RIZZASTERServer Lag Mitigation Strategy
/archive/schematics/plugins/bots/ · last edited 26 Jun 2022 · Development
Server lag has been a consistent issue during peak hours, especially when more than twenty players are connected simultaneously. The primary cause is the outdated server hardware, which struggles to handle the increased load from both the game’s physics engine and the chat system. While the current setup was sufficient when the server first launched, the growing number of regular users has pushed it beyond its limits. Attempts to optimize the game code have had only minor impact, so the focus has shifted toward hardware upgrades.
A temporary fix has been implemented by introducing a lightweight proxy server that offloads chat traffic, reducing the main server’s workload by approximately 15%. This has led to a noticeable decrease in lag spikes, though it’s not a long-term solution. The proxy server is running on a spare machine in the same location, which means it shares the same network bandwidth and power supply as the main server. This creates a risk if the main server fails or the power goes out, but it’s a manageable trade-off for now.
Long-term plans include replacing the main server with a more powerful machine and moving chat processing to a separate server entirely. This will require additional funding and volunteer time to set up, but it’s necessary to ensure the server remains stable and enjoyable for all users. In the meantime, we are monitoring performance metrics closely and looking for any additional optimizations that can be applied without major changes.