In this video, Dani explains how UDP multicasting is the key to the server meshing system in Star Citizen. UDP multicasting enables efficient and real-time communication between players, their computers, and the game server, ensuring smooth gameplay experiences and seamless transitions between servers.
In this video, Dani discusses the importance of UDP multicasting as the “secret sauce” of server meshing in Star Citizen. UDP multicasting is a protocol used in the transmission layer of network communication. Unlike TCP, which is used for sending whole blocks of intact information, UDP is used for continuous information such as telemetry, voice conversations, and live broadcasts. UDP multicasting allows for efficient distribution of data to multiple destinations without the need for back traffic.
The replication layer in Star Citizen’s network architecture is responsible for sending information simultaneously to both the player’s computer and the game server. UDP multicasting enables this simultaneous transmission, ensuring that players receive real-time updates about their surroundings. The replication layer only sends information about the player’s zone of perception, rather than the entire game world. This allows for efficient use of memory and processing resources.
Dani uses a car camera footage example to illustrate how server meshing works under UDP multicasting. As players interact with each other and the environment, their actions are sent to the game server, which calculates new vectors and updates the replication layer. However, due to network latency, players may see others a fraction of a second behind where they actually are.
When crossing server boundaries, the replication layer seamlessly transfers the player’s information to the new authoritative server. This ensures a smooth transition and continuous awareness of other players and objects in the game world. Dani also mentions the importance of collision detection and damage calculation in server meshing, which is facilitated by the replication layer.
In conclusion, UDP multicasting is the “secret sauce” that enables efficient and real-time communication between players, their computers, and the game server in Star Citizen’s server meshing system. It allows for simultaneous transmission of data to multiple destinations and ensures smooth gameplay experiences even when crossing server boundaries.