Is there a need for a new US server? I don't see one up a day after an update. I've been thinking about applying for a server for some time now. I run a game lounge in Newark, Delaware, US called Cats CrossInn and we have a very very good internet connection in this region. From what I understand though it always seemed to be DDOS attacks that did the servers in, but with hosting places claiming to prevent that, is it just a matter of paying for a higher tier of hosting that actually can stop them or is this just one of those things we have to live with forever?
Also if anyone lives within driving distance of Newark, Delaware and wants to get together to play, let me know!
US Server and Local Players
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SemlerPDX
- Posts: 530
- Joined: 2011-01-16 21:49
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Re: US Server and Local Players
Server hosts often provide some form of DDoS protection, and so if you were going with a self hosting scenario, you'd want to investigate options. There are many DDoS protection services available, including Cloudflare or Akamai.Vicious3o2 wrote:...From what I understand though it always seemed to be DDOS attacks that did the servers in, but with hosting places claiming to prevent that, is it just a matter of paying for a higher tier of hosting that actually can stop them or is this just one of those things we have to live with forever?
You'd also want to use some means to automatically manage your server, restarting it if crashed (such as following a DDoS attack and subsequent mitigation by protection services) and making sure your server is always available. If a DDoS attack "does your server in", then your protection should kick in shortly after, and server management scripts/software will ensure your server is back online if crashed - these things are not a daily or even weekly occurrence, but like the weather, must be dealt with if they arise and until they pass.
You also need to grow and manage a team of game server administrators to ensure rules are being followed, player issues are being dealt with, and who can help manage banned players by answering unban requests in a timely manner in accordance with a public PR Server License. A server is only as good as its administration, else it can devolve into chaos, and so it is very important to train and monitor your admins carefully. Contrary to popular belief, it is not simply a matter of "if you build it, they will come".
Lastly, you will need to provide a public place for players and administrators for your server to communicate, including an area for dealing with banned players, and a public download area where you make available tracker files for each match run on your server up to the last 30 days.