# Network Connection Features

This project provides multiple ways to connect to multiplayer servers by IP address, both in the editor and in standalone builds.

## Features

### 1. Editor Window (NetworkConnectionWindow)
A dedicated Editor window for managing network connections with a GUI.

**How to Use:**
- Open via: `Window > Network > Connection Manager` or press `Ctrl+Shift+N` / `Cmd+Shift+N`
- Features:
  - Select connection mode (Host/Client/Server)
  - Enter server IP and port
  - Start/Stop network connections
  - View connection status
  - Save/load connection settings

### 2. NetworkConnectionHelper Component
A MonoBehaviour component with custom inspector for quick network control.

**How to Use:**
1. Add `NetworkConnectionHelper` component to any GameObject in your scene
2. Configure settings in Inspector:
   - Server IP (for client mode)
   - Port
   - Auto-start options
3. Use inspector buttons to:
   - Start Host
   - Start Server
   - Start Client
   - Disconnect
4. View real-time connection status and network info

### 3. NetworkJoinUI Component
In-game UI for connecting to servers by IP (works in both editor and standalone builds).

**How to Use:**
1. Create UI elements:
   - InputField for IP address
   - InputField for port
   - Buttons: Join, Host, Disconnect
   - Text for status display
2. Add `NetworkJoinUI` component to a GameObject
3. Assign UI references in Inspector
4. Press `J` key (default) to toggle the UI panel
5. Connect using the UI buttons

### 4. AutoHost Component (Updated)
Auto-starts as host in editor mode (configurable).

**How to Use:**
- Add `AutoHost` component to any GameObject
- Settings:
  - `Enable Auto Host`: Enable/disable auto-start
  - `Only In Editor`: Only auto-start in editor (not in standalone builds)

## Setup Instructions

### For Editor Testing:

**Option A: Using Editor Window (Recommended)**
1. Open `Window > Network > Connection Manager`
2. Select mode: `Host` or `Client`
3. Enter IP/port if needed
4. Click `Start` or `Connect`

**Option B: Using NetworkConnectionHelper**
1. Add `NetworkConnectionHelper` component to your scene
2. Use Inspector buttons to control connections
3. For auto-start on play, enable `Auto Start As Host`

**Option C: Using AutoHost (Original Behavior)**
1. Keep or add `AutoHost` component
2. It will auto-start as host when playing in editor

### For Standalone Builds:

**Option A: Using NetworkJoinUI (In-Game UI)**
1. Add `NetworkJoinUI` component with UI references
2. Build and run
3. Press `J` to open connection panel
4. Enter IP and connect

**Option B: Using NetworkConnectionHelper**
1. Add `NetworkConnectionHelper` component
2. Set `Auto Start As Host = true` and `Only In Editor = false`
3. Build - it will auto-start as host

## Connection Modes

### Host
- Acts as both server and client
- Can host multiplayer games
- Players connect to your IP

### Client
- Connects to an existing server
- Requires server IP address

### Server
- Server-only mode (no player)
- Used for dedicated servers

## Network Info Display

All connection methods display:
- Current mode (Host/Client/Server)
- Connection status
- IP address and port
- Number of connected clients
- Local Client ID

## Tips

1. **Testing Multiplayer Locally:**
   - Use `127.0.0.1` or `localhost` for local testing
   - Or use your local IP for testing on same network

2. **Default Port:**
   - Default port is `7777`
   - Change in any connection component's settings

3. **Firewall:**
   - Ensure port is open for network connections
   - Windows Firewall may block connections

4. **Multiple Editor Instances:**
   - Use Unity's `ParrelSync` or run multiple standalone builds
   - Each instance needs different settings

## Integration

All features integrate with existing `NetworkManager` and `NetworkConnectionHandler`:
- Player spawning is handled automatically
- Connection approval is handled by `NetworkConnectionHandler`
- Compatible with existing multiplayer systems