New guy with questions (not 1017 related)

[Aescleal]

Hey! /me waves!

Just learned about this project, and I'm stoked about all the great work going on here! I can't wait to get a server fired up. Because of the patch issue, I can't get log into even my own server just yet, but that's cool, I have patience! ;)

What I am wanting to know:

1. how many zones can a typical server manage? How many did previous versions of the EQEmu server host? I know it's directly related to what hardware the server has, but let's say a server with a P3 1GHz processor and 1Gig of RAM... What expectations should I have for a server like that? 10 zones? or closer to 100?

2. I have a server installed, and I can't log in to check it, but how do I know what zones to load, and where do I get the zones? I follow the 0.5.0 instructions and except for a couple minor things going on, I seems to be running. But I only have the default settings from the directions. Are there written instructions on how to statically assign zones on startup?

Anyhoo, excuse a newbie for asking, but any valuable pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Aescleal

[mattmeck]

I had a 4.4 server running with an AMD 2.4 GH and a Gig of ram, with a cable connection that has 385 Upload.. I was able to run 15 zones and hold 15 people befor things got realy laggy. You can not run a server on a computer that is used for other things, for example, When I logged into my server from the same computer having 5 people on with me was hard and if there was fighting it went down to 3 people.

Easiest way to get a decient server up is with a T-3 and 3-4 computers. 1 running world and a few zones and the other computers running more zones.

[Aescleal]

Easiest way to get a decient server up is with a T-3 and 3-4 computers. 1 running world and a few zones and the other computers running more zones.

So is it safe to say you could run more zones from a computer not hosting world, than you could on the server 'world' is running from? I'll have to play arround with a custom portforwarding setup I'm sure, but the more zones the better, right? I have an older computer that could host, and other's that could handle zones! If possible, does this add more functionality? And the ability to carry more zones? I mean it's just port addressing, isn't it?

Thanks,
Aescleal

[Ostaf]

Now, is the greater power required per user or per zone? If I got a bank of old P233s, running one zone each and nothing else, how many users could I theoretically handle on each?

[krich]

Ostaf, it all depends on how the executables are compiled and which version you are running. Compilers have many optimizing settings that can improve performance. There are optimizations made constantly by the developers during development. I doubt anyone ACTUALLY knows the answer to your question.

As for your connection, unless you have a big upstream pipe, you'll likely top out your bandwidth before you hit the max any given server can handle.

General guidelines for multiple machine servers are:
1) Database server needs to have the most memory, not necessarily the most CPU. Most DB servers cache tables in RAM (not 100% sure if MySQL does, but would be surprised if it didn't) allowing super fast access. The more memory, the better in this case.
2) World server can be your slowest computer
3) Zone servers need to have a decent amount of RAM, plus some horsepower on the CPU side. Frequently lag occurs during battles, so if you are testing make sure youtest with multiple battles going on in the same zone.
4) Use Linux rather than Windows (IMHO) and ditch the Xwindowing Window Manager crap. It just hogs up memory for no good reason.

regards,

krich