So earlier today I’m trying to set up that gaming server thing for me and the buddies, right? Nothing’s connecting no matter what I do. Coffee’s cold at this point and I’m like – are the ports closed today or what?
Step 1: The Basic Check
First thing I did was run that old-school telnet command from my laptop. Typed telnet * 25565 real slow like always. Blank screen just stared back at me – total silence. Okay, that ain’t good.
Then I tried pinging the server itself – boom-boom-boom replies coming through fast. So the network’s fine? This got proper confusing now.
Step 2: Firewall Troubleshooting
Went poking around in Windows Firewall settings like a fool digging for buried treasure. Found the list:
- Port 80 wide open like Walmart doors
- Port 443 looking shiny and clear
- My gaming port? Nope. Not there at all.
Added a new rule for UDP and TCP like the internet guides said. Clicked “Apply” so hard I almost cracked the mouse. Rebooted the whole machine just to be extra sure.
Step 3: The Real Problem Shows Up
Tried connecting again – same damn “connection timeout” error. Checked the router’s admin page. Saw something crazy there:
- My server’s IP was listed fine
- Port forwarding rules were active
- But the external port status showed bloody CLOSED
Nearly threw my mug at the screen! Called up Jimbo from tech support and he’s like “bro – your ISP blocks gaming ports during peak hours now”. Since when??? Turns out they started throttling last month without telling nobody.
Conclusion & Facepalm Moment
So ports weren’t really closed – they were being choked by greedy bandwidth cops! Learned two things today:
- Never trust telnet alone
- Always check if your ISP’s suddenly acting sketchy
- Gaming after midnight is the new normal apparently
Jimbo sent me this sketchy workaround 加速器 config. Gonna try that tonight when Sarah ain’t hogging the bandwidth for her K-dramas. What a clown show.
