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