MottiKhan - can anyone join a game of yours if you host? 

I know you said that impulse reactor is set to x ports, but if you didn't check, you might want to check again.  Perhaps the updates changed settings you had previously configured in impulse reactor. 

I'd suggest sending an email off to support@stardock.com in the meantime in case no one else chimes in here. 

Thanks for the reply pacov.

I double checked the Impulse Reactor and it was still 6100 - 6120, but I reset it to let it take its own settings.  it chose ports 6112 - 6132.  It's still within my 6100 - 6200 forwarded range, so it should be ok in theory.

Other settings are UPnP disabled and no DMZ.  I'm hard - wired into the router to avoid any wireless issues.  No proxy.

I haven't hosted a game for almost 2 weeks, but I'll give it a try when I get some more time.  In the mean time, I'll also keep an eye out for a game that allows noobs.  There aren't many that I'm qualified to join.

I'll open a ticket if nothing else works.

+1  Karma    

Update - I disregarded a game's requirements and joined a vet game.  They sure can kick you fast.  I didn't even have time to explain that I was only checking connectivity.    

Anyway, it seems to be working now.  Thanks again pacov.    

Glad things are working again for you!  With regards to folks kicking you, I find that all welcome games do still fill up at a reasonable pace (time of day pending though). 

Hehe.  Thanks pacov.  I expected to be kicked from that game anyway.  My stats showed a total of 9 games and 1 win at the time.  

The problem was back when I tried to join some subsequent games.  I replaced the router with a newer one and all is well.  I hosted a game and was able to complete it.  I now have a winning streak of one in a row.    

Great!  Glad to hear it, Motti!  Hope to catch you sometime.

Well, I got the exact same issue since I came back home and this time it is not because I am blocked or anything... I even messed the tournament that day. I've tried everything mentioned above, but nothing has changed so far. I can only connect to 15-20 people out of all the players .

Now - I certainly don't know everything about networking, but I'd think being unable to connect has everything to do with configuration.  The question is in where you are getting blocked from making connections.  Could be a router, ISP, firewall, etc.  Lots and lots of factors. 

You might want to open a separate thread if you want additional feedback, insidious.  I'm happy to try to help you if I can - or point you to folks that are more capable than me.