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Networking
Within MMOs
Scott Seeley
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Differences in game networking
• Peer-to-peer
• Client/Server
• Distributed Server
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Peer-to-Peer
•Direct player connection
–Reduced latency
•Multiplayer connection
–Lack of control
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Client/Server
•Client is the server
–Dual players
–Multiplayer
–Central control
–Increased latency
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Distributed Servers
•Central control
•Uniform game
•Distributed resource load
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Distributed Server Control
• Clients cheat
• Checksums
– Error checking
– Encryption
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Distributed Servers Types
• Multi Realm
• Multi Shard
• Single Realmed
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Distributed Servers Types cont.
•Multi realm
–Many servers running different aspects
–Shard/Area cap
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Distributed Servers Types cont.
•Multi sharded
–Multiple instances, across multiple servers
–Distribute server load
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Distributed Servers Types cont.
•Single Realmed
–Many servers, one game
–Server tricks
–Client tricks
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Future of MMO networks
• Single Realm
• Dynamic Player interaction
• Increased Throughput
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Thanks for Playing