unreal

[Stuart]

guys this is a beta and the network changes are being done as part of it, some updates may work, some others may not.

If it stops working due to a beta change, well tough, that's what you signed up for when you downloaded it. Just report your findings to Phoenix and wait for the next update.

Well maybe Ash they should reduce the access to the beta version until its fully operational. I don't use online function so it doesn't bother me - but the last time I tried it said bugger off.

Its obviously an bigger issue online as this is a big feature of it.

[Ashley Davis]

beta code is test code, this is massively documented, commonly known and has been repeated on here many many many many times.

If you don't want to suffer instability, crashes, issues, limited functionality etc etc then you don't download beta code. Downloading is acceptance that you are now part of the extended test team and you accept that it may not work, plus you take on the obligation of reporting issues. That's the whole point of beta code, to test in a much much wider audience to find stuff the local testers didn't.

This is not a hard concept to understand.

[trvo]

Beta

"Beta" is the software development phase following alpha, named after the Greek letter beta. It generally begins when the software is feature complete. The focus of beta testing is reducing impacts to users, often incorporating usability testing. The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release.

The users of a beta version are called beta testers. They are usually customers or prospective customers of the organization that develops the software, willing to test the software for free or for a reduced price.
Beta version software is likely to be useful for internal demonstrations and previews to select customers. Some developers refer to this stage as a preview, a prototype, a technical preview (TP) or as an early access.


Open and closed beta

Developers release either a closed beta or an open beta; closed beta versions are released to a select group of individuals for a user test, while open betas are to a larger community group, usually the general public. The testers report any bugs that they find, and sometimes suggest minor features they would like to see in the final version.

[Dedcalm]

I dont think that the problem with on-line play is beta related - it may compound issues (which is what beta testing is all about) but as there are numerous users that struggle to get on-line play even with the release version (2.5v?) I believe that really it comes down to the non standard router/firewall configuration that is required.

99.99% of firewall routers will block all traffic with a source IP on the WAN side. This is standard network security in its most basic form. For Phoenix to run it requires access for UDP 26500-26505 with a source IP on the WAN (i.e. the on-line Phoenix servers I presume). As such for on-line play the user needs to understand how to open the firewall on the router to allow this connection - once done it works. To add to the problem every router is different, requiring different approaches to configure the rule.

I would suggest that Phoenix (or perhaps on RCHA) have configuration guides which would help users. People who have the knowledge of their own router type could document the changes they made to open the incoming UDP 26500-26505. I did exactly this in another post regarding router config where I details the Netgear DG834GT configuration. I now have a BT home hub 2 and will look at documenting this configuration as well, who knows it might help someone one day

[robgt]

The BT stuff definitely needs documenting IMO, as that one seems to crop up again and again as an issue.
I've not had issues getting online using Phoenix, and I've never done anything to my router setup either - for me it always just works.
For what it's worth, I currently use a router given to me by Sky when I signed up with them 6 months ago.
Before that, I had a 3Com router on TalkTalk - just worked fine.

Cheers,
Rob

[Stuart]

I'm well aware of the nature of Beta testing. Align I think cornered that market.

There is a point though when a common issue that doesn't go away has passed just potentially a beta issue and needs a more thorough investigation.

As I said it doesn't effect me - I'm don't have the online time to play games I loads of other things to do.

But there seems to be an attitude well its Beta get over it, for those that work closely with Phoenix I would have thought a more pro-active approach to finding a solution was more suitable.

[Stuart]

I use Talk Talk with a D Link router and mine doesn't work - so maybe if those that can't get online to work post as much information about there routers etc or anything else that may help then this might help Phoenix to see a solution.

[raptormark]

the problem i have is that sunday i could get on with a few mates and now after these 2 downloads it will not work now. so i cant see why it would be a router issuse if it worked and now not?

[GtD]

I'm well aware of the nature of Beta testing. Align I think cornered that market.

lol

[Stuart]

Lets see if others can add more to the picture to help Phoenix - I'm not a fan of beta testing in public for me this just winds people up as there expecations are set to expect all is okay, with a slim chance is might not work. Just doesn't do your product image any good imo.

Far better to iron out all issues within a select group of developers not just sponsored pilots either it needs to be a full spectrum of customers if your doing it properly. Then once fully cleared out and running any glitches should be extremely minimal.

Eitherway - hopefully if enough help to build a picture of there experiences and issues in one place this might help Phoenix to get to a quicker fix.

[Asid]

If it stops working due to a beta change, well tough,

I'm suprised at this comment Ash

I have tried many routers sky included and it works once in a while. I like others totally understand the concept of Beta Testing. However this issue with conectivity and lack of support for some has been here for a long time.

I like the others who have conectivity issues do not have an axe to grind or an ulterior motive we just want the software to do what it said it will do.

The dissapointing part is that when users have expressed concerns and issues it seems they have been dismissed as "your own fault".

I just want to get online with my buddies

Regards
Asid

[raptormark]

just tried my router again still cant get on line

[Tim Procter]

Here is my take on this issue.

Phoenix make a really good simulator which IMO is the best I have used so far.

As far as I'm concerned they could take away the on-line sessions as I try to learn new moves... And practicing trying to improve what I can already do.

I would still choose Phoenix whether it played on-line or not, It really doesn't bother me.

As it happens I did have problems in the past using a Thomson router until that went tits up when I purchased a Linksys router which connects every time to most sessions.

I agree it is annoying if you wanting to join sessions every time you go on the sim, Personally it just doesn't matter to me on-line or not.

As quoted earlier, this is a Beta version where you clicked to agree to use.

There is always the option to stick with what worked for you.

The old saying is "Don't fix it if it isn't broken"

[Smoothound]

My take is that it's beta software so treat it as such. If you want /need all the features then stick with the last stable non beta version. If you like to fiddle and tweak and don't mind if the beta goes AWOL taking out all your unbacked up work, photo, movies and letters etc. then use the beta

To be fair though the release versions have always had this issue with online play and from what I've read and heard the developer is less than forth coming with any real help apart from the usual router configuration pointers. It would help if they took the time to offer some sort of troubleshooting or configuration page on their website even if they asked Joe Public to submit working configurations for various routers. I used to have issues on my old USR one but since I've been on my Airport Extreme it's worked fine

[Tim Procter]

My take is that it's beta software so treat it as such. If you want /need all the features then stick with the last stable non beta version.

At last we agree on something..