Lan Gaming

Hi!
Since I am new to networking stuff and want to set up a Lan Gaming session for my friends during the summer vacations I want to know:

1) which devices I need?

2) what is their purpose?

3) Will I be able to connect PS2,PS3,xbox 360,laptop with other computers and still play games seperately like PS2 to Ps2,xbox 360 to Xbox 360,PS3 to PS3?

4)How do I connect all the devices

5) How can I talk with others using microphone while gaming like telling each other about the tactics and stuff and how to stop others from using cheats.

Maximum number of players will be Twenty.

 

Ok system, here we go. You will need:
A wireless router
wireless ethernet adapters (so that your devices can interact with the router)
And I'm not sure about your consoles. Two options here:

1)I know that there is a deivce made that can plug into the wall, and transmits signal wirelessly to the same device (you need two). You run an RJ45 cable from the console to the device, then from the second device to your router.

2)Simply run a cable to your console systems.

To connect the devices:
With the wireless router, you must configure it, all routers come with a manual that is extremely easy, at least my D-Link was.
The wireless adapter is as simple as installing the device, then running the driver. They even have USB wireless adapters that are extremely simple to install. But if you don't mind going into a PC, then I think it's better to install one in a PCI slot.
The laptops have a card slot...sorry thats redundant

To answer your third question, yes I believe that PS2 PS3 XBox PC etc. should not interfere with each other.

Already basically answered your fourth...

And your fifth. When PC gaming, you can set up team speak, I'm not sure how this is done on a LAN.

Last thing, and I hope that a veteran on here will help you out with this, is that I'm not sure if a server would be required. The steps above will set up your LAN, but I'm not sure it would be game ready for 20 people.

I hope someone can follow up with this post to correct me, but that should get you started.

Good Luck!

 

How has the endeavour been? Everything going good so far?

 

I'm slightly confused by what u said Carby. I'm not real familar with the whole LAN process my self but after being deployed and doing some light LAN playing. I have not seen either use all the wireless equipment. Granted I'm sure it would be nicer but also more $. I'm only assuming that the OP is doing all this in a relatively small area. RIGHT? Maybe a couple rooms threw the house or more spread out? For the 360 all u need is a TV for each 360, ethernet cables for each and a hub to connect them all to. preforabley 10/100/1000 speed (right?) Now again I have never played with 20 people but i have played with on average 6 different Computers and 360's connected so i maybe way off base when it comes to playing with 20 people. Some one PLZ correct me if i'm wrong, i'm sure it will help me in the future as well.

 

I never use wi-fi for LANPARTIES only if there are some constraints that cannot be solved by using cable. I use routers and switches with Ethernet for LAN gaming.

 

Yeah thats what i've always seen myself. I'm not sure what switches r but i'm assuming Hubs?

 

Switches are like smart hubs

 

T10/100 Switch:

 

Looks like a Hub on steriods LOL What makes it Smarter?

 

Hub receives a packet and then sends it to each machine, whilst switch will receive the packet and then send it to the addressed machine only.

 

This will probably be a bit late for you but maybe it helps someone else.

First and one of the most important things is power. Having 20 desktops with CRT monitors, all connected to 1 or 2 wall plug with extension cords may blow up fuse(s) in normal house. Today's LCD screens definitely help with that and if some people bring in laptops - even better. Coffee makers and personal fridges add a lot to the power requirements, so they should probably be banned.

In our lanparty place we have access to industrial strength power source that can take 40 computers without a problem. Before we used it fuses used to blow like few times every day, shutting down a row of computers every time. It was funny when your computer wasnt in it...

So, check with your friends first: what kind of computers they are bringing in and about how much power they might consume. Then divide players to the wall sockets/extension cords (fuses) so that the power consumption would be about equal to all fuses.

Second thing, are you going to have internet access or pure LAN gaming? This affects the equipment you may need. For pure LAN you'll need one or more switches depending on amount of people attending and either static IP's or a dhcp server to do it automatically. If you have internet access, a cheap router will do and it acts as a dhcp also (and it can be used as dhcp without internet access too).

Switches for 20+ people arent really cheap, electricity isnt free... we collect a small attending fee to cover costs for hardware needed and electric bill, in our case also the rental fees for the place we use

In the early days we used small 5/8-port switches in every room, all connected to one main switch that had server computers too. Using windows file sharing with those resulted as horrible lag in games if someone copied files over network. Today we have two programmable 24 port HP Procurves doing that work, they weren't cheap but sure worth the money.

We also banned the use of windows file sharing and enforce use of our private DC++ server (very easy to set up actually, it can be run on someone's personal computer and then there's no need to bother with windows file sharing permissions etc. So it has two very good benefits, easy and no lag. You will very quickly find if this is necessary (latency in games go from 5 -> 1500 when someone copies a movie over the network). Back then we had to agree on file copy times and playing times

If you intend to play LAN games, most of them run best with a dedicated server machine. So have someone with 2 rather powerful computers bring the second one over and install all the dedicated servers for games there. That same pc and act as a dhcp if needed, run Ventrilo or Teamspeak servers and that DC++ if you want.

1. Switch/es, one port for every player plus a few extra (consoles, server, router). A Router. A server computer.

2. Switches to connect everything with each others. Router adds internet functionality and if it's a Wi-Fi router you'll get wireless access to the LAN for some laptops.

3. You can have any mix you wish, they dont interfere with each others (other than heavy file transfers may interfere with gaming).

4. Always when possible, use cables. Wireless is very slow compared to it. If you can afford 1Gbit switches over 100Mbit ones the better.

5. PC players usually use either Ventrilo or Teamspeak clients and server run on one PC or dedicated server machine.

Took over an hour to type this, hope this helps and feel free to ask more. There's always something I cannot remember to tell.

 

Sorry I haven't replied, I've been away for a while because my dad passed away...ok let's see here.
To TSGB and Wishmaker: No using all wireless equipment would not be good, too many collisions and too much overhead when it comes to a praty of 20+ people.
To Wishmaker: Good call on the hub rather than the switch, reps for you!!
AND KLF: Good job mate =) glad someone with LANparty experience and run with it

 

Sorry to hear your dad died, my deepest sympathies.