Optimising router for IL-2

[=CfC=Bounder]

In trying to optimise my router settings for hosting I have made a few selections that may help even if you don’t host.

I recently signed up for a new connection with “up to” 6 mbs available. Although the speed is usually in the region of 5.6mbs download and 460kps upload, the quality of the connection has deteriorated at peak times. IL-2 can work very well with a 56kbs modem….in fact last night (Tuesday) I had set 56kbs in the “Net” settings as this is recommended by many posts as it then evenly distributes the bandwidth instead of giving those with a higher speed preference in packet exchange. I think that nobody suffered lag last night with six of us connected.

With a new router provided by the ISP (TP-Link TL-WR741ND) which retails at about £18, I was not expecting much in the way of being able to optimise settings for IL-2. I was wrong! Things have moved on a lot with many routers now having something called QoS which enables you to prioritise the bandwidth assigned for things like VOIP and specific ports (port 21000 for IL-2)

Although my router is a real cheapie and does not have QoS available: it does have the ability to make “rules” regarding bandwidth selection. I have therefore prioritised both the IL-2 port (21000) and also our specific TS port of 17737. What this does is allow you to select a minimum and maximum bandwidth for these services so that all other internet services take second place to these rules. These rules  can also be switched on and off very easily by accessing the router software (usualy typing 192.168.1.1 into your internet address line).

How beneficial these settings will be remains to be seen, but last night looked very promising.

Have a read through this guide to see if you can optimise your connection, it certainly helped me.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2348947,00.asp

You will also need to explore your router manual.

Bounder

[5./JG27Farber]

Take router out of the loop?   

[=CfC=Paladin]

Best router set up that I am aware of is to unplug said device and place in the cylindrical object usually located to your right on the floor ( if right handed ) being careful to cover same with bits of paper and any unnecessary plastic objects available to you. This method does require that you disavow any knowledge of why the Internet doesn't function any where else in the house.When replying to inquiries the phrases such "The dog must have eaten the cable"  or you have been forced to limit use elsewhere in the house to prevent your youngest from downloading porn are frequently useful. 

Regards
Paladin

[=CfC=Bounder]

Pulling the router is fine if you then install a third party firewall and accept that all services are going to run at the same time with no priorities.

The router as I understand it provides you with a harware firewall. I would be very reluctant to give that up.

I have to say that none of the above stuff ever occured to me until I changed ISP and opened the new software that came with the router. I can actually set times of use for WIFI login, chose "parental control" and only let my wife surf porn three times a day!

Having said that, unless you host or use VOIP (Skype) regularly you probably won't get any real advantage.

Bounder