Troubleshooting Connection and Latency Issues

If you are the host of a session for VRTS, and are having issues, try the steps in the Firewall and Forwarding sections.

Optimize Internet Connection

If you are experiencing connectivity issues, jittery gameplay in multiplayer, or disconnects while in a session. Try the following steps to optimize your internet connection:

1. If you’re using a wireless connection, connect directly to your router or modem
2. Shut down other programs that access the internet, such as other games or download programs
3. Don’t use satellite and cellular phone internet connections. This are not stable connections and will cause connection issues
4. Do not use proxies or VPN connections

Close applications

Background applications can interfere a lot with your network. Streaming data is a common issue for slow connections, make sure that background applications are closed.

Here is a list of examples of common applications that can cause latency issues due to the increase of the networking load:

1. Skype
2. Teamspeak/Ventrilo/Discord/Mumble
3. Spotify
4. Web browsers (especially when streaming content such as Youtube, Twitch)
5. Torrent download programs (i.e. μTorrent)

Additionally, there can be background applications running that you are unaware of. Follow the following steps to disable those applications:

Windows 8/10

1. While on the desktop, press Windows Key + R
2. Type msconfig and press Enter
3. Select Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items
4. Then, select the Services tab
5. Check Hide all Microsoft services
6. Select Disable all
7. Select Apply
8. Restart your computer

If the above as solved your issue, there is a problematic service.

Update Windows & Hardware Drivers

Out of date drivers and operating systems can cause a variety of issues. It is common knowledge that GPU drivers should be up to date for games, but also other hardware such as Network cards will require and update once in a while. Even new computers can have outdated drivers!

Some games and programs can and will work fine with older drivers and version, but specific games and programs can still have technical issues.

Update your windows

Quite often you will have an update ready for Windows that is not installed automatically. These can be related to networking.

Windows 8/10

1. While on the desktop, press the Windows Key
2. Type Update and Security and press Enter
3. Select Check for Updates
4. Updates will be downloaded and installed if there are any
5. Restart your computer

Update your hardware drivers

There are many different types of hardware manufacturers which makes it impossible to write a guide for them all. Below you can find the common method to look for updates, if that doesn’t help you will have to contact the manufacturer of your specific hardware device.

Windows 8/10

1. While on the desktop, press the Windows Key
2. Type Device Manager and press Enter
3. Browse to Network Adapters and right-click on your used Network adapter
4. Select Update Driver Software
5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software
6. Restart your computer

Update your modem and router firmware

Modem and routers also run their own software called firmware. Often these are not updated automatically and will require a manual update. Even new hardware can still have old firmware on it! Since there are many types of modem and routers we can’t write a definitive guide here. But most of the times firmware and update guides can be found on the manufacturer’s website of your router and/or modem.

Firewall

There are many types of firewalls which have different guidelines. You may need to contact your manufacturer of your firewall in order to properly configure exceptions.

Add firewall exceptions

Create a firewall exception for port 48170 for both TCP and UDP.

Windows 8/10

1. While on the desktop, press the Windows Key
2. Type Firewall and press Enter
3. Select Advanced Settings
4. On the left side select Inbound Rules
5. On the right side select New Rule…
6. Select Port and select Next
7. Select UDP (we will add one for TCP later)
8. In the Specific local ports field enter: 48170 and select Next
9. Select Allow the connection. Select Next
10. Select Domain, Private and Public if they aren’t. Select Next
11. Enter a name (i.e. Sharknado) and select Finish
12. Now also add a New Rule for TCP

Disable firewall (not recommended )

A quick check if your firewall is causing issues, is to disable it completely. This is not recommended for a permanent solution, but will let you learn whether the firewall is the issue.

Disable / Uninstall third party firewalls

Third party firewall programs can cause a plethora of issues. We suggest disabling or uninstalling these firewalls completely.

If you are still having issues, please contact us. (link to contact page)