Could somebody please fill duke_srg's nzone.exe method for 9.3+? I have launched: nzone.exe start BASE256, the network is showing up and was connected automatically by my 3DS, I have closed the lid, left the 3DS on but I am not receiving streetpassers. I am using Windows 7 with a WPA-2 protected networked (passworded.)
Windows 7 x32 or x64? Again, WPA-2. Bad. Make it opened until you know it works.
See, it's not the router or your networks that have issues with WPA. It's the 3DS spotpassing. It can work, but there's something about password protection that makes the streetpasses null. (another reason why firmware updates are bad)
Imagine you take your 3DS for a walk. You pass another 3DS. Pass is sent/received. While both are capable of password protection, neither use it to send the request. So setting up an actual Nintendo Zone becomes a bit more complicated, but they are normally set to open to allow the public easy access and allow the streetpasses to send/receive. (like at a McDonald's)
All we are doing is telling our routers to warn our 3DS "no, you need permission first" and it tucks its tail and leaves without streetpasses. So then we tell our 3DS the magic password and it says "yay! gimme!" it works, but the streetpasses have no idea what the magic word is.
When you really think bout it, Nintendo is really pro open access. Yes, this is dangerous, allowing hacking, but it also makes the playing field even. So don't pee on the field.
That's why I've been using MAC filtering. All I'm doing is telling my router that this device has to be on my list before it gets into my open bar. But if the 3DS or hacker says, "yeah, that's me", I'm screwed. But hey, at least I tried. And most people barely understand this anyways, yet alone knows how to mac spoof into a network. Especially 3DS users. The worst thing about leaving it opened is that some bum or passerby will be like, "oh hey! free internet..." and then keeps walking. Your neighbors might abuse it, but most are too busy trying to hog their own wifi. Enter the MAC filter. Now they need to be on your party list to play.
So not only do I have a MAC list telling me the names of people invited to my party, but now I only have enough chairs for a certain amount of people. Enter the DHCP. If I say 1, it will only let one of those people on my list in at a time. But I want a party for 3 plus me. So I put in their MACs, and my laptop wifi and ethernet which makes 5 in total. Now only we can party, and they have to be on my invite list.
So my recommendation:
Open. DHCP 10. MAC filter your 3DSes and your laptop wifi & ethernet. Problem solved. No magic words needed and streetpasses get shared.
It also allows any DS 3DS to use this wifi without encryption. This is really good for people who use DsTwo and DS/DSi handhelds. Remember, open bar. You have to be on the list. Wait until a chair is available. Doesn't matter if you speak WEP or WAP or WAP-2. Just need to be invited and have someplace to sit.