Disconnecting problem...

[Shaher]

Okay, I've been having this problem since I started FFXI 2 years ago, and I quit because of it. Now I'm back, and it's still going on. Hmm, maybe I should be more specific!

Okay...the "R" at the upper-right corner turns to 0 and the percentage begins dropping at intervals of 6, occasionally rising back up, but it's just drawing out the inevitable. Eventually, it hits 0, I get disconnected from the server. It takes about two minutes to get re-connected. I've avoided partying until I can get this cleared up. I played World of Warcraft during my two year hiatus, and that gave me no problems, so I'm thinking it's the way FFXI sends and recieves data. I've already e-mailed Enix, but I doubt I'll ever get an answer back. (Bleh. Corporations. )

I'm sure I can't be the only one who's had this problem. Please, if anyone's ever been through this, you know what a pain in the arse it is. Help greatly appreciated.

[Gentoo]

Re: Disconnecting problem...

I'm assuming you have a broadband connection with a router between your gaming platform and the DSL/Cable modem?

Beyond scripted answers, don't expect Square to help you out much. Does the disconnect happen with a specific action, or just randomly throughout the game?

Typically problems like this are issues with the hardware.

If you have a router/firewall, get the latest firmware, install it, and see if the problem goes away. Do the same for your DSL/Cable modem. The manual for your device(s) will discuss how to do this in good detail.

If it regularly happens when zoning, it could be a problem with your router (if you have one) being able to recycle a port going to a different server. In this case, if your using both NAT and Firewall features on your router, try turning off the firewall and seeing of the problem continues. (note, turning off your firewall is a bad idea in the long run. If it does the solve the problem, what that really tells you is that it's time to get a new router).

If it happens at random times with no clear action precipitating the disconnect, it could be the high port usage -- some older consumer grade routers and modems had issues with this (I had an old SMC that couldn't keep state on UDP ports above 60,000). If you play on a PS2, just connect it directly to your cable/dsl modem and see if the problem continues.

If being directly connected fixes the issue, you might need to set up a port/applicaton trigger and see if that helps your router from becomming confused. There's a Router and Ports settings FAQ on these forums.

If the problem continues directly connected to your modem, then it could be your modem having issues with high tcp/udp port -- or even your ISP might be filtering them. It might be time to give them a call and ask them some pointed questions about their network set-up versus he port usage of FFXI.