Author Topic: Time for a second MA? (Read 1636 times)

AKIron · « **Reply #30 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:21:13 PM »

One solution to an overloaded server, if that is the case, would be to split a map in half and run each half on a separate server.

Of course there would then be a region where planes heading toward the other half wouldn't see nearby planes approaching them but still on the other server. Unless a middle region could be negotiated between the servers in which data is shared between them.

Could even establish a dmz where no enemies are spotted until well within the boundary of the server, this would prevent an enemy from suddenly appearing at close range.

Some information could be continuously transferred between the servers such as all text communications, roster info, and radar.

Anyhow, the lag problem may not be the result of an overloaded server.

BNM · « **Reply #31 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:21:14 PM »

Either need to have the MA at 1000 working with no warpage, etc... or 2-3 MA arenas with about a 450 max. I agree that the current planeset doesn't support Euro / Pac arenas. It is a drag not being able to play now. I've gone in a couple of times at about 600-650 and the warps, lag, ghosts, rubber-bullets, etc... was a bad joke. I've gone from that to 60 people in the CT, fly around looking for a fight for an hour in some lousy plane you don't like and never fly (not fun).

Edited to add: Of course to those who keep saying they'd "Gladly pay more"..... that's just ignorant. Sheesh...

Kev367th · « **Reply #32 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:28:07 PM »

Quote "Anyhow, the lag problem may not be the result of an overloaded server"

Explain then why when the numbers are low the MA is virtually lag and warp free, yet as it approaches then passes 500 lags become horrendous.
They seem to be most prevalent (in an osty) with cons warping from 1.9k to 1.2k.
In aircraft most of mine consist of aircraft disappearing / reappearing and warps within the 800yd range, sometimes very wierd i.e. from 600 out to 1k+, then behind you ,then back in front etc.
This never seems to happen when the MA numbers are low, so it must be tied to MA numbers.

oboe · « **Reply #33 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:39:49 PM »

Adding a 2nd main arena makes sense to me, and I also agree that the Japanese planeset is too small for a separate PTO server.

What about splitting them by time frame? One MA could be the full planeset, while the 2nd could be just early to mid-war aircraft.
That way many of the early-war aircraft introduced in the last few releases could have a place to fly without being so incredibly outclassed by the LA-7, N1K2, and P-51s...

The Spit IX and 190A-5 could be the perked A/C....

AKIron · « **Reply #34 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:42:37 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Kev367th
Quote "Anyhow, the lag problem may not be the result of an overloaded server"

Explain then why when the numbers are low the MA is virtually lag and warp free, yet as it approaches then passes 500 lags become horrendous.
They seem to be most prevalent (in an osty) with cons warping from 1.9k to 1.2k.
In aircraft most of mine consist of aircraft disappearing / reappearing and warps within the 800yd range, sometimes very wierd i.e. from 600 out to 1k+, then behind you ,then back in front etc.
This never seems to happen when the MA numbers are low, so it must be tied to MA numbers.

When I say server I mean it literally as the computer running the server software. Without the facts I can only guess but imo it's just as likely to be the network that is being overloaded.

Furthermore, not necessarily HTCs network and Internet connection that is being overloaded but rather Individual player connections, especially dial-ups, when player concentration gets high.

Steve · « **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:45:34 PM »

There's plenty to do if the MA is full.. CT is quite fun. If you crybabies pull up to a Mcdonald's drive thru and see a line there, do you demand they build another right next to it? The MA has shown full what.... one night? and already you guys are screaming for more more more... spoiled brats... are you never happy?

maxtor · « **Reply #36 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:46:15 PM »

Second arena would be good, would need to be a clone of the current MA, with the exception of perhaps maps in a different rotation. This would give people a choice of two terrain alternatives at any given time.

Set a trigger population in MA 1 before MA 2 would open to avoid not having enough play concentration during light usage hours.

Rude · « **Reply #37 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:47:19 PM »

Two MA's is not the answer.....bigger, cooler maps is the answer with the average distance between fields at two sectors.

maxtor · « **Reply #38 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:48:12 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Steve
If you crybabies pull up to a Mcdonald's drive thru and see a line there, do you demand they build another right next to it?

Actually i just then go somewhere else. If there were enough demographic then indeed yes someone would build another one.

Steve · « **Reply #39 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:49:32 PM »

You bet they would Maxtor, excellent point! But not after one day of the first Mcdonalds being over-loaded.

maxtor · « **Reply #40 on:** February 24, 2003, 12:55:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKIron
When I say server I mean it literally as the computer running the server software. Without the facts I can only guess but imo it's just as likely to be the network that is being overloaded.

Furthermore, not necessarily HTCs network and Internet connection that is being overloaded but rather Individual player connections, especially dial-ups, when player concentration gets high.

Skuzzy says they have eliminated the server hardware as the cause. Whatever is causing it (software likely?) it doesn't happen until a lot of people are on - and it stops when enough people log off. I'm no computer super genious, but this certainly seems to be a cause and effect relationship of some sort.

J_A_B · « **Reply #41 on:** February 24, 2003, 01:12:27 PM »

Separate arenas--rather, the lack of separate arenas--has always been a huge weakness of AH. AH is now experiencing many of the big problems I have been predicting for years. Fixing the lag--if that's even possible--won't make all those problems diappear. The CT, while a noble cause, represents a poor alternative to the MA due to odd settings and limited choice and it appeals mainly to a special segment of players.

As for the suggestions of a "Euro" and "Pac" arena--the lack of Japanese planes set does NOT matter. Remember folks, they're talking about arenas, NOT an Allied vs Axis matchup--every side would still have all the planes. Just instead of the arena having ALL planes available, one arena would have EUROPEAN aircraft and the other would have PACIFIC ones (some exceptions apply). As noted, this idea worked fairly well in AirWarrior so there's no reason not to believe it couldn't also work well in AH. AH has the planesets and Maps already available. That is but one possibility to have two available arenas that would each maintain a unique character. There are plenty of other options available.

IMO the AH MA usually starts to crap out, both connection and gameplay-wise, after it reaches about 400-450 players. Having two MA's, each limited to 350-400 players, might be a great solution. While at first there would be problems, eventually each would develop its own character and maintain a constant population.

J_A_B

Dano · « **Reply #42 on:** February 24, 2003, 01:13:38 PM »

Rude wrote:
Two MA's is not the answer.....bigger, cooler maps is the answer with the average distance between fields at two sectors.

Rude, have you forgotten where you came from? (The assumptions is being made that you are the same Rude from Air Warrior.)

#1: Everyone squeakes about the bigger maps already.
#2: Mulitple arenas worked in Air Warrior for years, speaking of years:
#3: Aces High is what, 3 years old? Let's hope that Aces High will learn from other's mistakes AND successes.

muckmaw · « **Reply #43 on:** February 24, 2003, 01:50:09 PM »

WHat about Full Realism and Relaxed Realism Arenas?

I know the Vets will stay FR, and the Newer guys will learn the ropes in RR. It may buy us enough time until AH2 Comes out.

Shane · « **Reply #44 on:** February 24, 2003, 01:56:40 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by maxtor
Second arena would be good, would need to be a clone of the current MA, with the exception of perhaps maps in a different rotation. This would give people a choice of two terrain alternatives at any given time.
Set a trigger population in MA 1 before MA 2 would open to avoid not having enough play concentration during light usage hours.

hmmm the more i think about two MAs the less i think it'd work... one map would basically always be stuck on pizza...

think about it.