Unable to game online with USB tethered 4G

Shashman · 4 Apr 2019 at 13:59

(I posted this thread in the PC Games section but it was recommended that I post it here too)

I'm between broadband providers and have to wait for a week until new connection is set up, so in the meantime I thought I'd tether my OnePlus 6T to the PC.

I ran Speedtest and amazingly, I get something ridiculous like 180mb down and 55mb up with 20ms ping (compared to 17 down, 1 up and 25ms with my old Sky Unlimited). Streamed a documentary on All4 fine, watched a Youtube video, did your usual every day browsing, absolutely no sweat.

Went to launch ArmA 3 for a quick game with a mate, but no joy. Server browser is empty and can't direct connect to mate's server. I got a pop up messaging about port forwarding but I'm afraid to say, I know SFA about networking.

Can anyone help? TIA :cool:

Here's a link to the original thread so you can see what's been suggested/tried so far

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/unable-to-game-online-with-usb-tethered-4g.18851556/

zipp0r · 4 Apr 2019 at 18:26

instead of tethering, use the mobile hotspot function on the phone and connect to it over wireless. games worked no problem(except crap ping) for me on t-mobile(ee)

Shashman · 4 Apr 2019 at 19:40

I don't have a wifi adapter for PC

Shashman · 4 Apr 2019 at 19:42

Just got off the phone to EE tech support and the lady was lovely, but clueless.
She suggested I change from 4G to 3G. While I don't know much about ports, etc, I mentioned the possibility of ports being blocked and she openly said that was something she knew nothing about (and went so far as to say nobody in the office would know either!)

BigT · 5 Apr 2019 at 02:52

I have no idea about this game but if you’re looking to forward ports then you’re going to have trouble with doing it over a 4G connection possibly because of something called CG-NAT. This additional layer of network translation on mobile networks can cause problems with dynamic DNS services, running servers behind it and things like CCTV systems. If this game needs some sort of peer-to-peer connection likely CG-NAT may prevent it from doing so.

Shashman · 5 Apr 2019 at 09:14

Yeah I've briefly read about CGNAT and it has been mentioned in the original thread, but I thought there was a workaround

BigT · 5 Apr 2019 at 14:09

The best work around is to buy a SIM card from a provider that doesn't use it but the subscription plans are expensive comparatively as they're designed for business and niche applications.

Bluecube · 5 Apr 2019 at 14:11

Shashman said:
I don't have a wifi adapter for PC

For the price these are, it’s a worthy investment especially if it’ll sort out your problems.

Shashman · 5 Apr 2019 at 17:20

Ok I don't mind picking up a cheap one, but why would tethering work over WiFi and not USB? It doesn't really make sense? :confused:

Edit: Luckily eligible for Amazon Prime so just ordered one for delivery tomorrow. I still don't understand how a wireless connection would work and a hard, USB 3 connection wouldn't.

Shashman · 6 Apr 2019 at 21:10

Right so my adapter arrived today. Plugged it in, Wifi hotspot on, connected to it and still the same issue

zipp0r · 6 Apr 2019 at 22:02

Shashman said:
Right so my adapter arrived today. Plugged it in, Wifi hotspot on, connected to it and still the same issue

did you try the phone on 3g only ?

Shashman · 6 Apr 2019 at 22:27

Not tried that yet, will do so now thanks.

Edit: Nope, still not working