Those of you who are familiar with XBConnect (a free online gaming service similar to that of Xbox Live) should already have an idea of how to setup a game as host, but if you don’t, Shaby has compiled a great tutorial showing just that. You will learn how to utilize a D-Link router as a host on XBConnect complete with screenshots. If you own another brand of router this article may possibly help you work through its settings as well.

Finding Your IP Address

To find your IP address (Windows XP) on your desktop go to “Start”, “Control Panel”. Click on “Network and Internet Connections”, “Network Connections”, and open “Local Area Connection” (LAN). Go to the “Support” tab. There is your IP address! For other Microsoft Computers it should be similar, but if you want for help on finding your IP address.

 

 

Opening Your Router’s Control Panel

 

First off, open Internet Explorer, and in the address box type your IP address. It is most likely “192.168.0.1″ (without quotes). Now a box should pop up. Go ahead and enter your username and password. If you have not ever changed your name or password manualy, type “admin” in the username box and leave the password box empty. Click “Ok”.

 

 

 

Configuring The Virtual Server

 

Now that you are in the router, click on the “Advanced” button.

 

 

 

Then make sure that the highlighted box is “Virtual Server”.

 

 

 

Now check in the bubbles for “Enabled” and “Always”. You can name it what ever you want
but I would recommend naming it “XBC”. Enter your IP address in the Private IP box. Make
sure you have “both” selected in the Protocol Type. In the Private and Public Port boxes
put “8602″. Now click “Apply”.