Help with specific games

Help with getting your game online.

Network Models

In the online play for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, two types of network models are used in order to match multiple players in online racing.

1. Star Type Network Model

In the star type network model, a single host player is selected, and that player hosts a maximum of 15 other players. As long as a connection between the host and individual players is established, online play becomes possible, so this model is affected less by the internet connection environments and network devices of individual players, (i.e., There will only be a compatibility issue between the single host and player, rather than between every player as in the Integrated Network Model).

However, this requires the host to have a large bandwidth network connection, and consequently the number of players that can host successfully will be limited. For example if a player with a low bandwidth internet connection is selected as the host, it may cause problems such as cars flickering and not moving smoothly on the track.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue tracks information of players who are able to become successful hosts, so as time passes after the start of the service, the possibility of a good host being selected will increase.

2. Full Mesh Type Network Model

In a full mesh type network setup, a maximum of 16 players communicate equally with each other to perform online gaming. In a full mesh type network, it is necessary for all players to connect with other players. In comparison to the star type model, there is less possibility of a delay in communication to occur, so a high quality racing experience is gained. However, compatibility between the internet connection environments and network devices of each player will become an issue, and there will be a higher chance that matching will not occur properly.

In Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the usage of the star type and full mesh type network models are selected according to the connection conditions. Please note that it is not possible for the player to view or select the type of connection being used.

Routers

There is a possibility that problems in online play will arise depending on the settings of the router connecting the PlayStation®3 system to the internet. In Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the environment of the player connected to the network device is classified into three NAT types. The NAT type of the players can be identified in the matching screen of the online race events.

Type 1: the PlayStation®3 system is connected directly to the internet. This is best suited for online play.

Type 2: the PlayStation®3 system is connected to the internet through a router with UPnP enabled. In online play, it is necessary for data (packets) from other players to reach your PlayStation®3 system. UPnP automatically performs port forwarding (this may be referred to as the opening of ports, or other name depending on the router). Even if identified as Type 2, there may be instances where it will not be possible to connect to online races successfully. In this case, refer to "Port Forwarding" below.

Type 3: This is a router with UPnP disabled or not supported. When identified as Type 3, there will be a high possibility that you will not be able to participate in online play. However, by setting "port forwarding (opening ports)" below, it will be possible to play online. Please refer to "Port Forwarding" below.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue can be played while connecting the network device and the PlayStation®3 with a wired connection or wireless connection. However, for a stable connection, we recommend a physically wired connection setup.

Regarding Port Forwarding (Opening Ports)

If your router is identified as Type 2 or Type 3 and you cannot play online successfully, please set your router to forward the following port to your PlayStation®3 system. (Depending on your setup, it may also be necessary to make network settings on the PlayStation®3 system side).

UDP: port 3658

For procedures on how to forward/open ports, please refer to the instruction manual of the router, or contact the manufacturer of the router.
"Port forwarding" may be referred to as "port forwarding", "port mapping", "static masquerade", opening of ports, address settings, virtual server, or other names depending on the manufacturer of the router. Please refer to a section describing settings for playing network games or online games in the router instruction manual.

Additional Information

The types of connections, internet providers, and router models that are confirmed to allow online play will be listed on the Gran Turismo official website, hereafter. We will be continually updating information regarding online play and other information here for you.