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| What is D3DSN? |
| D3DSN stands for Descent 3 Dedicated Server Network. The D3DSN provides Server On Demand capabilities to dedicated server operators that would be normally unable to run a stand alone Server on Demand. |
| What is the D3DSN client software? |
| The D3DSN client software is for D3 Server Ops to download and install on machines running Descent 3 dedicated servers. This client piece allows the operator to connect their server to the network. |
| What is RefServ? |
RefServ is part of the D3DSN client software. It is, essentially, an automated referee, being able to start coordinated games when everyone is ready, and run Descent 3 servers in ways that you cannot run them without RefServ. For example, it is permissible to just run one level out of a large mission set over and over, or run the levels in any order. It also allows for play between periods, where you may play in different levels for each period of the game.
RefServ is not planned on being implemented until the 2.0 release. |
| What requirements are there to install the D3DSN software? |
First of all, it is highly recommended you have a decent connection before trying to run the D3DSN software. Don't expect to be able to host reliable servers on a 56K dialup connection. Just like hosting independent dedicated servers, you will need cable, DSL with a good upstream, a T1, or a similarly stable and fast line.
Second of all, you must have the Microsoft .NET framework installed on your computer to run. If you regularly use Windows Update, you already have this software. If not, visit Windows Update to download the framework. The reason the framework is required is that D3DSN takes advantage of some of the more advanced features of the .NET framework when talking to the D3DSN server.
Finally, you must have Descent 3 installed and patched to the latest version. Check the offical Descent 3 website for the latest patch.
Once you meet these requirements, you are ready to install the D3DSN software from our downloads page. |
| What ports does D3DSN use? |
Some server ops run their servers from behind a firewall. Thus, it is important for them to know which ports to open up in order for D3DSN to be functional.
There are three types of ports used by D3DSN.
Web Service - The method that D3DSN uses to communicate with the server is via the standard HTTP port 80. If you can surf the web, D3DSN will be able to communicate with the server.
Descent 3 Game Ports - Each Descent 3 dedicated server must accept incoming connections via a different port. There are up to 100 different ports D3DSN will try. By default, these ports are 9400 to 9499. However, this range can be configured within D3DSN. To do so, click on the D3DSN menu and select Set Server Ports. You will then be able to change your port range. If you are uncomfortable opening up 100 ports for D3DSN, you do not have to! For example, if you only anticipate running 5 servers at a time and you want to run them on ports 2093 to 2097, change the default port range to 2093 to 2192, and then only open up 2093 through 2097.
Server Tracker Ports - Within D3DSN, there is an option to advertise your server to server trackers. Currently, the supported trackers are Gamespy, Kali, and Descent.cx. These ports run from 20143 to 20242 and correspond with the same ports used by the Descent 3 game ports. For example, D3 port 9400 will listen on 20143, 9401 will listen on 20144, etc. Again, you only need to open up the ports you will use.
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| How do I report bugs in the software? |
| If you encounter an error, something not working the way it is supposed to, or just a general annoyance in the software, write me at roncli@roncli.com. I will begin constructing a beg report list, and fix bugs based on the reports I receive. |
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