Network Troubleshooting

Owned by John Gregory, created
Last updated: Feb 25, 2022 by Derek Batting
4 min read

Problem

Your Fantasy Grounds Unity application has a network issue, such as:

  • GM and Player instances unable to connect to each other

  • Data not being shared between GM and Player instances (such as maps).

Solution

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to network issues; as networks are complex technologies with many moving parts. This article will attempt to make suggestions to work through most common to least common scenarios that we’ve seen.

When this document refers to GM, it is referring to the person and machine that is hosting the session when encountering the problem. When referring to Player, it is the person and machine connecting to the session when the problem is encountered.

Step 1 - Ensure Correct Join Campaign Settings

If the GM is running a Cloud mode game, then the Player should be using the Join Cloud Game section of the Join Campaign option in the launch screen to search for the GM’s Fantasy Grounds user name (same as forums name).

If the GM is running a LAN game, then the Player should be using the Join LAN Game section of the Join Campaign part of the launch screen to enter the IP address provided to the GM. Please note that GM’s running LAN games are responsible for their own network configuration to allow players to access their games from the Internet (using port forwarding or other solutions).

Step 2 - Check Security Software

On both GM and Player machines, check to make sure the operating system firewall (such as Windows Defender) or any other third party security software installed (such as Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc.) are set up to make sure that Fantasy Grounds is allowed full access.

  • Ensure that FantasyGrounds.exe and FGUpdaterEngine.exe have full rights to execute as well as access the Internet.

  • Do not assume that it is set up correctly. Always double-check to make sure that the FG applications have specific exceptions.

Third party security software could include:

  • Firewalls

  • Antivirus

  • Ad Blockers

  • Parental Controls

For more information about whitelisting Fantasy Grounds in antivirus applications, see the following help article:

Some of these security settings may also be found on the user’s router, so check with whomever set up your Internet router to see if any of these are enabled there.

Step 3 - Log Gathering

Please use the Compile Logs feature in the Fantasy Grounds console to gather the logs on both the GM and Player machines right after the connection fails, or the data doesn’t transfer.

To access the console while in launch/connect screens, click the button with three lines on the upper left of those screens. To access the console while in game screen, just type “/console” into the chat entry area. Once the console is open, click the “Compile Logs” button to pull all the logs.

NOTE: Restarting Fantasy Grounds will reset the logs, so always get the logs right after any issue occurs. One previous session of logs is also included as well.

Step 4 - Basic Connectivity Checks

Test basic connectivity with other machines to see if they encounter any networking issues. Our support team can help you run these tests, if you need.

  • Have other players connect to GM game.

  • Have GM connect to another GM’s game.

  • Have Player connect to another GM’s game.

  • If possible, please have the GM or Player try hosting or connecting from another machine on same network.

For any of these scenarios that generate any more network issues, please gather the logs as noted in Step 2.

Step 5 - VPN Usage Check

Check both the GM and Player machines to see if either machine is running a VPN. Unless the VPN is the only mechanism to connect (such as due to country restrictions), try disabling any VPNs running on both the GM and Player machines, and try again.

Step 6 - Wireless vs. Wired Connections

Due to the nature of networking, using wireless networking in crowded scenarios can create very slow performance, as well as the potential for bad hardware.

  • If using a wireless connection, try again with a wired connection.

  • If unable to try a wired connection, move as close as possible to the wireless access point.

  • If using a wired connection, try another network cable.

Step 7 - Check Network Performance

Check the performance of the Internet connection for each machine, as well as the network performance between the machines.

Step 8 - ISP Analysis

Sometimes, the problem is related to the performance or features of your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

  • Internet Outages

  • Account Security Features

    • Some providers have started offering “Advanced Security” features on user accounts in the last several years that can only be managed from your online account access. Verify whether this feature is enabled or not; and try disabling or specifically allowing specific connections for each user you want to connect with. Note, as of the last we knew, these allowances only last for 30 days.

Step 9 - Everything Else

  • Network Topology

    • Do you have more than one router configured on your network?

    • Do you have more than one access point set up on your network that are using the same network name?

    • Use wireless network performance tools to analyze throughput and interference on your network.

  • Router Settings

    • Turn off Quality of Service settings

    • Check for extra security options

      • IDS/IPS firewalls

      • Exfiltration protection

      • Ad or image filtering

      • Parental controls

  • Recent Changes

    • Have there been any recent updates to the operating system or specific drivers?

    • Can you try an alternate machine?

    • Can you try another network port on your machine?

  • Development

    • Are you running any VMs that have registered virtual network interfaces? If so, please disable, and try again.