Trying to establish a network connection between a desktop sim computer and a laptop map view client.

I keep getting timeout errors, using what I think is the connection method described in the User Manual.

The desktop is running Windows 11 Pro with LNM version win64-2.8.11.

Littlenavconnect and MSFS are both running on the desktop, with LNM on the laptop.
A flight is selected, sitting on the runway with the engine running.
The data base files are copied to the laptop.
The firewalls on both computers are set to allow littlenavmap.exe and littlenavconnect.exe from their respective location paths.

As I have run out of ideas, any advice would be most welcome.

1) Disable both firewalls at all, for testing purposes. Check whether remote access works
If yes -> problem is probably on the firewall side (settings). 

2) Install nmap (version for Windows) tool. Check remotely whether LNM service is available on proper network ports.
Here is quick handout how to use nmap:  https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/feature/How-to-use-Nmap-to-scan-for-open-ports (you can find more more via "uncle Google" 🙂 )
If proper network port is in any state different than "Open", it means the network service isn't available remotely.
For example "Open/Filtered" means there is something (firewall, other service on one of computers, etc)  that blocks communications between.

3) If this not works, exit from LNM on both computers, launch nmap tool again and check the same LNM network ports - maybe you've got launched another Windows service which is listening on the same network port and it interferes with LNM port(s)?
If yes, the port should be displayed in nmap report.

4) Another idea - you've got IPv6 configured  - so it possible it tries connect via IPv6 instead of IPv4 (but other side probably listens on another socket).
It's classical DNS problem on Windows,when the same name refers to both -> IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and you try call remote service by  computer name (names are always translated do addresses via DNS services). The best option is disable IPv6 (if you don't need this) on both computers. 

Then please report us about the results.

Regards,
Piotr

ps. full TCP range scan (all ports) in Nmap is done via "-sT -p1-65536" text switches , full UDP scan is done via "-sU -p1-65536" switches (typed in upper input form/commandline in Nmap for Windows, sorry I'm UNIX/terminal oriented guy so don't know where it can be "clicked" 😛

 

Edited July 7, 20232 yr by ppgas

10 hours ago, Taildragger said:

I keep getting timeout errors, using what I think is the connection method described in the User Manual.

What is the exact error message?
Do ports match on both computers?
Tried the IP-address instead of the computer name?

I'd suggest to try @ppgas first tip. Disable firewalls and anti-virus completely on both for a test.

I like the suggestion with "nmap". This way you can find out what might be wrong but "nmap" is really an expert tool. Although, with Piotr's detailed instructions it should be doable.

Alex

Many thanks, Piotr and Alex.  Today I have egg all over my face, as the same connection procedure that has failed repeatedly for a week now worked perfectly.  Must have been a temporary network glitch.

One odd thing, however, instead of the usual 192.168.x.y, ipconfig shows my laptop on 10.0.x.y and desktop on 100.0.a.b, both assigned dynamically by my ISP. The name of my Wi-Fi network shows correctly on both computers.

I will hang on to and study the nmap tool for future use.  In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying the amazing features of Little Navmap!

Thanks again, and best wishes to you both,

John

 

 

IP-addresses can change from time to time depending on your router configuration (keyword DHCP). If possible, I'd always use the computer name.

Alex

5 hours ago, albar965 said:

IP-addresses can change from time to time depending on your router configuration (keyword DHCP). If possible, I'd always use the computer name.

DHCP server's got possibility static binding IP address only device MAC address is required (because binding is done via RARP protocol).
Most of the routers have got possibility to configure DHCP static binding (also known under name:  DHCP reservation).
The best option is configuring separate IP addresses pool for dynamic binding and leave some free addresses for the static bindings.
This method gives always the same IP address if we use correctly configured DHCP server 🙂

Regards,
Piotr

  

My ISP suggests applying for a static IP address.  It's usually reserved for business clients, but they do make exceptions.

John

26 minutes ago, Taildragger said:

My ISP suggests applying for a static IP address.  It's usually reserved for business clients, but they do make exceptions.

 

1) Buy private router
2) connect one side (WAN socket) to ISP router/modem
3) configure NAT on private router - private address ranges are mentioned here:  https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/networkmanager/4.2.0?topic=translation-private-address-ranges
4) connect home devices  do private router.

Now you've  got:
1) private home network where even ISP can't access
2) can connect as many devices as you want and ISP doesn't know about it  
3) kind of firewall, because you can block any package incoming from ISP router, so even security holes in ISP router aren't threat
4) full control of home network

I use similar configuration to prevent possibility of  hackers' attack via ISP router.

Regards,
Piotr

ps. and of course in such a case you haven't to buy static IP addresses from ISP 🙂
The external static addresses are used only when you need access to home network from external sites but increase risk of potential hacker's attacks from external networks.
 

Edited July 8, 20232 yr by ppgas

Excellent suggestions, much appreciated!

John