IPX/PPP Network Gaming

Multiplayer gaming over the 'net



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Get Kahn for DOS configured for U of W server ��(sorry, UW students only).
Kahn v1.2 has just been released! Read what new features are in this version.

Ever wanted to play Doom with some friends but don't have a LAN? Think you're good enough to take on people around the globe in a friendly game of Warcraft II? Wanted to kick some butt and can't find anyone worthy? Now you can!
Yep, it is possible to play any game that supports the IPX protocol over the 'net, with the help of a clever app. like Kahn or Kali and internet access (of course).

What does it do?
Both Kahn and Kali simulate the IPX protocol over a PPP/SLIP dial-up connection. Your computer is fooled into thinking that it is connected to an IPX network, while it is actually connected to the 'net via PPP/SLIP dial-up/modem.

The IPX protocol is commonly used in local area networks (LANs). So in order to play any game that supported IPX, you needed a computer that was attached to a LAN. With Kahn et al, multiplayer games can now be playable over the internet, no longer restricted to local area network play.

What you need?
In addition to Kahn or Kali, you'll also need a fast modem; preferrably 14.4 baud or higher (28.8+ baud, recommended for > 4 player games, though ISDN or T3 is preferred :-), a PPP (or SLIP or equivalent emulator) stack, network driver: LSL.COM (NetWare) and an account with PPP/SLIP dial-up access.

What else?
There are other packages like Kahn/Kali available, but it's beyond the scope of this page. We will focus primarily on Kahn here. For more information on multiplayer gaming and games on the 'net, check out;


Multiplayer Games & Simulations
This is a very detailed site with many links and current software. Definitely recommended!

Connect it!
Depending on what o/s your computer is running, you will need a PPP stack that is compatible with it. You can also use the SLIP protocol, SLiRP, or TIA drivers.

For DOS users; Klos Technologies supplies a shareware PPP package called PPPSHARE.EXE which is quite easy to get up and running.
Note: this package has an expiry date/time lockout, after which will render the PPP stack inoperable. You'll then need to obtain the latest version.

Another PPP stack; from Merit Network Inc. called EtherPPP has a little more involved setup process than with Klos' implementation. However, does not come with any sort of time lock and can be used without any hassle. You can also get it here. Zipped file; approx. 46K in size.

Windows 3.x based PPP/SLIP packages like Trumpet Winsock will not work with the DOS version of Kahn. Use a DOS-based PPP/SLIP stack and Kahn for DOS, since there is currently no Win3.x version.

Windows 95 users can obtain Kahn for Win95, and use the built-in PPP stack supplied with Win95. If desired, Kahn for DOS can be used, but only in conjuction with any DOS-based PPP/SLIP stack mentioned above.
Note: the Win95 version of Kahn, does expire within 30 days of installation, after which you will have to register your copy.

New version update: the new version of Kahn (v1.0 for Win95); Win95 users must use IRC or similiar to communicate with Kahn for DOS users, because Kahn Chat (included in Kahn v1.0 for Win95) is incompatible with the old PCON. Win95 users may wish to use PCON instead to chat with Kahn for DOS users.

Get it!
A copy of Kahn for DOS with EtherPPP and IPCatch v1.31 configured for UWnet can be obtained here. Self extracting; approx. 216K in size.

Note: This version (v0.99 beta) is not compatible with the new Kahn v1.0 server software. It will be a while before all Kahn server sites switch over to v1.0, so v0.99 beta is still heavily used. You may want to download Kahn v1.0 in the future. For now v0.99 beta will still work fine, until it becomes phased out.

Updated package containing Kahn v1.0 for UWNet can be downloaded here. Self extracting; approx. 168K in size.

Disclaimer: I will not accept any responsibilities regarding any direct or indirect damages or inconveniences resulting from transfer, storage or use of any files retrieved from this site.
The above mentioned archive, is configured to work with one particular network setup (U of W) and may not work with others. You will need to obtain the original software for further information in configuring for use on other networks/access providers.

Getting started
A sample of the included documentation found in the archive is detailed below. Refer to student dial-up access guide for IP addresses and other network info.


-Unarchive the files into a new directory.

The files included should be;
(files that need changes are marked with a '*')

     CONFIG.PPP   -configuration file for EtherPPP
    *DIAL.PPP     -add dial-up number, your username and password
    *GO.BAT       -change com port, baud rate for your modem
     IPCATCH.DOC  -manual for IPCatch
     IPCATCH.EXE  -ip address redirector
    *KAHN.CFG     -add your nickname & email address here
     KAHN.EXE     -multiplayer connection client
     KAHN.FAQ     -misc. info on Kahn
     KAHNREAD.ME  -manual for Kahn
     LSL.COM      -network driver, Link Support Layer
     NET.CFG      -network profiles, defaults should work
    *PCON.CFG     -add your nickname to this file (same as in KAHN.CFG)
     PCON.EXE     -players chat program
     PCON.TXT     -manual for PCON
     PPP.EXE      -EtherPPP PPP stack
     PPPMENU.EXE  -utility to change NET.CFG settings
     PPPREAD.ME   -manual for EtherPPP
     TERMIN.COM   -unloads PPP and hangs-up dial connection
     UNLOAD.BAT   -batch file to unload drivers from memory


-Use a text editor to edit GO.BAT and modify ppp line to work with
your modem. Change to match your modem's com port and speed. Refer to
PPPREAD.ME for more details.

--------------example of GO.BAT--------------------------------
:start
lsl
ppp /c2 /h1 /s57600 /d script /f1 /t90 | ipcatch -s "IP address set to" -g -f kahn.cfg

   /c ?  :specifies the com port used by the modem
   /h1   :hardware compression enabled; if the modem uses
          software compression (RPI, Winmodem), set to /h0
   /s ?  :sets the speed (baud rate) of the modem
   /t    :connection timeout (in seconds)

ipcatch program enters dynamic ip address to KAHN.CFG file.
---------------------------------------------------------------


-Edit the file KAHN.CFG to enter your desired nickname, and e-mail 
address so that other players will know who you are. The value
"my_ip =" is automatically replaced by ipcatch, there is no need to
manually configure it.

--------------example of KAHN.CFG------------------------------
nickname   Your Nickname
compress   yes
ppp        yes
email      Your Email Address
my_ip   = 0.0.0.0      -- automatically changed by IPCatch
netmask = 255.255.255.0
gateway = 142.132.55.1   -- these already set for UofW server
---------------------------------------------------------------


-Also edit DIAL.PPP, to enter the phone number of the (local ISP) 
server to connect to, your user name and password. You may need to
modify the modem initialization string.

--------------example of DIAL.PPP------------------------------
send "atz\r"
recv 3000 "OK\r\n"
send "at&F&C1&D2S0=0\r"
recv 3000 "OK\r\n"
send "atdt7844690\r"   -- phone number of dial-up server
recv 25000 "CONNECT"
recv 60000 "name:"
send "Your Username\r"
recv 60000 "word:"
send "Your Password\r"
recv 60000 "menu"
send "2\r"
---------------------------------------------------------------


-You may need to configure NET.CFG to your modem port (com port)
and speed (baud).

--------------example of NET.CFG-------------------------------
LINK SUPPORT
        BUFFERS 4 1504
        MEMPOOL 8192

LINK DRIVER PPP
        CONFIGURATION "Current"
        FRAME PPP
        PORT COM2     -- port which your modem is using; com1/com2
        BAUD 115,200    -- speed of modem; baud rate may vary
        FLOW CONTROL HARDWARE
---------------------------------------------------------------


-Lastly edit PCON.CFG to put in your nickname chosen in KAHN.CFG

--------------example of PCON.CFG------------------------------
;General
Nickname=Your Nickname
Channel=#kahn
ByeMessage=Leaving
---------------------------------------------------------------


-To configure your network profile NET.CFG you can use the 
PPPMENU.EXE utility to change settings. The default settings in 
NET.CFG will often work, PPPMENU.EXE is provided just in case.

Only if you encounter some problems like slow connection or game 
freezing, should you need to check your NET.CFG. Run PPPMENU and 
choose "Current" profile. Any changes needed might fall under;

   "Port" select "I/O Port" to match that of your modem's com port.

   "Baud Rate" should be set to the highest possible for your modem.

   "LCP Parameters" to change "Maximum Receive Unit"

The default value is 1500, but this varies with each service 
provider. Some adjustment maybe needed to find which value best 
suits your dial-up connection.

   "IP Parameters" and select "Enable Protocol IP"

   "Header Compression (VJ Compression)" should be "Disabled"

   "IP Address" should be left blank, 0.0.0.0

   "IPX Parameters" and select "Enable Protocol IPX"

   "Header Compression (CIPX)" should be "Disabled"


-Contact all the people who will be playing with you. Decide on which
Kahn server you all should connect to, or what subnet address and 
password (to isolate your party's connections from other Kahn users).

Info on subnets can be found in the KAHNREAD.ME faq. Kahn servers can 
also be listed at http://www.stargatenetworks.com  (Kahn website)


-Use GO.BAT to load network drivers, dial-up and start Kahn client.


-You will need to find and logon to the Kahn server, that all the 
players in your party have agreed on connecting to. Type kahn /? for help.


-Use PCON.EXE chat program to communicate last minute information to
each other before starting the game. Refer to PCON.TXT for more info.


-Exit PCON and start your network game, using the IPX network options
of your game.


-After playing, logout and hang-up connection with UNLOAD.BAT

Check with the Kahn Website for more details. Enjoy!



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