Optimizing your Playstation 3 network connection
Whether or not you are ailed by frequent dropouts, failing game and system updates, and inconsistent transfer speeds, you may want to check your PS3 network settings. A good setup can not only assure you a good connection, but will keep your computer and home network safe and secure.
Routers come in many different flavors; the one shown above is the Linksys WRT54G. Being arguably the most popular home router, I will be using this model as a demonstration for this article. If that model differs from yours, you’ll be alright. The process and information is all the same, so at the worst, you’ll have to consult the manual that came with your model.
Wired vs. Wireless
There’s much debate that can be found on whether you should connect your PS3 via CAT5 or simply go wireless. After diagnosing many PS3 connectivity issues, I can assure you that if your signal strength is good, wireless works!
Sony wouldn’t go through the trouble of releasing a console with wireless technology without making sure it worked. Often times, those who had other issues (unknown to them at the time) would simply go wired, turning a cold shoulder to wireless and the many benefits it brings.
Port forwarding and UPnP
Quite simply, your PS3 must communicate to the Playstation Network through ports. Some people may suggest forwarding these certain ports (TCP ports 80, 443, 5223 and UDP ports 3658, and 3478-3479) on your router to your PS3.
But don’t do anything just yet. Your router quite possibly has UPnP (Universal Plug n’ Play). UPnP is a protocol that allows devices (such as your PS3) to tell your router what ports it needs; your router will then automatically forward said ports to your PS3, thereby eliminating the need to forward ports.
And I repeat; if you enable UPnP on your router, you do not need to forward ports, as this process is done automatically.
Some may suggest that enabling UPnP poses a security risk to computers on your network. The idea is that a Trojan horse may tell your router to open ports allowing other malicious software to get into your computer. To them I say:
- If this be the case, then the security on your computer is already compromised, right?
- Could not such a Trojan simply use port 80 (HTTP) and effectively expose the same amount of information that would otherwise be available to other security risks on other ports?
If you have answers to those questions, you’d be using the DMZ feature on your router and not worrying about port forwarding or UPnP.
To DMZ or not to DMZ
That is the question. A demilitarized zone (DMZ) feature can end all network connection worries if used properly. And I repeat; if used properly.
Simply stated, the DMZ feature on your router virtually throws your PS3 outside of your home network. The Linksys WRT54G allows for one internal IP address to be used in the demilitarized zone.
Before I continue, one precaution that must be taken when using DMZ is to make sure your computer does not accidentally find its way into the DMZ. This cannot be stressed enough – Do not let your computer into the DMZ. To do this, we must assign your PS3 a static IP that cannot be used by any computer on your network.
Here’s what we’ll do. If your using a Linksys or similar model, you can access your routers settings by visiting the browser address http://192.168.1.1/ (click the link). If you don’t know your username and password, use “admin” for both (if it works, please change your password).
Once your in, click on the ‘status’ tab. You will see many things here; of which, you will need to take note of two: DNS 1 and DNS 2. Write these two down, as you will need them later.
Next, click on the ‘setup’ tab. (shown below)
Before I continue, I’ll let you know where I’m going with all this. As stated earlier, you do not want any computer on your network to end up in the DMZ. To achieve this we will be giving the PS3 a static IP on your network of 192.168.1.99, and setting your router to assign other computers on the network the IP address 192.168.1.100 and above.
In the ‘setup’ tab of your router utility, you will notice the field “Starting IP Address” which begins with 192.168.1.___
Make sure this number is set to 100 (or any number greater than 99). This will ensure a computer on your network does not end up with the address that will soon be listed in the DMZ.
Next, click on the ‘Applications and Gaming’ tab, followed by clicking DMZ. (directly underneath the tab and shown below)
There are only two options here. You’ll obviously want to enable DMZ, while typing 99 into the “DMZ Host IP Address” field. Save settings.
You may now go to your Playstation. Select Settings>>Network Settings>>Internet Connection Settings.
You must use the Manual configuration when setting up your connection. When you come across the page shown below, you must enter some information.
Your IP Address will be (as shown) 192.168.1.99
Your Subnet Mask will be (as shown) 255.255.255.0
Your Default Router will be whatever address you used to access your routers web-based configuration utility. In this example, 192.168.1.1
Your Primary and Secondary DNS will be the DNS 1 and DNS 2 numbers (respectively) you wrote down from the ‘settings’ page in your routers web-based configuration utility.
If you’ve come this far you’ve certainly come along way, but hopefully have resolved any issues you may have had with your Playstation connectivity.
Your last resort
So you’ve read, tried, or at least carefully considered everything previous in this article yet still are having troubles. You’re not alone; I’ve come across this same conundrum more than once (twice).
The answer is a question. When was the last time you updated your firmware on your router? And don’t for one second think that it’s a waste of time! I’ve seen it twice, and I know it works.
It’s quite simple really. Go to the website of the manufacturer of your router (in my case, Linksys). Click on products, or troubleshooting, or tech support. Search for your model number, or select it from a drop down box or list of models.
Go the the downloads page for your model. Download the latest firmware. Go back to your router’s web-based configuration utility, Click the ‘administration’ tab, followed by clicking Firmware Upgrade Utility. Follow the on-screen instructions and take solace in knowing that your troubles will soon be over.
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35 Responses to “Optimizing your Playstation 3 network connection”
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February 7th, 2009
Jeez what a rigmarole.
I don’t know anyone that had jump through all of those hoops to get their PS3 on-line.
Ditto steeing up the XBox 360.
Maybe it’s more of a big deal if your modem router/router is getting old and is cr@p?
February 7th, 2009
What the hell lol?
Getting the PS3 online is easy from the menu…
Easy->Wireless->SSID->WPA Key->UPnP->Done.
Why this long thesis, I’ve no idea.
February 7th, 2009
Why is the ps3 connection so crap?
February 7th, 2009
lock_down has the right idea. It takes seconds to set up.
What does this ‘optimize’ exactly? If this is optimising speed of connection, then surely you should be telling people to use Wired? Who is this aimed at – people who cannot get online?
Umm, I don’t see what this article is trying to say. Though maybe I just need it spoon fed to me.
February 7th, 2009
“Why is the ps3 connection so crap?”
Valid comment.
Oh no wait, it isn’t, it’s a completely stupid comment.
The PS3 connection is fine. I don’t know why there is this dissertation on the PS3 connection settings, it’s a piece of piss to set up; either via wireless or wired…so too streaming via MediaLink from my mac….it’s easy to set up.
I’m with Royzy. I don’t get this article at all.
February 7th, 2009
Never had a problem with the PS-triple connetion, but then agian I’m not everyone.
February 7th, 2009
“Why is the ps3 connection so crap?â€
Okay sorry, let me re-phrase that.
Why is the xbox connection so good? Oh yes because it’s peer to peer. You pay for what you get.
February 7th, 2009
gamer.blorge.com/2008/11/15/xbox-live-less-stable-than-ps3-psn/
gamer.blorge.com/2008/11/16/xbox-live-still-not-fixed-refund-expected/
Yep, it’s sooo good.
February 7th, 2009
Using gamer bloge articles doesn’t really add much credibility to your argument LOL.
No offence to Dave and Mike
February 7th, 2009
Yeah, no offence guys…
February 7th, 2009
CON,
Now you ARE behaving foolishly. This whole article is about optimizing your WIRELESS router to your PS3, which some people have trouble with if their ROUTER is not set up properly. And Linksys routers are notoriously cheap.
Tell me something CON, how well does your 360 connect to your wireless router? Oh yeah, IT DOESN’T.
-Arvis
February 7th, 2009
Actually it does….very well
February 7th, 2009
CON,
Yikes, you actually bought the adapter? You’re now the official poster boy for ill-advised consumer spending. You know if you had saved the money you spent on the 360 with the wireless adapter, you could have just gotten a 360 and actually be playing video games in true HD.
Of course, if that’s not important to you, you could always have just gotten a Wii… those actually come with wi-fi.
-Arvis
February 7th, 2009
Damn. *”could have just gotten a PS3″* is what that should say… this site needs an edit function.
February 7th, 2009
True HD?????
Oh Avris……..lol
February 7th, 2009
Here you go con, this is NOT blorge :
“The PS3 is the console that won most of these races. So that’s the headline for now: PS3 Downloads Games Fastest Over Wi-Fi”
That is from MTV’s multiplayer blog (not sure on the linking policy here otherwise I would.
February 7th, 2009
good article George… dont worry bout these guys… this is their way of telling you “WELCOME TO GAMERBLORGE”!!!
now onto a hypothetical question…
now lets say… a person… could be any hypothetical person… lived in a big apartment complex… and he OR SHE!!! uses wireless connection of someone else…
now this is all just hypothetical…
and he OR SHE has no access to the router… then how would this hypothetical person… Who is very honest and very good looking mind you… how would this person go about optimising his connection…
again… all in the realm of hypothetical conjectures…
February 7th, 2009
Attempt the known default user name and password for said hypothetical router.
Other than that, attempt to guess it (good luck).
February 7th, 2009
the hypothetical router has no username and password…
February 7th, 2009
thanks for the article.
ive been playing around with my router wich is a DLINK trying to get the settings right.
i added all the PSN port numbers as sony advised saying it should speed up my download rate.
well heres an example before playing around with the settings it took me 4 hours to download the 2.6 software update,
and after the settings change i downloaded the KZ2 demo and that took 6 hours.
wich everyone i talk to finished downloading within an hour with the same connection ive got.
downloading things of the PSN is DEAD slow but any were else is reasonable.
any ideas on how i can improve this?
February 8th, 2009
SW,
Here is another take from a gaming site, PS3 Team on IGN, that takes into account full games:
“the oft-pitiful download speeds of the network (PSN) as a whole can make the whole process arduous at best when everyone else is racing to update to see what hidden goodies are included… The network speeds — even for us on a ridiculously fast connection — are far too slow for the amount of content up on the store and in games. The patching process can be monumentally bone-headed at times (Hours of updates just to get online? Seriously, Sony?),”
“On the 360, updates are insanely quick to download and install, thanks to the fact that the system can do both simultaneously.”
ps3.ign.com/articles/947/947897p1.html
February 8th, 2009
Thanks for the compliment, darkwhitehair, and for the welcome as well. The truth is, I’ve been with Blorge for years; I’m the ‘site developer’ (as the contacts page likes to call me), so I just pop my head out from time to time.
To all those who think this is too long and drawn out, you’re absolutely right! 99.99% of the time things just work. This article was written for the .01% of the people who experience dropouts and shaky network conditions.
February 8th, 2009
“This article was written for the .01% of the people who experience dropouts and shaky network conditions.”
0.1% LOL Yeah right!
February 8th, 2009
You got me! It may be more than that, but you know where I’m going with that.
February 8th, 2009
Ok thats cool George, I think a few of us (I included) got to used to Dave and Mike telling us things were broken and got defensive.
Since you are site developer – can we have Gravatars on here? Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaase. It is the in-thing to have and we do give you a lot of traffic ; )
February 8th, 2009
Don’t get too excited. I’ll leave it on here for the interm, but ultimately my boss has to make that decision.
I do like the idea behind the technology, though. Very interesting.
February 8th, 2009
ok George… see you may “think” you work for this site…
but actually… you work for fanboys… who are trying to TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!! just a pawn in their world domination scheme…
umm… how do I put in my picture?? my penis demands to be displayed in here…
February 8th, 2009
Thanks George! I’ll lie in wait, hoping he approves.
everyone go to gravatar.com and get a nice picture.
February 9th, 2009
‘Here is another take from a gaming site,’
Did you put the word gaming in to trump my source? *grins*
I really don’t care, I have both, they both download very fast, don’t use wireless because well it sucks.
February 9th, 2009
I did, but only after I checked your source. I think at any given time either of the networks can be iffy or fast, as we have learned in the past. Overall, I would say Microsoft may have the faster, generally more reliable network (relative to traffic size), but this is the way it should be considering you have to pay for the Gold membership and their past experience with Live. I can easily see Sony having developers standardizing PS4 games for online capabilities as Microsoft has done, as this would alleviate a few issues. I would have to agree with SW, neither PS3 or 360 owners are going to care as long as the respective service continues to improve instead of decline.
February 10th, 2009
My overall experience with PSN has been great. My main complaint is I have had some larger files have taken hours to completely download. On the other hand patches and smaller demos download pretty quickly. Any tips on optimizing are appreciated I’ll have to check this out when I have a spare moment.
June 4th, 2009
Thank You George. I have both PSIII and Xbox360 and I have to say that I use the wired connection with both. I was having problems with the PSIII bumping other computers off the network when I log in. I followed the instructions above and set up a DMZ for the playstation, and it seems to have solved that problem. Can I expect improved performance and a better K/D ratio, now?
Dommando
November 2nd, 2011
Great article George! Never really was a prob for me until my GF and 2 kids moved in. I’d be playing an online (madden) game and get DC’d when my GF would check her facebook. Plus I’ll admit my router is about 5+ years old and starting to act funny.
I took your advice and set up the DMZ for my PS3 (I’m not illiterate with computers and still found your explanation to be great – thanks).
I took it a step further and I added my PS3 Mac address in the QoS and gave it high priority. Also changed my router channel from the default ch. 6 to ch. 8 and took it for a test drive.
Enjoyed my following game with no lag at all! Much to my suprise the connection seemed to MUCH better than it ever has. In fact, it was my opponent who DC’d late in the 3rd quarter. Look forward to playing many more lag free games. Thanks for the tip!
To all the idiots posting “you don’t need to do this” well maybe YOU don’t – but in some cases you have to take steps. I did, and these steps worked perfectly. Great article
November 2nd, 2011
Leave it to the readers to turn this into a console war. It’s getting beyond ridiculous “well on the xbox… blah blah blah”
I’ve seen a ton of side by side comparisons to know that the final image on screen, with both – the difference is minimal. Get over it already!
This article had nothing to do with XBox live or the GD XBox. It was strictly about optimizing your router and PS3 for a better online gaming experience.
If you are fine with the default settings thats great. If you have a busy network and want your router to prioritize your PS3 activity, this is a great article.
November 16th, 2011
I tried this BMX on my xbox and left it on for a few hours, I found that someone hacked it and basically turned it into a ps3. Which was nice.