LAN (local network) play

To configure EmptyEpsilon for online play over the internet, see Internet play. Many of these steps might also work for clients connecting to a server that's on the same virtual private network (VPN).

To automatically connect and reconnect clients to a server, see Automatic (re) connection of stations.

To run the server without the UI, for instance on a remote shell, see Headless Dedicated Server.

Network ports

By default, clients communicate with servers over port 35666. Ensure that this port is open on both the server and any clients. If necessary, set a different port during the server setup.

LAN clients can also autodiscover running EmptyEpsilon servers if UDP port 35666 is open for both systems.

Start the server

1. Launch EmptyEpsilon on the system that will act as the server.

2. Click "Start server".

   

3. Optionally set a server name, password, a GM control code (to manage access to GM functions and ships), and a server port (defaulting to 35666).

   Leave "List on master server", which is for internet play, set to "No".

4. Take note of the server IP. If more than one IP is listed, click one to select it as the IP to bind the server to. Clients will use the selected address to connect.

5. Click "Start server". Clients can now begin connecting to the server.

   

   On the server, this opens the scenario selection screen.

6. Select a category, then a scenario, then click "Start scenario".

   

   On the server, this opens the scenario options screen.

7. Optionally configure the scenario with the available settings, which can vary per scenario. To launch the scenario, click "Start scenario".

   

   On the server, this opens the ship selection screen.

Start a client

1. Launch EmptyEpsilon from a client on the same LAN as the server.

2. Click "Start client".

   If the server is running on the same local network, and if both the client and server have access to UDP port 35666, the client will automatically detect and list the server. If so, click the server to select it.

   If this client has previously connected to a server, the "Last Session" also appears on the list as a selectable server.

   If the server is running but no servers are listed on the client, the client can enter the IP address manually by clicking the field above the "Connect" button. If no keyboard is detected on the device, an on-screen keyboard might appear.

   

3. Click "Connect" to connect to the server. On the client, this also opens the ship selection screen.