Running a LockOn server

[Sabre]

I've read some refer to running LO server in dedicated mode. What do they mean exaclty? I have the LO-FC sevrver running on a separate PC, but to start the MP game I still need to enter 3D on it. Is it possible to keep the server in the UI without entering 3D?

 

Thanks,

Sabre.

[104th_Crunch]

Hi Sabre, there is no dedicated server software for LO. All you can do is run as a host in the 3D game as you have been doing. There is some custom made software for mission rotation and game messages etc., that some servers run in Hyperlobby. Check out RvE Yoda's mission rotation software and realism mod here.

Edited May 21, 2009 by Crunch

[Sabre]

Hi Sabre, there is no dedicated server software for LO. All you can do is run as a host in the 3D game as you have been doing. There is some custom made software for mission rotation and game messages etc., that some servers run in Hyperlobby. Check out RvE Yoda's mission rotation software and realism mod here.

 

 

I realized that person referred to running the server as observer, but still entering the 3D. I wonder which GFX settings on the server affect clients and if clients' GFX settings can affect the server/MP session.

 

Thanks for the links, mate, I'll check them out.

 

Sabre.

[104th_Crunch]

As long as the dedicated server PC can run Lock On as an observer with at least a steady 20FPS, you should be good. Make sure to turn down all graphics options in LO on ther server. Internet upload bandwidth/speed can play a bigger part.

 

For clients, make sure they connect at 128KB/128KB regardless of speed as it seems the best. Graphically, a client running a slow PC, can appear to warp if their PC is chugging along slowly. The same warping can appear if the client has a slow Internet connection. Also, both types of warping can not only make the slow client warp to others, other clients can appear to warp to the slow client. LO's networking code is good, but warping can be an issue for slow connections, slow graphics.

[Sabre]

As long as the dedicated server PC can run Lock On as an observer with at least a steady 20FPS, you should be good. Make sure to turn down all graphics options in LO on ther server. Internet upload bandwidth/speed can play a bigger part.

 

For clients, make sure they connect at 128KB/128KB regardless of speed as it seems the best. Graphically, a client running a slow PC, can appear to warp if their PC is chugging along slowly. The same warping can appear if the client has a slow Internet connection. Also, both types of warping can not only make the slow client warp to others, other clients can appear to warp to the slow client. LO's networking code is good, but warping can be an issue for slow connections, slow graphics.

 

 

Crunch, could you pls advise on the 2 specific settings on the Server/Client sides: Scenery and Visual Range.

 

Is it required to manually sync the Clients settings in the GFX with the server? Or can I use any workable settings for me as a Client?

 

I don't plan to run my server for combat missions, but I may just use it to exercise with a friend or two before more serious flying on the 169th or some other famous ones. :)

 

What is the average bandwidth requirement for the server? How do you calculate it based on the number of Clietns? Say, I'm on 2048/512 ADSL and I also have 1024/1024 connection.

 

Thanks,

Sabre.

[104th_Crunch]

The Scenery setting on the server overrides the client's setting. There is a way to override this on the client side, but unless tweaked, clients will get server scene settings.

 

With the exception of Civilian Traffic, all other graphic options incl. visual range are client side (95% sure). They don't have to be matched or sync'd between server and client.

 

For average bandwidth requirement I have no clue. If your Lock On server melts in a fireball from all the clients joining, I guess your average is too low :)

 

For the server bandwidth setting, set it as close as possible to your actual bandwidth.

Edited May 21, 2009 by Crunch

[Sabre]

The Scenery setting on the server overrides the client's setting. There is a way to override this on the client side, but unless tweaked, clients will get server scene settings.

 

With the exception of Civilian Traffic, all other graphic options incl. visual range are client side (95% sure). That don't have to be matched or sync'd between server and client.

 

Then just only 2 questions are left:

1. Which Scenery/Range setting does the 169th use?

2. Does the 169th use civ traffic?

 

Much thanks, Crunch.

Sabre.

[104th_Crunch]

169th uses low scenes. Scenes is probably the one setting that effects FPS the most. Civ traffic is off as well.

Edited May 21, 2009 by Crunch

[Sabre]

All is clear, thanks Crunch.

 

Cheers,

Sabre.

[104th_Crunch]

Another good tip for a server config, at the end of Lock On\Config\graphics.cfg add the line, (if it's not there):

 

MaxFPS = 20;

 

This way LO doesn't have to waste resources drawing extra frames it doesn't need to to run smooth as a server.

[Sabre]

Another good tip for a server config, at the end of Lock On\Config\graphics.cfg add the line, (if it's not there):

 

MaxFPS = 20;

 

This way LO doesn't have to waste resources drawing extra frames it doesn't need to to run smooth as a server.

 

Sounds like another good tip indeed. Noted.

 

Thanks,

Sabre.

[279KIAP-SPIKE]

LOFC Stats Server

 

Hi All,

 

I've just read your comms and I think you will be able to assist us. We - 279KIAP - are situated in Cape Town South Africa and we fly SU-33 in LOFC. Our site is http://279kiap.ning.com and we currently fly on 51st for stats. Our leader 279KIAP-SNAKE is the leader and the rest of us receive our training from him.

 

You have answered most of my questions in your posts above, however I would like to know what else we need to do to provide a stats server similar to http://www.51st.org/stats/overall.php for we would like to offer a similar solution if possible.

 

Thanx

[104th_Crunch]

Hi Spike,

Well, all the stats you see were custom made by programmers. In the case of the 51st, by 51st Case. Really all you can do is ask for assistance in making your own stats, but you will have to have someone familiar with basic programming, database management, etc.

 

What a great idea it would be for ED to have one of these talented guys to help them include a global stats system for all players of all servers in LO 2.0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Renato71]

It would be great if anyone could be so kind to share their knowledge on stats, not just to use words like "its easy if you know how". I do not understand why some people can share their work with skins and other stuff, but stats are guarded like some treasure.

There were some instructions here, but I was not able to make it work. I got an offer to host my stats on their webpage, but thats not my goal.

[279KIAP-SPIKE]

Thanx for the feedback Crunch and Renato71, I will search for a solution and give you feedback once resolved. Happy flying.

[Case]

I do not understand why some people can share their work with skins and other stuff, but stats are guarded like some treasure.

The reason for this is that for a squadron to host a dedicated Lock On server, one that is online 24/7, costs money, money the squadron members have to cough up. To not see that money go to waste on a server that is empty most of the time, they will try to get pilots in there by hosting good missions and having a good stats page. I spent over a month developing the 51st stats, and though I am willing to help anyone setting up their own, I am not going to hand out the code, for the reason I specified above.

[279KIAP-SPIKE]

Hi <51>Case,

 

That is not my intention. We are truly grateful for the service you provide. I'm simply requesting any information to allow us to offer our own club stats for 279KIAP members as well on our own server in Cape Town, South Africa due to high ping rates while we fly on international servers.

 

We only fly with 51st since SNAKE use to be part of 51st himself, and we believe in what you are doing and support you in this regard. My simple intention is to provide SNAKE with a local southern hemisphere solution for our club. In doing so not to steal or hijack any other squadrons code. I am simply requesting guidance in this regard.

 

Thanx All

[Case]

Hi Spike,

 

My post wasn't so much a reply to your question but more to Renato's remark about stats pages not being shared.

 

To setup a stats page you there are essentially three things you need. First you need a program to read and parse the mp_log.txt files where events in the server are recorded. This program can then upload these events to a database (like MySQL), and this database can then be accessed through, for example php, to display the events onto the web.

 

This is a simple approach and if you are familiar with programming it should not be too difficult to set up.

 

If you want to make it more complex, then the best way to do that is in the program that reads and parses the mp_log files. I have found that it is better to not do too many complex things with php and in MySQL because that slows things down and has to be redone every time somebody accesses the website. Instead, I do the linking of events belonging to a single pilot at the beginning when reading and parsing the mp_log, and upload only finished data to the database.

[279KIAP-SPIKE]

Hi <51>Case,

 

Appreciate the input.

 

Cheers

[Renato71]

I spent over a month developing the 51st stats' date=' and though I am willing to help anyone setting up their own, I am not going to hand out the code, for the reason I specified above.[/quote']

 

I know, we talked about that earlier, but as I said, it will not be practical for me and my squaddies to run stats on external server. I've also invested big money and huge amount of working hours into LOFC.

 

I appreciate your effort and support :)