Microsoft KB Archive/840418

= Xbox: The Diagnostic Server detects Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) problems when using Xbox Live =

Article ID: 840418

Article Last Modified on 4/25/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Xbox Live
 * Microsoft Xbox

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SUMMARY
This article describes how to diagnose Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) problems.



MORE INFORMATION
With the most recent release of the Dashboard, Xbox Live users can analyze router problems on a more detailed level than they could in previous releases. Through the Dashboard’s Connect Status screen (Network Troubleshooter), you can access a new tool named the Diagnostic Server. The Diagnostic Server performs various tests to determine whether your router:
 * Has an MTU setting that is incompatible with Xbox Live.
 * Handles ICMP port-unreachable packets incorrectly.
 * Is a highly aggressive NAT-type router.

How an Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) problem can prevent you from enjoying Xbox Live service
A router that handles ICMP port-unreachable packets incorrectly is susceptible to having its ports closed by packets that arrive from the Internet. If this is the case with your router, you may be severely inconvenienced and exposed to a security risk. For example, Xbox Live service will prevent you from signing in to Xbox Live, joining games, or causing bad gaming experiences for yourself and others.

How to determine if you are experiencing an ICMP router problem
To check whether your router has this issue:  Select the Y button on the Connect Status screen, and then press the A button to continue to the diagnostic read-outs. You receive the following information in the Diagnostic Server window:



IC: x (aaaa – bbbb) x=0  ICMP test failed and there is an ICMP problem.

x=1  No ICMP problem.

(aaaa-bbbb) is the error code

 If the IC shows a “1,” the router passed the test, and ICMP packet loss is not an issue with the router.

If the IC shows a “0,” the test failed. If this is the case, you have a router that is incompatible with Xbox Live. This is because of your router handling ICMP packets incorrectly. You may have to update your router’s firmware or obtain one of the routers listed on one of the following Xbox Router Compatibility Web sites:

United States: http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live/connect/routercompatibility.htm

Note For Pacific Rim countries, the Router compatibility page is different for each country:

Australia: http://www.xbox.com/en-au/live/start/connect/faq/routers.htm

Hong Kong: http://www.xbox.com/zh-hk/live/connect/routercompatibility.htm

Korea: http://www.xbox.com/ko-kr/live/connect/routercompatibility.htm

New Zealand: http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/support/xbox/live/start/connect/router/routerlanding.htm

Singapore: http://www.xbox.com/zh-sg/live/connect/routercompatibility.htm

Taiwan: http://www.xbox.com/zh-tw/live/connect/routercompatibility.htm

Note For European countries, all compatible routers are exactly the same:

Europe: http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/support/xbox/connect/faq/routers.htm

Note If you are not using a router to connect to Xbox Live, the Diagnostic Server readings should all show a positive (pass) test result (1).

Error Codes Associated with ICMP tests
The following table gives the error codes associated with ICMP tests that pass or fail. The Success code is displayed for each successful test. Failures may be caused by DNS failures, memory shortages, diagnostic server problems, or IP Address/Port changes from the server.

Note If you are not using a router to connect to Xbox Live, the Diagnostic Server readings should all indicate a positive (pass) test result (1).

Diagnostic Servers
For additional information about Diagnostic Servers, visit one the following Web sites:

United States

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox/connectionmethods/diagnosingconnections.htm

Pacific Rim

Australia: http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/support/xbox/live/start/connect/diagnose-dash/default.htm

Hong Kong: http://www.xbox.com/zh-HK/live/connect/

Korea: http://www.xbox.com/ko-kr/Live/Connect/diagnosing.htm

New Zealand: http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/support/xbox/live/start/connect/sharedpc/default.htm

Singapore: http://www.xbox.com/zh-sg/Live/Connect/diagnosing.htm

Taiwan: http://www.xbox.com/zh-tw/Live/Connect/diagnosing.htm

Additional query words: Live tsunami dash closed ports

Keywords: kbtshoot kbxboxliveconnectivity kbxboxext kbxboxmvp kbnetwork kbxboxpacrimportal kbxboxeuropeportal kbxboxamericasportal kbpubtypekc kbinfo KB840418

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