Hi
Is there a way to get the IP address of a connected user server side. I’m doing some logging type things and that would be very useful. I’m also thinking ahead for when the inevitable problem users are reported, the need to track where they were from and if they tried multiple accounts from the same IP etc.
Endolf
This seems like a logical peice of information to add to the Subject.
Currently the TCPIP user manager doesnt do this but its defintiely something that coudl be added easily. As we will be releasing source to the TCPIPUserManager if we dont get to it soon enough fro you you could always hack your own version.
Keep in mind that its possible that some UserManagers though might not support it as they might invovle connection methods that dont have associated IPs.
Also, keep in mind that IP blocking has been decidedly UNsuccessful in the commerical MMO industry-- the vast majority of US suers connect through that evil thing known as DHCP…
Hi
Yeah, both issues are things I had thought about. The IP being in the subject sounds like a good place to put it, I had thought that some things might not have them. The DHCP thing is also something I’m aware of having run talkers in the past. I was also planning on having host id type things passes on connection as an extra level of validation, but this of course can easily be changed as it’s client side. Hence wanting the IP as well. Hopefully a combination of the IP, a hostid and the login details will be able to identify persistent abusers of the system/other players.
Endolf
WHelp good luck 8)
These things are more or less controllable in a small enough user population, but this is basically an unsolved and to all kniowledge unsolvable problem in the general population at least in the US. It was our most persistant problem back at TEN. Even credit card blocking didnt work terribly well for us as the msot troublesome users would just find another way to get a CC# (legally or illegally).
Aye
It’s not a solution, more of a helping start.
What ever one does to sort out troublesome users, they will find a way. It’s like hackers, the more you secure something, the harder it becomes, to the point where only the dedicated will succeed, and they probably have more time to hack it than you do to secure it, your on a loser from the start.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing something about it.
Endolf
s’truth
Just wanted to make sure you knew what you were in for. Sounds like you do!
JK
if you could some how get the physical address of a user and block that it might be possible to block a user because some IP address change (like mine i think).
what happens if the bad user is in an internet cafe of connected through a network! you could block something that causes other users to be blocked as well For example a network , or an internet cafe
Unfortunately MAC addresses are actually resettable on recent hardware. AIUI they ram out and had to start reuising, therefor they now allow you to reset it to resolve potential conflicts.
And, as you say, when you block IPs or anytign liek that its often possible you will unwittingly or purposefully block other users. I knwo of MUDs and chat systemns that in the past had to block entire providers because a few of the suers comign fro, that provider were too much trouble and it was the only way to totally block them out. Another good exampel of the same thing is that many foirums will NOT let you use a hotmail account for confirmation because too manyabuserrs would use it to create a one-time email acct.
I wouldn’t go that far :), I’m thinking and hacking, it’s different to knowing 
Endolf
Wouldn’t it better to disable the person’s account (i.e. serial number, username…etc) until they contact the company or something ? Surely then, the only way to play online again is to buy the game again, contact the company and make sure the problem is sorted out, or just forget about the game and move on
DP
I think this is being discussed in the context of hackers. They may not have a valid account and they may have never bought the game to begin with.
Peventing hacking at that sort of level is more the job of your firewall isn’t it?
Kev
Thats done today, by its self ist not all that sucessful because:
(a) All they really need to do is steal a new reg id and there are lost of ways to do that if its a store bought product.
(b) Package software always decreases inpric on the shel as oit ages, lowering the threat level.
© Comapred to tyhe monthly cost of an MMO, the afct of the matter is the package cost is negligable.
Account blockign works somwwhat better on an MMO because they lose their accomplishments to that point BUT if yo uare abbing them fro cheating they may well have their cheating down to the point where accomplishments dont matter. Also if the reason they play os not for accomplishment but to just annoy others it tends to have a limited effectiveness.