (don't bother filling out the rest of the form, they don't need your mailing address). Download the Basic Client (small app that sits on your taskbar).

Then in DC++ you change the IP address to your dynu domain name. For instance mine is flyingpenguin.dynu.com

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 8:47 am

I'm using this Cisco router. There's SUPPOSE to be a web interface to change settings, but it doesn't seem to work.

I have a Static IP and I'm pretty sure I can forward ports using this Cisco Router.

And, now that I'm at it, how can I access the Linksys WAP/Built in router. I disabled the DHCP part of it, and ever since I haven't been able to access the Linksys control panel... (even with its default IP)

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 1:08 pm

Are you using the Linksys as a router, or just an AP?

If all you disabled was DHCP on the Linksys and didn't change the IP then you should still be able to browse the IP addess of the router to access the control panel.

If you're stacking the routers (the Linksys WAN jack is connected to the switch on the Cisco) then it gets tricky. You may not be able to access the Linksys from before it, only from after it (connecting to it's switch or a wireless connection).

If you just need to reset it back to factory settings, though, so you can use it somewhere else, just hold the reset button for 10 seconds and it'll go back to DHCP and the default IP.

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 7:27 pm

I have the DHCP disabled on the Linksys and I'm only using it as a SWITCH and WAP. The Modem is hooked into the switch, transferring the DSL Connection/IP's to the other computers.

I'll have to find time to look into it.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 9:19 pm

Well the modem can't be connected to the switch or it wouldn't work - you must have the modem connected to the WAN jack on one of the routers.