LEARN

Home networking, explained like you're human

Your server runs. Your friends can't get in. These guides explain why, without assuming you know what any of the acronyms mean, and with pictures where words get in the way. No sign-up, no sales pitch until the very bottom.

START HEREWhy your friends can't join your game serverThe server runs, you're in, and nobody else can connect. Here's what's actually in the way, how to tell which problem you have, and what fixes each one.7 min read

02What NAT is, explained like you're humanYour router shares one internet address between every device in your house. That trick is called NAT, and it is the reason nobody outside can reach your server.5 min read
03Port forwarding, and why it keeps not workingPort forwarding tells your router where to send traffic nobody asked for. It's the classic fix for hosting a game, and here's every reason it quietly fails.6 min read
04CGNAT: when your internet address isn't really yoursIf your ISP uses carrier-grade NAT, you share a public address with strangers and port forwarding can't work. How to check, and what you can do about it.6 min read
05Double NAT: two routers, two front desksPlug your own router into your ISP's box and you've built double NAT. Why that breaks hosting, how to spot it, and the setting that fixes it.5 min read
06How Void Sluice gets players in without opening a portYour server dials out to a relay, players join the relay, and the traffic comes back down the tunnel your server opened. What that means for you, and what it does not do.6 min read