Network Mode

Network mode lets multiple computers register players simultaneously into a shared database. When registration closes, that database is imported into SwissSys.

When to Use Network Mode

Situation	Recommended Approach
Each section has its own computer and TD	Direct registration to SwissSys — no network mode needed
Multiple stations, any player can register for any section	Use network mode
Single computer, building a club database	Network mode works here too, even without a network

For most tournaments, the simplest setup is one computer per section, with each section TD doing their own registration. Network mode adds flexibility but requires more setup.

Why Network Mode Exists

SwissSys saves section data to individual section files. Multiple computers cannot write to the same section file at the same time without data conflicts.

Network mode solves this by using a separate shared database as a staging area. All stations write to that database during registration; the results are imported into SwissSys once registration closes.

Setting Up Network Mode

Set network database location

Before registration begins, go to Options > Environment options… and configure the network database name and location. The file must be on a shared network drive accessible by all registration computers.

Enable network mode on each station

In the registration dialog on each computer, go to Tools > Network mode and check it. The “Network mode” label appears at the top of the registration dialog when active.

Register players

Each station registers players normally. All entries are written to the shared network database automatically.

Import when done

When registration closes, use Database > Import database… on the main computer to import all players from the network database into SwissSys.

What Gets Saved

The network database stores all player information including:

Name, ID, rating, and membership data
The section each player registered for
All fields entered during registration

The network database format is fixed and cannot be customized beyond its name and location.

Step-by-Step Guide

For a complete walkthrough, see Registering Players with the Network Database.

Database Overview - Understanding databases in SwissSys
Environment Options - Configure network database location