Network Space Mode
This chapter covers the operating mechanism of MSST-Net Network Space Mode.
What Is Network Space Mode
Network Space Mode is the foundational connection mode of MSST-Net, designed for long-term, stable connection to a unified network environment.
In Network Space Mode, devices join the MSST-Net unified virtual network and receive a fixed virtual IP address. Other devices in the network can communicate with your device via this virtual IP or an ezPlay hostname. Access control is fully managed by firewall rules and Interactive Authorization.
Network Space Mode is the default state after the client starts — no additional steps are needed to enter it.
Use Cases
Network Space Mode is suitable for:
- Devices that need long-term stable connectivity and continuously serve others
- Accessing services shared by other devices in the network
- Persistently adding a device to a unified virtual network
Virtual Addresses
After connecting to Network Space, your device receives a set of fixed virtual addresses:
- Virtual IPv4:
172.22.x.y(deterministically derived from device ID) - Virtual IPv6:
fd22:2222:2222:2222::xxxx:xxxx(deterministically derived from device ID)
If a mnemonic has been set, your device also receives an ezPlay hostname (e.g., archlinux.abjust.ezplay) that can be used directly as a hostname.
See:
Access Control
In Network Space Mode, access control relies entirely on firewall rules and Interactive Authorization.
- Inbound connections from other devices in the network must match an allow rule or be approved via Interactive Authorization
- Connections from unknown devices with no matching rule are silently dropped
- Connections from devices on your account, recently contacted devices, or devices explicitly referenced in rules will trigger Interactive Authorization if no rule matches
See:
Relationship with Room Mode
Network Space Mode and Room Mode can be used simultaneously.
After joining a room, your device enters Room Mode but still maintains its Network Space virtual address and firewall rules. After leaving all rooms, it automatically returns to pure Network Space Mode.
Key differences:
| Comparison | Network Space Mode | Room Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Peer scope | All known devices in the network | Room members only |
| Access control | Firewall rules + Interactive Authorization | Firewall rules + Interactive Authorization (room members only) |
| Discovery | Not supported | Supported (multicast / broadcast proxy) |
| Use case | Long-term stable connection | Temporary networking, collaborative play |
See:
Next Steps
- Firewall Rules — Configure access control
- Interactive Authorization — Learn about dynamic authorization
- Room Mode — Temporary networking and multiplayer