Steam client via WISP

[gerasmus]

I hope anyone can help me.
I live on a farm way out of range of ADSL so I have to use a WISP for internet access. When using my own WISP I'm not able to download anything from the Steam client (www.steampowered.com). This drives me absolutely mad as I am a gamer and can't get access to any of my games. I only have the problem when using my specific WISP, Screamer. I have used the NetLimiter program to monitor the ports and data throughput of my connection, I reported the ports used to my WISP and they said thet nothing's blocked I also have the same issue when using NTP (Port 995, NewsBin for Giganews.com). I've spoken to the local WISP and he said that neither he nor his line supplier are shaping any ports. When using speedtest.net the NAT line is reported from from Internet Solutions.
Steam downloads, starts runs fine when using Vodacom & MTN 3G and also fine with Mweb 512k ADSL. Once Steam has started using WISP downloads will happen at 20 bytes p/sec or at best 3,2k p/sec. Pathetic if one is trying to download a 8Gb game.

I am on a 1024k line from Screamer as my WISP. My IP address I guess is NAT'ed, I have spoken to WISP and Screamer and neither can resolve the issue. My parents also use a WISP, but they are on another WISP and Steam runs, downloads fine with them. Only problem is their WISP charges R65 p/Gb so it's out of the question to download at my parents'. My data requirements are ginormous for SA standards. If I could get 300Gb p/month I would easily consume it all.

I always have to download games onto my laptop at another location where I have access to very slow 512k ADSL after hours. Once the download eventually completed (it took 2,5 weeks just to download GTA IV, plus another week just for the latest patch). once download completes I transfer games to my MUCH MUCH more powerfull desktop machine. Back to the point. The only way for me to start Steam in online mode is to connect my USB 3G, launch Steam, (for new games, validate new game), start in offline mode, then disconnect 3G and reconnect to WISP, then start game in offline mode.

Using Vodacom 3G, MTN 3G, ADSL I have no problem downloading and connecting Steam. NTP (News transfer protocol) also works fine, so are torrents. Using 3G I also even have decent pings to EU, less than 250ms. I get very decent download speeds on 3G, even on the farm I get at least 250k p/sec... Yes, I can finish a 2.3Gb cap in less than 30 minutes. Can you guys grasp my frustration ?!!!

My understanding is that my WISP/Screamer is using NAT. The fact that I can't download my catalogue of games drives me absolutely BEZERK. And I am going to moan. I used to live in London for 10 years, returned to S-Africa 9 months ago and back in London I had an uncapped 16mb down and 1,5mb up for only £21 pm !! Yes, I am in S-Africa I know !

Has anyone else had similair issues using WISP Screamer and how did you resolve your Steam/WISP Screamer issue ?

Thanks,
Willem

 

[midkemia]

you should be able to check if the ports are open by tying to telnet to a server with that specific port open. eg. telnet steamserver 27321

So im not sure what port steam uses, and im not sure what the IP of steam is, but if you can find that, you can then tell if the port is blocked.

The Wireless ISP that you use most likely has a VPN solution that runs through some sort of proxy filter. They might deny it but in the end they will have some form of control over what you do. All the call center people you speak to wont help much, and you will need to speak to a support technician or engineer. You might even end up speaking to a second or third level support guy, as the bottom guys usually dont know what is happening on the network.

The should in fact be able to trace where your packet is being "lost" as it should popup in some form of logs for them.

If you pay them for a service, that service should be to be able to fix "lost" packets due to a firewall or proxy setting.

Obviously if the service is free, you cant expect much... but if I paid for something... i would want it working... or else it should be free until such time as it is working to my satisfaction, as if its not working to my satisfaction its faulty and as such you shouldn't have to pay for something that is faulty!

 

[daffy]

Ask your ISP to provide you with a public IP.
No NAT.
If they insist on charging extra for it, ask them if you can test it first.

 

[gerasmus]

Thanks for your help guys