I believe this is the test you were referring to. Thanks again for the help.
Using server nntest.cnc-online.net:30000
Bound to local port 49797
Bound to local alternate port 49798
Resolving hostname 'nntest.cnc-online.net'...
Resolved server host to be '37.247.49.213'
Sending client INIT from port 49797 to nntest.cnc-online.net:30000
Received server INIT [291839]
Our public address is 173.196.5.79:55215
Sending client INIT2 [291839] from port 49798 to nntest.cnc-online.net:30000
Received server INIT2 [291839]
Our alternate public address is 173.196.5.79:55171
Sending cient START [291839] from port 49798 to nntest.cnc-online.net:30000
Received server START [291839]
Server extra port is 40000
Sending client PING [291839] from port 49797 to nntest.cnc-online.net:40000
===========
FAILURE
===========
Failed to receive any pings from nntest.cnc-online.net:40000.
It appears your router and/or connection is not capable of NAT negotiation.
==> You will need to use port forwarding and possibly configure a static port.
Press any key to continue . . .
If I need to port forward as it claims, and I am incapable of doing so, would a VPN or some other method allow for me to fix the issue?
Also, why would it be the case I am able to enter a game with some other players online but not my two friends? We have tried every combination possible, them two together, me and one of them, me and a different one of them, etc, and each time we get connection issues. But for some reason I am able to connect with other random players on the platform.
Edited by urnogood, 08 October 2017 - 07:10 PM.