INFO - Running RPCN Server locally on LAN using Static IP Addresses (Windows)

[dekkit]

Thanks again for all the great work undertaken on the RPCS3 and RPCN - amazing emulator!

In case anyone else needs assistance with setting up an RPCS3 based LAN at home using static IP addresses, I'd thought I'd share my notes and setup info below.

Goal

To run a couple of virtual PS3's (via RPCS3 on different PCs) connected to each other via a cross-over cable using Static IP Addresses (i.e. 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.x). With 1 x PC also running a local instance of RPCN for matchmaking/connectivity.

This was to play a couple of great PS3 racing games head-to-head without the PC's needing to be connected to the internet / connected to an internet router.

I ran into a couple of issues that resulted in network errors (e.g. the emulator will throw an np_handler error in the log if either the default gateway or DNS server have not been properly defined for the network card. This means you will not be able to join/host games - even though the local RCPN connection test within the emulator provides the 'Your Account is valid!" message).

The below settings tested fine for me.

NOTE: Make sure you allow both RPCS3 and RPCN applications to pass through your windows firewall (private / public networks)

Setup

2 x Windows 10 PCs (connected to each other using a cross-over cable), each had RPCS3 installed.
1 x Cross-over cable

PC System A settings
Make sure...

RPCS3 installed
RPCN Server installed (and is running) note the supplied rpcn.cfg has a number of features you can configure further if needed.

Network Settings

In Windows Control Panel > Network and Internet > select adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4
Manually set addresses as follows.

Use the following IP address:
Static IP Address (TCP/IPv4)
IP Address: 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1

Use the following DNS server:
Preferred DNS Server: 127.0.0.0

If you need help with obtaining certificates /setting up the RPCN Server see #108).

Connect to Local RPCN server

Within the RPCS3 Emulator...
Menu > Configuration > RPCN

Select Account
Select Add

Description = "Local RPCN Server" (or whatever you want to call it)
Host = 127.0.0.0

Make sure you then select your newly created server from the server list

Select Create Account
- provide username
- password (doesn't have to be complex)
- email address (doesn't have to be a real one - as it will not be used for this setup)
- You can leave the token blank (as it it not needed for this setup)

Select Test Account
- You should receive a message 'Your Account is valid!' 
- If you look at the RPCN server window output, you will see a few lines indicating a successful login.

Turn on RPCN Network within RPCS3 emulator

Within the RPCS3 Emulator...
Menu > Configuration > Emulator 
Under Settings > Network

Network Status = Connected
DNS = 8.8.8.8 (ie leave the default) 

PSN Status = RPCN
Country = <whatever country you want, probably best to keep same on both systems>

Note if have made custom per game settings - check to ensure you have configured the Network / RPCN settings for each game.

PC System B settings (and any other additional players)
Make sure...

RPCS3 installed

Network Settings

In Windows Control Panel > Network and Internet > select adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4
Manually set addresses as follows.

Use the following IP address:
Static IP Address (TCP/IPv4)
IP Address: 192.168.0.2  (increase this number for each additional player/system)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1

'Use the following DNS server:'
Preferred DNS Server: 127.0.0.0

Connect to other PC's RPCN server

Within the RPCS3 Emulator...
Menu > Configuration > RPCN

Select Account
Select Add

Description = "Local RPCN Server" (or whatever you want to call it)
Host = 192.168.0.1   (this must match the other PC's IP Address - PC System A)

Make sure you then select your newly created server from the server list

Select Create Account
- provide username
- password (doesn't have to be complex)
- email address (doesn't have to be a real one - as it will not be used for this setup)
- You can leave the token blank (as it it not needed for this setup)

Select Test Account
- You should receive a message 'Your Account is valid!' 
- If you look at the RPCN server window output (on the other PC System A), you will see a few lines indicating a successful login.

Turn on RPCN Network within RPCS3 emulator

Within the RPCS3 Emulator...
Menu > Configuration > Emulator 
Under Settings > Network

Network Status = Connected
DNS = 8.8.8.8 (ie leave the default) 

PSN Status = RPCN
Country = <whatever country you want, probably best to keep same on both systems>

Note if have made custom per game settings - check to ensure you have configured the Network / RPCN settings for each game.

Finally

All players on the network should now be able to host / join each others games.

[nuexzz]

And with a vpn example (radmin) has it been tested?
(utility) we are 2 players on cross cable lan and we want to add the friend (3 players) over the Internet.

[dekkit]

Can you explain your issue further? (Eg what is the network, game, any port forward attempted).

For example it might be easier for you to use the public RPCN server and enable upnp or port forwarding of at least 1x PC (try changing who hosts the game).

There is good info on the official wiki for rpcs3 if your having issues with the official.

Otherwise...a few thoughts.

If you're using Virtual Private Network software correctly (with all PCs local/ remote PC connected to virtually network via an app) and all PC can see each other (ping, firewall)

You may need to bind your custom RPCN server to listen on the network adaptor / address of your VPN address range (eg if some players cannot connect)

You may need to check the config file of your RPCN server.

There may also be network settings in each rpcs3 config to ensure its using the VPN network range.

I'm no expert, but that may help get you further along.