Voice communications

[Rackat]

Any recommendations for Ventrillo server rentals? Is there one company that is better than the others?

I'd really like to be able to run the server software from my website server, but to do that I have to buy a license and open it up for rentals. Does anyone know if I can run the freeware version of the server software from my website server?

[Bella]

The War Wenches and friends use Ventrillo. It is not expensive and we all LOVE it. Having a voice chat really adds a whole other demension to the game, especially sailing. It is much easier to just tell someone what the target is rather than have to stop and type.

Just make sure to use the PM system on the forums to get your guild set up. If you dont disney WILL suspend you for giving the info in game. Believe me been there done that.

Bella

[Misty]

hahaha yeah bella-we've been booted like 4 times just trying to get things moving with this program!!
Vent is soooo worth it-it takes gaming to a new level.
Set up a little tedious-but its worth it!!!
Just be sure to have people pm you for info--dont discuss it at all in the game--not even the WORD vent--yep got bumped for that cause its a company....
Misty

[Bella]

Misty,

How many of us have been put in the corner....and how many times?......

[Rackat]

Does someone host the server app on their pc, or is it on a host company server?

[Bella]

Vent is a company server. You rent a server for yourself......

You can set up many many different channels on one server. In fact the server we use is a friends and she also has her guild from WoW on it as well....just in different channels.

I hope that answers your question...I am rather NOT tech savy.

Bella

[Lib Feathers]

Add me to that list, Bella. We're in time-out for the second time.

[Dr. Zeppers]

I would recommend... dare I say... www.ventrilo.com

They have a full list of authorized hosts. Shop around, dont jump on the first one.

Zeppers lvl 40 - All mastered but lvl 21 cannons
Groggy McJones lvl 26 - All weapons quest/tp quest finished - avoiding story quest
http://pirates.teamofx.us

[livewire82]

Originally Posted by Rackat

Does someone host the server app on their pc, or is it on a host company server?

Anyone can host ventrilo you will need to forward the port 3784 (3784 id default but you can use any 4 digit port if it's forwarded) to accept TCP and UDP but you can only host 8 slot's unless you buy a license which isn't worth it unless you run a company, so i'd suggest renting a server unless you only need no more then 8 slots, we rent from http://thegamemonsters.com/voiceservers dirt cheap prices and great service with 24/7 support.

my server info is below if ya wanna hope in and check your ping and everything.

ip: 69.65.25.99
port: 3859

[Dr. Zeppers]

Originally Posted by livewire82

Anyone can host ventrilo you will need to forward the port 3784 (3784 id default but you can use any 4 digit port if it's forwarded) to accept TCP and UDP but you can only host 8 slot's unless you buy a license which isn't worth it unless you run a company

Ventrilo is very picky about who they 'license' for thier pro software (you cant even get the software UNTIL your licensed), and they REQUIRE a business license for the entity requesting said license. This is because the license/pro version opens up alot of avenues for said business/host. I believe regular fees must be paid from such business's / hosts to Ventrilo on a per slot basis (at least it used to be when I worked for a game server company).

If you do attempt to host the free 8 slot version, keep in mind it will use more bandwidth than the client itself, and may not reside and share bandwidth well with other games, such as POTCO.

There are volumes of hosts out there, some good, some bad. Location is also a key depending on where your friends are. This is why I recommend shopping around, you can sometimes find a host offering a special that you can take advantage of at the time. Most hosts provide test servers for clans/guilds to verify connectivity is adequate for the group.

Zeppers lvl 40 - All mastered but lvl 21 cannons
Groggy McJones lvl 26 - All weapons quest/tp quest finished - avoiding story quest
http://pirates.teamofx.us

[Rackat]

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping to host the server software on my website forums, but it doesn't look like I will be able to. I'll probably just rent some slots as suggested.

[livewire82]

Originally Posted by SamuelMcMalley

Ventrilo is very picky about who they 'license' for thier pro software (you cant even get the software UNTIL your licensed), and they REQUIRE a business license for the entity requesting said license. This is because the license/pro version opens up alot of avenues for said business/host. I believe regular fees must be paid from such business's / hosts to Ventrilo on a per slot basis (at least it used to be when I worked for a game server company).

If you do attempt to host the free 8 slot version, keep in mind it will use more bandwidth than the client itself, and may not reside and share bandwidth well with other games, such as POTCO.

There are volumes of hosts out there, some good, some bad. Location is also a key depending on where your friends are. This is why I recommend shopping around, you can sometimes find a host offering a special that you can take advantage of at the time. Most hosts provide test servers for clans/guilds to verify connectivity is adequate for the group.

Zeppers lvl 40 - All mastered but lvl 21 cannons
Groggy McJones lvl 26 - All weapons quest/tp quest finished - avoiding story quest
http://pirates.teamofx.us

if you read my original post i've already said a license wasn't worth the time.... as for hosting on a home pc i think your lost, before renting because we needed more then 8 slots we used to host the old version up untill about a month ago and had no issue's at all and i've been using this software for about 7 years now, not saying you have no clue but please read the entire post next time.

[Dr. Zeppers]

Originally Posted by livewire82

if you read my original post i've already said a license wasn't worth the time.... as for hosting on a home pc i think your lost, before renting because we needed more then 8 slots we used to host the old version up untill about a month ago and had no issue's at all and i've been using this software for about 7 years now, not saying you have no clue but please read the entire post next time.

You only said, "not worth it", excuse me if I thought your answer vague, and unclear, and I thereby clarified it. lol as far as me not having a clue.

I've worked for a game server company that resold ventrilo servers. I know quite abit about it. I definately have a CLUE. I was a primary volunteer support rep for Ventrilo on thier forums when they came out with thier 3.0 release as well.

Let the person make up thier own mind whats "not worth it". You also did not bring up the issues of individuals hosting a ventrilo server on thier home connection being a draw on bandwidth. Sure maybe yours worked fine, but there are folks out there that it would definately be an issue as outbound bandwidth on home internet connections is quite often capped/controlled, and an important factor. Your thinking everyone will be ok with it because you were is quite naive, and ignorant to the situation. I read your post, it needed clarification, perhaps you should have studied up on what you were talking about before posting.

If you want to answer a question and not have anyone elaborate further, then be clear and complete in your response instead of vague, otherwise, please move on, and be helpful here. I did not deserve your comment at all.

Zeppers lvl 40 - All mastered but lvl 21 cannons
Groggy McJones lvl 26 - All weapons quest/tp quest finished - avoiding story quest
http://pirates.teamofx.us

[Rackat]

Originally Posted by SamuelMcMalley

I've worked for a game server company that resold ventrilo servers. I know quite abit about it. I definately have a CLUE. I was a primary volunteer support rep for Ventrilo on thier forums when they came out with thier 3.0 release as well.

So, is it possible for me to upload the Ventrilo server software to my web host and run it from my web server?

[Dr. Zeppers]

Originally Posted by Rackat

So, is it possible for me to upload the Ventrilo server software to my web host and run it from my web server?

This is not likely, most web server/hosts dont provide the level of access required to run an application on thier servers, they would not likely allow the activity on the ports required as well. If you have a dedicated machine, that you have full control over, that has web host services, and allows you to run other applications, maybe.

The 8-slot only revision of Ventrilo server (free for public use), could be essentially run on your own home pc. This is why I mentioned an issue of bandwidth. Your pc would be sharing bandwidth with the voice server, and any online games/services your connected to at the time. If you have more than one pc on your home network with internet access, it would be better to run it on the pc your not gaming on, so it doesnt have to share resources, however your still sharing your bandwidth (ie internet speed/pipe). ISPs give us excellent download speeds (inbound data), but usually cap/limit upload (outbound data), this is where most will encounter a bottleneck.

Do you ever have internet lag issues while gaming? If so, this would only compound the problem making it worse.

Some ISPs, tiers of service at the isp, etc, may provide more bandwidth, and/or more steady service, allowing it to work without problems as someone previous mentioned. My experience in supporting these servers, is that typically we get a user that wants to run it all on his own machine, and has the lowest/cheapest tier of internet service thier ISP provides, which often is inadequate... (if thier computer is even adequate), so I mentioned that bandwidth, etc can be an issue.

If 8 slots is enough, you may wish to try hosting it yourself with the understanding that if it doesnt work, or work well enough, you can seek renting one. Also, there is the issue with IP address when hosting it yourself. Many peoples IP addresses change frequently (ie Dynamic IPs, a 'static' ip, does not change), and may make your server hard to find for your members. If your behind a router, you'll have to configure some ports for it to work as well (and not just one like the OLD ventrilo which was referenced previously).

Note: The old Ventrilo is no longer LEGALLY available, Ventrilo EULA requires ALL users to upgrade when upgrades become available, continued use of the OLD version is a breach of the EULA/Terms of service. Do they police it? Probably not, having worked with/for a large provider, upgrades were required.

I highly recommend renting one if it is within your gaming budget, some hosts allow payment via paypal, and even have "clanpay" options, that help you to collect/pay for the service from clan members.

A 50 slot server can likely be found for around $10-12/month less for fewer slots

If you want a free online voice server that you can run on your own system that is not limited to 8 slots, you could also investigate Teamspeak, another well known online voice communication software. However the only issue previously mentioned that this would help overcome is the 8 user limit. I personally have run an online gaming community going on 9 years, and have had to pay for ventrilo hosting the last 3 (Recieved free hosting prior to that.. since I worked for'em). My group has tried the free teamspeak on our own dedicated game server box, and prefer Ventrilos voice quality/sound.

Zeppers lvl 40 - All mastered but lvl 21 cannons
Groggy McJones lvl 26 - All weapons quest/tp quest finished - avoiding story quest
http://pirates.teamofx.us