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SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2025 10:45 pm
by deb_user
Hi everyone!
Bit of a back story:
I'm running SoftEther VPN Server on a Debian 12 VM (Proxmox) for LAN gaming since about two years without any larger problems. All LAN games worked perfectly fine so far, except of one specific game: CoD - WaW Zombies / Coop.
The weird part:
I first tried this game back in Mai of 2024 and it worked perfectly fine. Now over a year later my friend and I wanted to play it again and... it does not work anymore. To be more precise the player who want's to join is able to see the Host in the server browser but as soon as he wants to join the message "This game session is no longer available" appears.
What changed:
Not that much honestly. Back then we've used SoftEther VPN Server v4.43. Both clients used SoftEther VPN Client v4.43. Since then I've updated the server and also client to v4.44. Other than that I've always installed / updated the packages on the server (Debian 12) and we both also always applied the various Windows updates. Back then my friend was on Windows 11, I was on Windows 10. Now we both are on the most recent versions of Windows 11.
Server configuration:
- Enabled SecureNAT with Virtual DHCP (No Default Gaetway or DNS is set)
- Disabled Virtual NAT
- No Local Bridge configured
- No specific Security Policy set for both users (already tried setting unlimitted broadcasts with no success)
- All other settings are basically the default / disabled
What I've already tried:
- As mentioned above I've set unlimitted broadcasts on both users via Security Policy
- Checked that the Virtual VPN adapter metric is set to "1" on both client systems
- Disabled SSDP on both Windows Clients
- Set up another fresh VM and tried with v4.43 of the SoftEther VPN Server, also installed v4.43 of the SoftEther CPN Client Manager for both clients
- Just to be sure: I've tried this game / mode on two pcs on my local LAN which worked perfectly fine
I've tried really hard and searched the internet for days now but I can't find a solution. Oh btw: The settings on the SoftEther Client Manager are all on default as far as I know (haven't changed anything special in there).
I'm happy to provide all important settings / screenshots of the server and / or client configs if needed. Would appreciate any help :)
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2025 3:33 am
by solo
Hi, this is an interesting case.
deb_user wrote: ↑Fri Nov 28, 2025 10:45 pm
- Just to be sure: I've tried this game / mode on two pcs on my local LAN which worked perfectly fine
Disconnect one of them from the LAN and connect via a mobile/cell hotspot, while the other connects with SE LAN address. If it still works for you, we'll focus on your friend's PC next.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2025 10:30 am
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Sat Nov 29, 2025 3:33 am
Hi, this is an interesting case.
Disconnect one of them from the LAN and connect via a mobile/cell hotspot, while the other connects with SE LAN address. If it still works for you, we'll focus on your friend's PC next.
Thank you for your response. I've already tried that with no luck. The weird thing is that if I connect both LAN pc's with SE LAN address it's the same behavior, I can see the Host (no matter who creates it) but can't connect. This tells me that it has to be something on SE / the connection itself that is blocking, either Server or Client if I'm not completely wrong.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2025 10:58 am
by solo
You have not mentioned anything about the firewalls - disable both for a test.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2025 11:32 am
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Sat Nov 29, 2025 10:58 am
You have not mentioned anything about the firewalls - disable both for a test.
Oh yes sorry I totally forgot to mention that. I already did, it was one of the first things I did on both client pc's. I'm also able to ping each other.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2025 12:17 pm
by solo
Would you be able to test it out on a Windows SE server? If you you don't have a spare PC/VM, simply install it on one of the SE client PCs and from it connect to localhost. The server's settings need to be identical to your Debian's. More info
https://www.vpnusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=68129 and
https://sites.google.com/view/softether-vpn-gaming
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2025 9:20 pm
by deb_user
Yes I was able to test according to your advice. I've set up Windows SE Server on a spare PC and imported my config from my Debian SE Server. The result sadly is exactly the same. No matter who is hosting the game, it's visible to all other VPN clients but no one is able to connect. I even tried adding a third VPN client on the Windows SE Server pc, but it's the same.
I also followed the specific steps on your provided links and changed some of the settings on my server according to them but also with no luck.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2025 1:20 am
by solo
deb_user wrote: ↑Fri Nov 28, 2025 10:45 pm
Now we both are on the most recent versions of Windows 11.
As there is no server OS issue, client OS may be the reason for old LAN games' problems. Before we start dissecting Windows 11 in this context, can you...
- re-try it on Windows 10 from eg. a VM
- check other LAN games from your collection on Windows 11
- try CMR2 on Windows 11 (it's discussed in the above link)
CMR2 was fixed by disabling SSDP, which you have already done, but this game was never run on Windows 11 back then.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2025 11:19 am
by deb_user
Alright I've got some news on this
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 1:20 am
As there is no server OS issue, client OS may be the reason for old LAN games' problems. Before we start dissecting Windows 11 in this context, can you...
- re-try it on Windows 10 from eg. a VM
Haven't done this yet but all the other suggestions you mentioned.
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 1:20 am
- check other LAN games from your collection on Windows 11
The ones I've tested work like a charm, no matter if they are from the 2000 era or newer ones. At least the ones I used to play back then.
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 1:20 am
- try CMR2 on Windows 11 (it's discussed in the above link)
Installed the most recent version of Collin McRae Rally 2.0 including the "SilentPatch" on both Win11 client PC's and set compatibility mode on cmr2.exe to WinXP-SP3 on both PC's. One client is on the same local network as the Debian SE Server runs, so I connected via LAN IP from SE Client, the other one is connected via mobile hotspot to simulate being "external". And it works flawlessly without doing anything special, both clients are able to host and join a game.
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 1:20 am
CMR2 was fixed by disabling SSDP, which you have already done, but this game was never run on Windows 11 back then.
It was not necessary to disable it, SSDP service is still running on both Win11 PC's.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2025 12:42 pm
by solo
deb_user wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 11:19 am
It was not necessary to disable it, SSDP service is still running on both Win11 PC's.
It would be necessary to disable SSDP when UPnP is offered from a router.
I'll check CoD-BO on my W11 PCs, not sure if 'zombie' co-op mode is there though. Also my W11s are heavily optimized for max efficiency and the test may be inconclusive. For example I could not reproduce the CMR2 problem on my setup because I never allow SSDP service. The issue was revealed when the OP provided MS Network Monitor's packet logs for examination. Here you can clearly see CMR2 'deviating' from the VPN net into LAN and consequently failing...
.
SSDP.png
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2025 2:00 pm
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 12:42 pm
It would be necessary to disable SSDP when UPnP is offered from a router.
UPnP is disable on my router (pfSense).
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 12:42 pm
I'll check CoD-BO on my W11 PCs, not sure if 'zombie' co-op mode is there though.
As far as I know there's no real LAN mode in CoD-BO, tho there's a zombie co-op mode.
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 12:42 pm
Also my W11s are heavily optimized for max efficiency and the test may be inconclusive. For example I could not reproduce the CMR2 problem on my setup because I never allow SSDP service. The issue was revealed when the OP provided MS Network Monitor's packet logs for examination. Here you can clearly see CMR2 'deviating' from the VPN net into LAN and consequently failing...
.
SSDP.png
As mentioned above I also wasn't facing the issue with SSDP on CMR2, it worked perfectly fine without disabling it. So I don't exactly know why others had this problem but it isn't there in my case.
I remember that I've read something that CoD-WaW zomboies / co-op mode uses SessionID's to connect, but I'm not 100% sure and idk if this makes any difference. Still strange that it worked last year and every other game I've tested works as well, including CMR2 which seems to have made problems on other ppls configurations.
How can I check which source goes to which destination as your screenshot shows?
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2025 2:11 pm
by solo
- install Microsoft Network Monitor 3.4 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downloa ... px?id=4865
- reboot
- run Microsoft Network Monitor
- select all net interfaces/networks (if not selected already)
- click on "new capture"
- click "start"
- run the game, start hosting and try to play with a guest
- click "stop"
- check the log
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2025 9:01 pm
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 2:11 pm
- install Microsoft Network Monitor 3.4 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downloa ... px?id=4865
- reboot
- run Microsoft Network Monitor
- select all net interfaces/networks (if not selected already)
- click on "new capture"
- click "start"
- run the game, start hosting and try to play with a guest
- click "stop"
- check the log
Thank you! I'll debug later and report back my findings asap.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2025 2:57 am
by solo
Great, while waiting for your net packets observations let's clarify the CMR2 on SSDP issue.
deb_user wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 2:00 pm
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 12:42 pm
It would be necessary to disable SSDP when UPnP is offered from a router.
UPnP is disable on my router (pfSense).
...
I also wasn't facing the issue with SSDP on CMR2, it worked perfectly fine without disabling it. So I don't exactly know why others had this problem but it isn't there in my case.
Well, re-read your post, can you see the contradiction? SSDP depends on UPnP, so disabling any of them makes CMR2 work and it's no wonder that "it worked perfectly fine" for you.
CoD-BO Zombies on LAN is not easy as it tries to contact a server on the internet first. I'll get CoD-WaW co-op soon.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2025 1:12 pm
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 01, 2025 2:57 am
Great, while waiting for your net packets observations let's clarify the CMR2 on SSDP issue.
deb_user wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 2:00 pm
solo wrote: ↑Sun Nov 30, 2025 12:42 pm
It would be necessary to disable SSDP when UPnP is offered from a router.
UPnP is disable on my router (pfSense).
...
I also wasn't facing the issue with SSDP on CMR2, it worked perfectly fine without disabling it. So I don't exactly know why others had this problem but it isn't there in my case.
Well, re-read your post, can you see the contradiction? SSDP depends on UPnP, so disabling any of them makes CMR2 work and it's no wonder that "it worked perfectly fine" for you.
Aah yeah got it, sorry I phrased it a bit strangely. Tho one thing isn't clear to me: Why does the game in LAN mode depend on UPnP?
solo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 01, 2025 2:57 am
CoD-BO Zombies on LAN is not easy as it tries to contact a server on the internet first. I'll get CoD-WaW co-op soon.
That's what I also found about playing CoD-BO Zombies on LAN. Alright that would be awesome if you could check it out by yourself and maybe there's something I'm just missing.
I do have the logs form Microsoft Network Monitor. This is the protocol when hosting a lobby and it looks exactly the same, no matter if I'm connected to the VPN (Subnet: 10.20.30.1) or just hosting in LAN (Subnet: 192.168.1.1). Looks like it does not bind to the correct IP, tho why I'm then able to see the host?
CoDWaW_Host.png
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2025 11:49 pm
by solo
Hold on, why is dem-onw-are there? Haven't you applied the LAN Fixed patch?
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 6:44 am
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 01, 2025 11:49 pm
Hold on, why is dem-onw-are there? Haven't you applied the LAN Fixed patch?
That's a good question. Yes I have applied the LAN fix patch.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 10:43 am
by solo
deb_user wrote: ↑Fri Nov 28, 2025 10:45 pm
- Just to be sure: I've tried this game / mode on two pcs on my local LAN which worked perfectly fine
Please make another test in this non-VPN, LAN-only mode but disconnect the internet from your router. Can you still play it normally?
If not, then for VPN play you need to enable DG/DNS and vNAT in SecureNAT (default settings). Microsoft Network Monitor says so :-)
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 7:42 pm
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 02, 2025 10:43 am
Please make another test in this non-VPN, LAN-only mode but disconnect the internet from your router. Can you still play it normally?
If not, then for VPN play you need to enable DG/DNS and vNAT in SecureNAT (default settings). Microsoft Network Monitor says so :-)
I can't just disconnect internet from my router because of my server, but I did add a fw rule on my pfSense to block all IPv4 and IPv6 traffic to go outside of the LAN for the two PC's. And I'm still able to play in LAN co-op, tho the game loads a lot longer trying to connect to a server. First it says: "Retrieving accounts information..." for about 10 seconds and then it says "Online Service Error - Can not connect to Online Service". I can click "Ok" and then I'm in the main menu of the game and can host and / or join a LAN session.
This is what the Microsoft Network Monitor has logged:
CoDWaW_Host_NoInternet.png
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 11:48 pm
by solo
OK, keep blocking "Subnet: 192.168.1.1" and also block "Subnet: 10.20.30.1" then try it on VPN. Blocking with the exception of WAN VPN traffic of course. Alternatively check what happens when only IP of the URL we see in MS NM is blocked.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2025 7:34 pm
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 02, 2025 11:48 pm
OK, keep blocking "Subnet: 192.168.1.1" and also block "Subnet: 10.20.30.1" then try it on VPN. Blocking with the exception of WAN VPN traffic of course. Alternatively check what happens when only IP of the URL we see in MS NM is blocked.
Alright I've tried your suggestions:
- Blocking my LAN subnet and also the VPN subnet didn't change much. The output of MS NM still looks kinda the same and connecting via VPN behaves the same - I'm able to see the game host but can't connect.
- Blocking the IP of the dem... - URL leads to the loading / trying to connect to online services delay when starting the game. Also MS NM does not log anything about the CoD Lanfix exe this way.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2025 8:16 pm
by solo
I see. Apart from the patch, is it v1.7.1263, v1.6.1252 or something else?
Also, to finalize all easy tests please "enable DG/DNS and vNAT in SecureNAT (default settings)" and try it on VPN.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2025 7:28 am
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Wed Dec 03, 2025 8:16 pm
I see. Apart from the patch, is it v1.7.1263, v1.6.1252 or something else?
Yes it's updated to v1.7.1263 and then applied the LAN fix.
solo wrote: ↑Wed Dec 03, 2025 8:16 pm
Also, to finalize all easy tests please "
enable DG/DNS and vNAT in SecureNAT (default settings)" and try it on VPN.
I'll try that later when I'm back home. What should I put in as DG and DNS address there?
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2025 8:30 am
by solo
The defaults...
.
SecureNAT-defaults.png
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2025 10:02 am
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Thu Dec 04, 2025 8:30 am
The defaults...
.
SecureNAT-defaults.png
Sorry for the late reply and thank you for the screenshot. This is what I got now:
.
CoDWaW_vNAT-DG-DNS.png
CoDWaW_MNM-vNAT-DG-DNS.png
.
The behavior is still the same tho, the client is able to see the host but can't join.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2025 1:27 pm
by solo
This may be another case of "it works for me", lol.
Let's sync our files first as I noticed various v1.7 versions.
- CoDWaW LanFixed.exe CRC32=17C435B2 (guest) [CoDWaW LanFixed 1.7.rar]
- CoDWaWmp.exe CRC32=92CDECF8 (host) [COD_WAW_PRIVATE_SERVER_PATCH_1.7.rar]
Next, use an off-LAN VPN server for a test from
http://www.packetix.net/en/vpn/ and set it up as follows...
.
packetix-hub.png
Your PCs will have this VPN routing...
Code: Select all
Active Routes:
Network Destination Netmask Gateway Interface Metric
0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.30.1 192.168.30.10 2
127.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 On-link 127.0.0.1 306
127.0.0.1 255.255.255.255 On-link 127.0.0.1 306
127.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 On-link 127.0.0.1 306
130.158.6.70 255.255.255.255 192.168.8.1 192.168.8.115 25
130.158.6.116 255.255.255.255 192.168.8.1 192.168.8.115 25
192.168.8.0 255.255.255.0 On-link 192.168.8.115 281
192.168.8.1 255.255.255.255 On-link 192.168.8.115 281
The ping is horrible because of a huge distance to JP server but it's irrelevant for this test.
Pinging 192.168.30.11 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.30.11: bytes=32 time=1219ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.30.11: bytes=32 time=479ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.30.11: bytes=32 time=601ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.30.11: bytes=32 time=502ms TTL=128
MS NM logs similar traffic to yours but with endless "negotiating" due to the DG to nowhere. However the real VPN traffic is logged as "Unknown" on UDP.
.
Traffic-Unknown-UDP.png
Everything just works in this configuration.
.
ss-guest.jpg
.
ss-host.jpg
.
ss-game-on.jpg
(Please do not quote my entire post - there is a "Post Reply" button at the very bottom for a plain reply :-)
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2025 6:37 pm
by deb_user
First, thank you very much for getting the game and trying out on your side.
Okay now first things first:
- CoDWaW LanFixed.exe CRC32 is exactly the same on my file. Tho I'm using it on both clients.
- CoDWaWmp.exe - I don't use the private server patch file beacuse it's only used for the MP and not the Co-op / Zombies. Tho MP works perfectly fine for me.
Now I've created a server / virtual hub as you suggested with the config you mentioned and connected both clients to it (Client 2 over my mobile phone hotspot so that both clients are truly separated).
My entire IPv4 routing-table looks as follows:
Code: Select all
Aktive Routen:
Netzwerkziel Netzwerkmaske Gateway Schnittstelle Metrik
0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.30.1 192.168.30.10 2
127.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 Auf Verbindung 127.0.0.1 331
127.0.0.1 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 127.0.0.1 331
127.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 127.0.0.1 331
130.158.6.70 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.10 20
130.158.6.106 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.10 20
172.26.32.0 255.255.240.0 Auf Verbindung 172.26.32.1 271
172.26.32.1 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 172.26.32.1 271
172.26.47.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 172.26.32.1 271
192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 Auf Verbindung 192.168.1.10 276
192.168.1.10 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 192.168.1.10 276
192.168.1.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 192.168.1.10 276
192.168.30.0 255.255.255.0 Auf Verbindung 192.168.30.10 257
192.168.30.10 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 192.168.30.10 257
192.168.30.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 192.168.30.10 257
224.0.0.0 240.0.0.0 Auf Verbindung 127.0.0.1 331
224.0.0.0 240.0.0.0 Auf Verbindung 192.168.30.10 257
224.0.0.0 240.0.0.0 Auf Verbindung 192.168.1.10 276
224.0.0.0 240.0.0.0 Auf Verbindung 172.26.32.1 271
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 127.0.0.1 331
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 192.168.30.10 257
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 192.168.1.10 276
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 Auf Verbindung 172.26.32.1 271
Ping also works (if the windows firewall is disabled on the destination client). And yes it's quite slow.
Code: Select all
Ping wird ausgeführt für 192.168.30.11 mit 32 Bytes Daten:
Antwort von 192.168.30.11: Bytes=32 Zeit=667ms TTL=128
Antwort von 192.168.30.11: Bytes=32 Zeit=600ms TTL=128
Antwort von 192.168.30.11: Bytes=32 Zeit=731ms TTL=128
Antwort von 192.168.30.11: Bytes=32 Zeit=654ms TTL=128
First thing I've noticed was that both clients now take some time when the game has been started to show the main menu because they are trying to connect to online services (as already mentioned in a prior post).
The behaviour is still the same in the end, no matter who creates a host in game, the other client is able to see it but can't connect to it. I've also disabled the Windows firewall on both clients just to be sure while testing.
This is what I've got in the MNM for the CoDWaW LanFixed.exe
mnm_jp_hub.png
And this is what I see under "unknown" (related to the VPN IP)
mnm_jp_hub_unk1.png
mnm_jp_hub_unk2.png
I haven't configured anything special on the vpn server / hub, just created the hub and endable SecureNAT with the settings you've provided. Everything else is left at default.
Do you have the just installe the latest Steam build and added the CoDWaW LanFixed.exe?
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2025 2:17 am
by solo
deb_user wrote: ↑Sat Dec 06, 2025 6:37 pm
- CoDWaW LanFixed.exe CRC32 is exactly the same on my file. Tho I'm using it on both clients.
NEIN! Only a guest-client needs it and when I try your approach I get your [non]results.
Before you ask, I start a host with the original CoDWaW.exe CRC32=EADCA70A
.
shot0006.jpg
shot0012.jpg
shot0017.jpg
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2025 3:58 pm
by deb_user
You're right, only the clients (non-host) need the LanFix. Although in LAN it works even when the host uses the LanFix
LAN only
- Everyone uses the LanFix -> Works
- Only clients uses the LanFix -> Works
- Clients not using the LanFix -> Doesn't work, they get kicked out while loading
Now I've already mentioned that the CRC32 hash on my LanFix matches with yours. But the CRC32 hash of the CoDWaW.exe does not match. Are you using the Retail version or the Steam one?
By trying my approach and getting my [non]results do you mean when both host and client uses the LanFix you get the error with "Game session no longer availeble..." ?
Did you change something on the security policy for the users?
I've now tried on 3 different pc's where one is always connected to my mobile hotspot to have them completely separated. Just to be sure it definitely will not be a VPN issue, would it be possible to try with yourt test-VPN? Perhaps it's also a problem with the .exe file, tho it works on LAN so I don't think this is the case here.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 7:45 am
by solo
It's the retail version and with LanFix running on both PCs, a guest can not find game host at all, although I tried it once from one direction only. No change in the security policy but I changed Windows 11 to 7 because of game GUI glitches and crashes. On W11 it was almost unusable before any LAN or VPN connection attempt. As for VPN concerns, SE in this mode is L2 and everything simply has to work. Finally, before the next VPN test, delete C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Activision\CoDWaW - or wherever your user profiles are saved.
Re: SecureNAT VPN for LAN gaming - Connection issues
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:36 am
by deb_user
solo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 7:45 am
It's the retail version and with LanFix running on both PCs, a guest can not find game host at all, although I tried it once from one direction only.
Alright, I'm also using the retail version and installed all updates up to 1.7. Strange that we have different CRC32 checksum on the CoDWaW.exe. And also strange that your guest can't find any game with LanFix running, finding the host game works for me no matter if I'm on LAN or VPN and LAN play works perfectly that way.
solo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 7:45 am
No change in the security policy but I changed Windows 11 to 7 because of game GUI glitches and crashes. On W11 it was almost unusable before any LAN or VPN connection attempt.
Also strange because the game works without any issues on all 3 of my Win11 machines.
solo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 7:45 am
As for VPN concerns, SE in this mode is L2 and everything simply has to work. Finally, before the next VPN test, delete C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Activision\CoDWaW - or wherever your user profiles are saved.
That's what I also thought because every other game just works perfectly fine in VPN. I've already deleted that folder on all 3 machines but still no luck. And as I said in the beginning of this thread, it used to work before, tho every pc was on Win10 back then.
So is it possible that this could be a very specific Win11 issue, where just this game has some issues playing over VPN but not in LAN? Another thing could be that it's a problem using a mobile hotspot on one client, tho other games work that way as well.
Or is there anything saved in the Windows registry for this game that leads to this problem? I don't think it's my Router / FIrewall (pfSense) because the SE Server TCP port is open and clients are able to connect.