This article goes over all the aspects you need to know when it comes to linking either real physical cabinets, PCs running MAME, or a combination of the two. Please note these tutorials are written with the expectation you have basic computer knowledge like how to use a command line interface as well as fundamental networking concepts.
Disclaimer: MAME networking support is still very much in an alpha state. The emulator has a tendency to crash at random and wireless interfaces are NOT SUPPORTED. You must use a wired network interface. Additionally this likely only works on Windows and Linux (unverified) - MacOS is not supported.
First, determine which scenario applies to your setup the best by looking at the table of contents:
Real cabinets at one physical location
This is the easiest scenario - All you simply have to do is connect one or more (maximum of 8) cabs to the same unmanaged network switch. Afterwords, adjust each cabinet's setting so that the car color (for San Francisco Rush/Rush The Rock) or cabinet number (for Rush 2049) is different for each cab. You can then enter the network test on every cab through the test menu - Each cab should show up on each other cab. From there reboot back into the game and start a game and select a course on one cab. All other cabs should get an invitation to join the game that is about to start.
Real cabinet(s) and MAME PC(s) at one physical location
First, connect one or more (maximum of 8) cabs and/or PCs to the same unmanaged network switch.
TODO: Detailed steps
- Install TAP adapter
- Create bridge between NIC and TAP adapter
- Configure MAME to use TAP adapter
- Set up game (change car color/cab number, network test)
Afterwords, adjust each cabinet's setting so that the car color (for San Francisco Rush/Rush The Rock) or cabinet number (for Rush 2049) is different for each cab. You can then enter the network test on every cab through the test menu - Each cab should show up on each other cab.
Real cabinet(s) at multiple physical locations
TODO
Real cabinet(s) and MAME PC(s) at multiple physical locations
TODO