A network application operates in a multi-user environment and in various network communication configurations. The application controls the selection of communication ports and associated communication protocols for a network computer that is participating in an online session of the multi-user application. A network computer running the application opens multiple communication ports through which the application can send communication signals to other network computers that are participating in the online session. The network computer then associates each of the opened communication ports with a communication protocol, such that communication signals that the application sends and receives will conform to the protocol of the communication port. The network computer then designates an active communication port through which the application will send and receive communication signals for the first computer. The network computer then sends a communication signal to the other network computers participating in the online session identifying the active communication port and the associated protocol for the first computer.