Some features of X-Plane require that X-Plane be able to communicate across your network. These features include:
- networked multiplayer flights,
- multi-computer simulations,
- integration with EFIS App for iPad, and
- integration with X-Plane Remote.
In order for your computer to “see” the other computers in the situations above, you must first allow X-Plane to communicate through your firewall. If your computer is not running a firewall, of course, this is of no concern to you.
To allow a program through the firewall in Windows XP, follow Microsoft’s instructions in Knowledge Base Article 842242.
To do this in Windows Vista and Windows 7,
- Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Windows Firewall.
- In the left pane, click Allow a program through Windows Firewall. If you are prompted for confirmation, click Allow.
- (Windows 7 only:) Click Change settings, then click Allow if asked for confirmation.
- Select the check box next to X-Plane, and then click OK.
To allow X-Plane through the firewall in Mac OS,
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Click Security (called Security & Privacy in OSX Lion).
- Click the Firewall tab.
- Unlock the pane by clicking the lock in the lower-left corner and enter the administrator username and password.
- Click Advanced… to customize the firewall configuration.
- Click the + (plus) button, then select your copy of X-Plane.app. This is found in the X-Plane 9 or X-Plane 10 installation directory, which is located by default on your desktop. With X-Plane selected, click Add.