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

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