Welcome to the “How do I get my PlayStation2 online?” FAQ thread.

Lately there has been quite a few threads concerning this topic. Hopefully we can iron out some of the basic answers to your connectivity questions. Feel free to ask additional questions and post additional answers. If this thread says alive I’ll update the main post with new Q&A’s. Note: Network Adapter may be abbreviated as NA in this document.

For additional information on installation and troubleshooting, check out PlayStation.com’s Network Adapter section
(http://www.us.playstation.com/peripherals.aspx?id=SCPH-10281).

*Update* Sony has a new site specificaly for the Network Adapter now. The other site still works, but this new site may contain additional information:
http://fp.scea.com/Content/peripherals/SCPH-10281/ProductSite/index2.html

Network Adapter FAQ:

Q. Is there an official list of games that support online play?
A. Yes, Sony has a list on their website. It can be found here: http://www.us.playstation.com/onlinegaming.aspx?id=index

Q. Is there a monthly fee associated with the Network Adapter?
A. While some games require a paid subscription, the Network Adapter is free to use.

Q. What games require a subscription?
A. Currently only Everquest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI.

Q. Is my ISP compatible with the Network Adapter?
A. All ISP should be compatible with the NA. Some ISPs restrict the number of devices connected to their network, so check with your provider before connecting your PS2 to their service. It appears that bundled AOL Cable Broadband users can not get online with their PS2s. AOL is working on a fix for this problem. Check their site for more details.

Q. What additional hardware is required to connect my NA?
A. There are a few additional components required to get your PS2 online:

• Network Switch: A network switch allows you to connect multiple Ethernet devices to a single modem. Network switches simply act as an Ethernet splitter and do not add any additional network security.
• Router: Routers are similar to switches in that they allow for multiple devices to connect to a modem. However they offer additional features that switches do not, such as IP masking and additional security. Routers can be configured to hide any additional devices connected to them, making it appear as though only one device is connected to the modem. This requires additional setup within the router, and will vary depending on the brand.
• Wireless Access Point: If you are unable to run network cable between your switch/router and PS2, you can connect your system via a wireless AP. Wireless is a much more expensive option, and is more difficult to configure. In order for a Wireless setup to work you would actually need 2 access points. One would connect to the modem and the other would connect to your PS2. The two devices would then be configured to communicate with one another. You could also purchase a wireless device (http://ebgames.com/ebx/product/236295.asp) specifically created for the PS2.
• Network Cable: If you choose to use a wired solution you will need to purchase network cable. Network cable comes in a variety of types, but you only need to choose CAT5 or CAT5E. CAT5 cable is certified for lengths up to 100 meters and CAT5E is certified for lengths up to 300 meters. Also note you want standard straight-through cables, rather than cross-over cables. Keep in mind that you will need at least 3 lengths of cable, one to connect the modem to the switch/router, one to connect your PC to your switch/router and another to connect your PS2 to your switch/router. Obviously if you have multiple PCs or other devices, those will need cables as well.

Q. How much does all that hardware cost?
A. Prices will vary depending on stores you shop at and brands you buy. Here are some average costs (USD):

• PS2 Network Adapter = $40
• Switch = $30
• Router = $40
• Wireless Router = $70 - $200
• Network Cable = It normally costs about $.25 - $1 a foot depending on the length of cable.

Q. Where do I purchase this additional hardware?
A. All of the items listed above can be purchased at your local computer supply store (with the exception of the PS2 specific wireless device which can be purchased at gaming stores).

Q. How do I connect my PS2 to my switch/router?
A. See below (taken directly from PlayStation.com’s NA Install Wizard).

Network Adapter Physical Connections
Mounting Network Adaptor on your PlayStation2 console

1. Disconnect your PlayStation2 console from electrical outlet.
2. Remove the expansion bay cover from the console rear. Use the indentation at the top of the expansion bay cover as a finger grip to help pull the cover free from the console. After removing, keep the cover in a safe place for future use.
3. Position the Network Adaptor over the expansion bay in the PlayStation2 console rear.
4. Fasten the Network Adaptor to the console by turning the mounting screws in a clockwise direction using a coin. Do not overtighten.

Are you sharing your network connection with a PC?
Connect your Network Adaptor to a DSL or Cable modem

1. Remove the sticker covering the network connector on the Network Adaptor and plug your Ethernet cable in the connector labeled NETWORK.
2. Plug the AC power cord for the PlayStation2 system into an electrical outlet.
3. Turn on the PlayStation2 system and start the Network Adaptor Start-up Disc.

Connect your Network Adaptor to a Router/Switch

1. Remove the sticker covering the network connector of the Network Adaptor.
2. Connect an Ethernet network cable from the NETWORK connector of the Network Adaptor to an available LAN port of the router.
3. Connect the WAN port of the router to the DSL or cable modem.
4. Connect a personal computer (not pictured) to an available LAN port of the router. Use a web browser on the PC to set up the router to reach the Internet.
5. Follow the specific instructions that come with the router. There is no additional installation for switches.

Using Wireless Router to connect Network Adaptor to LAN

1. Remove the sticker covering the network connector of the Network Adaptor.
2. Connect an Ethernet network cable from the NETWORK connector of the Network Adaptor to a wireless Ethernet bridge.
3. Connect the WAN port of the wireless router to the DSL or cable modem.
4. Connect a personal computer (not pictured) to the router. Use a web browser on the PC to set up the router to reach the Internet.
5. Follow the specific instructions that come with the router.

Q. Can I share my internet connection with my wireless laptop or computer?
A. Yes you can. You can use the Internet Connection Sharing ability built into windows. It varries a little between Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro (i don't beleive xp home can do ICS but i could be wrong). You need to have either 2 ethernet cards installed in your machine, or one ethernet card and one wireless card. If you are connecting your PS2 direcly to your PC you will need to use a cross-over cat5 cable, rather than a normal straight-through cable. Also, when ICS is enabled your PC will act as a DHCP server, so you will want to select that option when setting up your Network Adapter software. Personally a swtich/router is a better soulition tha ICS, but if you have no other alternative then this option will work.

Windows 2000

1. Connect your cross-over cable to your second ethernet port on your PC and to the PS2.
2. In Windows, open your Network and Dial-Up Connections window.
3. Right-click on your primary Local Area Connection icon, the one associated with the device that connects to your internet service (ie your wireless card) and select Properties.
4. Select the Sharing tab at the top of the screen.
5. Put a check in the Enable ICS for this connection box.
6. If the game you want to play requires specal ports to be opened, you'll need to select the Settings button at the bottom of the window. In the Settings window select the Add button. In this window you'll need to enter the port information you need to forward. I'd suggest reading the Help if you need more information about port forwarding in ICS.

Windows XP Pro

1. Connect your cross-over cable to your second ethernet port on your PC and to the PS2.
2. In Windows, open the Network Connections window.
3. Right-click on your primary Local Area Connection icon, the one associated with the device that connects to your internet service (ie your wireless card) and select Properties.
4. Select the Advanced tab.
5. Put a check in the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection box.
6. If the game you want to play requires specal ports to be opened, you'll need to select the Settings button at the bottom of the window. In the Settings window select the Add button. In this window you'll need to enter the port information you need to forward. You will also need the IP address of your PS2, you should be able to find that information in the Network Adapter software on the PS2. I'd suggest reading the Help if you need more information about port forwarding in ICS.

Q. If I don't have a switch/router, can I simply unplug my computer from my modem and plug in my PS2?
A. This should work fine, but a switch/router eliminates that step. One thing though, some modems don't like having new things plugged into them and will require a reboot to properly recognize the new deivce. You should only need to reboot the modem if you're having problems getting your PS2 online. To reboot the modem just unplug the power to the modem for a few seconds then plug it back in again.

Q. How do I install/configure the software that comes with my NA.
A. Since there are now different forms on the disk that come with the NA the best solution would be to read the manual. Also, if you are choosing to use a router, additional settings will need to be configured within both the router and the PS2, again consult the manual for each device for instruction.

Q. Can I set up the Network Adapter if I don't have the software disk?
A. Yes, luckly you can. If you load up a network compatible game and go into the multiplayer/online option you should be able to create a connection. Follow the steps on the screen to configure your connection. This will save the connection settings to your memory card so you can play other online games without having to reconfigure your Network Adapter.

Q. Do all Online games support 3rd party Network Adapters.
A. No, there are some games that will only support the Official Sony Network Adapter. Hopefully the game manual will mention if a particular game does not support a 3rd party NA.

Q. If I use a router do I need to open ports to play online games?
A. Some routers come pre-configured to be more secure than others. If you have problems playing an online game, read through the games manual to determine what ports need to be opened, then check the router to see if it’s configured to allow traffic through those ports. Again, consult the router manual for instructions on how to check/open ports.

Q. What connection speed is required to play Online games?
A. While some games can be played at 56k, most require a faster connection. 256Kbps would probably be the slowest speed recommended for most games. Luckily most broadband ISPs offer connection speeds ranging from 1.5Mbps to 3Mbps.

Q. What connection speed is required to host Online games?
A. Normally ISPs offer limited upload speeds for their customers. Since more data is passed when hosting a game, rather than playing one, a faster speed is also required. 512Kbps would probably be the slowest speed recommended for hosting a small (4-6 player) online game. If you wanted to allow more people to play (10+) you would need an upload speed of at least 1Mbps, if not faster.

Q. How can I find out what my upload/download speeds are?
A. You can contact your ISP to find out the specifics of your internet connection. You can also test your internet speeds from your PC using online tools such as DSL Reports (http://www.dslreports.com/stest).

*Update* The DNAS mini-FAQ

DNAS is a system that seems to cause some confusion. I was able to track down a FAQ about it on the Official UK PlayStation site. Although this FAQ appears on the UK site, it should be the same for non-UK residents as well.

Q. What is DNAS?
A. DNAS (Dynamic Network Authentication System) is a proprietary authentication system created by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI).


Q. Why is DNAS used?
A. DNAS is used to create a safe platform, whereby licensees (publishers) and users (Network gamers) can safely provide and use content in a secure environment. Amongst other things, DNAS is designed to safeguard software publishers against piracy, prevent breach of game rules or player abuse, and generally ensure that the Network Gaming service runs smoothly.


Q. When is DNAS used?
A. DNAS is used for all titles with network features and authentication is carried out as part of the network connection process.


Q. How does DNAS work?
A. DNAS works similarly to a series of keys; it retrieves information about a user's hardware (PS2) and software (Network enabled game) for authentication, copy protection, account blocking, system, rules, game management and other purposes. If authentication fails, the title will abort online activity.


Q. What should I do if I get a DNAS error?
A. If you receive a DNAS error you should follow the instructions in the message. If you are advised to call the contact centre, please ensure you have made a note of the DNAS reference number. This will be in the format of 'DNAS Error (-xxx)'.


Q. Is DNAS available around the clock?
A. SCEE makes every effort to ensure the continuous running of the DNAS servers, so that Network Gaming services operate all day every day. However, neither SCEE nor its affiliates shall be held liable for any delays or failures of the DNAS servers to perform.