GUID Numbers

From Call of Duty 2

Contents 1 Abstract 2 Activision Master Server 3 How CD Keys become GUID numbers 4 Bans

Abstract

GUID Numbers are an integer representation of your CD key.

It is a unique 6 or 7 digit number that Activision has associated with your CD Key.

GUID numbers are the basis by which bans function. GUID numbers allow server operators to place bans against a particular CD Key without the server admin actually knowing what the CD Key is (thus preventing any potentially malicious server operators from stealing CD keys).

Activision Master Server

One of the many tasks that the Activision Master Server is responsible for includes converting CD Keys to GUID numbers. Under this model, only activision handles the CD Key codes.

The obvious benefit of this: protection from malicious server operators stealing your CD Key.

The disadvantage is that it makes this conversion process dependent upon the Activision Master Server (which is frequently unavailable, causing numerous problems.)

How CD Keys become GUID numbers

1. You try to connect to a CoD2 server
2. The CoD2 server sends your IP Address to the Activision Master Server, asking for your GUID Number
3. The Activision server either responds with: A) A notice that your IP hasn't authenticated recently. ... or B) Your GUID Number. In which case, the entire process ends; the CoD2 server now knows your GUID Number.
4. If your IP hasn't been authenticated by activision within the last 15 minutes, then the Master Server sends back message to the CoD2 server that says that IP need to provide a CD Key , which sends the message to your client (all while you're waiting to connect, still)
5. Your CoD2 client then sends most of your CD Key to the Activision Master Server. Activision records your CD Key and and IP Address and looks up your GUID number based on the CD Key you provided to them. Only Activision has the look-up list for all CD Keys to GUID numbers.
6. This IP Address will then be "authenticated" for the next 15 minutes.
7. Any server that asks Activision for the GUID Number for your IP address, Activision now knows your which GUID number to respond with.

Bans

GUID numbers are the basis of the built in cod ban and tempban commands. When a player is banned, the ban is against their GUID number, which is essentially a ban against their CD Key.