What's up with the lobby server & POL-1160s?

[Francisco]

I had this problem a few weeks ago, and it went away, but now it's back.

The thing is, the connection issue didn't even initially disconnect me from FFXI. I woke up and was still logged in. I was, however, unable to view who was in my linkshell or search for people. When I tried to zone, it timed out and I was disconnected.

I'm now unable to connect to PlayOnline at all, getting either a POL-1160 or POL-0011 each attempt.

Seems pretty obvious the issue is with the lobby server and whatever server handles zone transfers and searches (perhaps the same one?)...

Currently using Comcast in the Boston, MA area.

[Francisco]

Just to give an idea... since this problem seems to never be acknowledged by SE, even though it's been here before (in widespread areas such as half the east coast, etc)...

Start Time: 11:06 am

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-0011, hit exit...

Entered Password/Token Code
Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-1160, hit retry...

Got POL-0011, hit exit...

End time: 11:26 am

POL-1160 happens when the POL version check fails.

POL-0011, more annoying because it makes you re-enter passwords... this happens when it gets past the POL version check (indicating there's a "pulse" coming from the lobby server, however week...), it seems to happen when POL is trying to verify your passwords...

Occasionally you will get into POL, but are unlikely to get into the actual game, as there is another host of "checks" that occur - in which POL-0011 will pop up.