Xbox:XLAN

XLAN

XLAN is a LAN-tunneling application for the original Xbox, similar to XLink Kai and XBSlink, which allows users to play system link games online with other users, as if they were on a LAN. The main difference between the programs is that a single instance of XLAN will be specified as the host, and game traffic from joining players will only be forwarded to this host. XLAN was created with competitive Halo: Combat Evolved in mind, but all system link games which do not rely on any P2P netcode, that is to say, all game traffic goes through the host console, can be played online using XLAN. XLAN cannot be used to bridge users into games on XLink Kai or XBSlink, but it will be possible to host on multiple programs at the same time. Other notable differences include the unique 'ping balancing' feature, the ability to specify ping limits for rooms, and for the majority of users, removing the need to port forward, both manually or with uPnP.

• You can find a list of games that support System Link here.

• You can find a list of ping-limited and region-locked games here.

Download XLAN

Although still in beta, you will always be able to download the latest build of XLAN here. XLAN's builds are portable, so simply extract the contents of the zip, and start the program to begin using XLAN.

Setup XLAN

Setting up your console for XLAN will be exactly the same as doing so for XLink Kai and XBSlink. You must either connect both your Xbox and your PC to the same router, switch, or hub via Ethernet cables, or connect your Xbox to your PC via Ethernet, and then your computer to the internet, which can then be wired or wireless. You need to allow XLAN through any software firewalls you have installed on your computer, and open port 5000 (default), if you wish to host matches. You do not need to port forward if you only intend to join them. A guide to port forwarding on your router can be found on PortForward.com.

Using XLAN

Upon starting the program, you will be prompted to set a nickname. This is optional. To host a match, first click edit, and then settings, where you may edit the name of your match, as it will appear in the channel list, set a maximum ping for clients, choose to hide the server from the channel list, and use the ping balancing feature, if you wish. Once satisfied, click save, and click the host button at the bottom right of the GUI to host a game.

To join a game, you may either enter the IP address, host name, or channel name in the bar in the bottom left of the GUI and click join, or click edit, and channel list to browse for available games.

Ping Balancing

Ping balancing is a feature unique to XLAN with competitive play in mind. When activated by the host, the packets the host node will send will be delayed relative to the player in the room with the highest ping, essentially giving everyone in the room the same latency to the host. Coupled with a dedicated server, this will prevent any player from having an in-game advantage by having a faster connection speed.

Troubleshooting

Firewall and Antivirus Issues

Certain software firewalls or antiviruses may block XLAN from running properly, or disconnect you when you attempt to join a game. You can fix this by adding XLAN as an exception in your firewall or antivirus, or by disabling them while playing.

XLAN can't detect your Xbox

Try selecting your network adapter manually within the program

Cannot Connect to a Host

There is possibly a firewall blocking your ability to communicate with the host.