If you are having problems with your LAN by connecting to other computers without connecting to the "lobby" this is what you have to do:
Solution: Every computer that will be playing NFSU2 has to have the same default gateway and subnet mask (in windows).
Do set the default gateway and subnet mask: right click on the network icon that appears in the system tray. Click on status. click on properties. Click on internet protocol. Click on properties. Select "Use the following IP ADdress". Give each computer a unique IP Address (doesnt matter what it is ie: 123.123.123.1) Set a subnet mask and a default gateway (both also follow the 255.255.255.255 format) Set all computers playing NFSU2 to the same subnet mask and default gateway.
*Note if you host a game and have another computer connect and it hangs when it connects to the server, restart the hanging computer.
Also, when you want to connect to the internet again be sure to go back into the same properties window and change it back to "Obtain an IP address automatically".
Thats it!
Silent