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  #1  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 12:19 AM
marquis103 marquis103 is offline
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Default Dedicated GOTY Server Lags every 5 seconds

Hi. I just set up a dedicated server for UT GOTY. I put it on the same laptop I used 5 years ago where it ran great, and everything seems fine. The server shows up on the internet and can be accessed for game play. However, whether I play on the internet, or on the LAN, I experience a several second lag every 5 seconds or so. It's kind of like 5 seconds okay, then 5 seconds of lag where the player can't move. The bots all exhibit repetitive runs over their areas. By the way, I disabled Norton's firewall and use the Windows firewall with the appropriate ports allowed, which is exactly what I did a few years ago. Since this lag also shows up on the LAN, I'm assuming it's the server setup on the laptop. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I'm thinking it's a setting somewhere within the server options, but I don't have a clue what it might be. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
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  #2  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 04:01 AM
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Please post OS, service pack and internet connection method. [I.E. wifi lan to cable modem].
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  #3  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 06:06 AM
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try adjusting this section in the .ini

Code:
[IpDrv.TcpNetDriver]
AllowDownloads=True
ConnectionTimeout=15.0
InitialConnectTimeout=120.0
AckTimeout=1.0
KeepAliveTime=0.2
MaxClientRate=7500
SimLatency=0
RelevantTimeout=5.0
SpawnPrioritySeconds=1.0
ServerTravelPause=4.0
NetServerMaxTickRate=20
LanServerMaxTickRate=20
MaxDownloadSize=0
DownloadManagers=IpDrv.HTTPDownload
DownloadManagers=Engine.ChannelDownload
*Also as far as connections go , as 50BMG has indicated, are you going through WIFI?... or some 56/128k upstream connection which could also be a problem .Perhaps try knocking down the maxclient rate to 5500 and try again... and/or using a RJ45-Cable instead

Do a broadband speedtest here , take note of your UPLOAD BANDWIDTH and perhaps read through this webpage for more info

A Server Depends more-so on your UPLOAD speed then download. <=512kb upload is good for a 6 player match @ maxclient rate of about 7500.

*Failing these things , have you tried a stock standard server .ini?... Rename your ut.ini to ut.ini.bak and run again... & see if there is a difference.
if there is , then you have a Server Packages/Actors conflict problem of some sort

*Another point worth mentioning , is OpenGl Drivers or these ones, as they tend to have this (pause every 30-60sec's) effect on game play.

As for Bot's doing the Loop-D-Loop Around the Right-Hand-Side stairs on DM-Deck16][.
(Well!,we all get that.... ahh most (-) a select few ), put it down to bad bot pathing (that one)

*Finally your Laptop may be in what is known as 'Depressed mode' (My Term for Overheated Lappy's) due to build up of Dust molecules in the Ventilation Shafts.. heh.With a PC you can just whip out your vaccy and give it a a good erm.. sucking... including disassembling your Graphics card and giving that a good go as well!?!
Asia & Blanch on my mind....still...
>Using a utility such as SpeedFan
will assist in sorting these issues out (or at least acknowledging that there is a over-heating problem).

Apart from that there could be several other factors , such as other Server based software utilising the bandwidth , the likes of a Apache server (see services)

- RAM (the lack of)
- NEW VISTA (Crap) OS or Windows 7?
- A VIRUS or other Dodgy Application that is chewing up your CPU/BandWidth (see task manager)

hopefully , this will help in resolving your issues... or enlighten you (as well as other's) to causes of such things.


Last edited by back4more : 9th March, 2010 at 06:34 AM. Reason: each post requires at least 25 edits to correct such things as gramma/spelling and fkd typing....
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  #4  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 06:37 AM
2399Skillz 2399Skillz is offline
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Unless his laptop is connecting via WiFi, as asked, then his internet connection wouldn't have anything to do with his lag, since he says he experiences the same behavior when he plays on the server through the Local Area Network.

I am leaning more towards a video drive issue, as you mentioned. Although his bots wouldn't experience that behavior either.
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  #5  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 07:34 AM
medor medor is offline
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NetServerMaxTickRate=40
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  #6  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 12:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2399Skillz View Post
I am leaning more towards a video drive issue, as you mentioned.
Yip , I had this problem until I moved to D3D9 Driver, which is running nice for me , at least DirectX 9.0 drivers are recomended.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2399Skillz View Post
Although his bots wouldn't experience that behavior either.
> Does his Bots have different abilities to the std one's that come with UT?... O¿o

Quote:
Originally Posted by admin View Post
NetServerMaxTickRate=40
was thinking more along the lines of 35
Actually I use 35 for both & 10000 for MaxClientRate.

But then you need external mod's Such as TNSe's TickFix. etc.

or get Ownd by nubnub with his overpowered MiniGun... which ever the case may be.


Last edited by back4more : 9th March, 2010 at 12:17 PM. Reason: misc gramma & spelling issues , as one would experience in the dark...
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  #7  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 01:07 PM
marquis103 marquis103 is offline
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Sorry. I should have posted the relevant information in the first post. This is an older Sony laptop. OS is Windows XP SP3. AMD Athlon 1GZ and 512 MB Ram, 20GB HDD, with 10GB free. This laptop only has 8mb of video ram, but it worked fine with this UT GOTY server before. I am on WIFI, with a D-Link router. The setup is exactly the same as 5 years ago, and I have the laptop in the exact same spot and distance from the router as before. But I will try your suggestions and let you know what works. Thanks for all the responses.

I did the broadband speed test: Download: 12.97mb/sec
Upload: 2.66mb/sec
Ping 29ms

Task Manager doesn't show any unusual activity.

Max Client rate was set at 20,000. In steps I took it all the way down to 5500. Didn't help.

Netservermaxtickrate was set at 20. I changed it to 40. Didn't help.

Just for jollies, I turned the game speed down to 70. Also didn't help.

Much as I hate to to do it, I may reinstall everything and see if it helps.

Last edited by marquis103 : 9th March, 2010 at 02:17 PM.
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  #8  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 05:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marquis103 View Post
... OS is Windows XP SP3. ... The setup is exactly the same as 5 years ago...
Well, there's very little about XP that's exactly the same after applying SP3, which only came out 2 years ago this April.

Ok, enough generalities.

Can I assume you are running the server "Non-Dedicated"? That is - You see the game on the laptop screen. If this is so, please try running the game in Dedicated mode. [It will reduce itself to an Icon on the system tray] You will need to have someone else test for lag and report back to you.

You could also try raising the priority of the Unrealtournament.exe task one notch to "Above Normal" using the Task Manager interface. Try this in both Dedicated and Non-Dedicated modes.

You could try the "Tick-Fix" mod, but I doubt it will do anything about your problem. Note: Be sure to remove it if it doesn't help.

Please report those answers.

One other thing.... Please look for things running in the background. IM tools, Magic Jack, email, stuff like that. Turn all that stuff off while serving the game. I find it suspicious that TaskManager shows no other tasks taking CPU cycles from the game every 5 seconds.

Note: In Dedicated mode the game will not take 100% of available CPU unless many players are in.

Last edited by 50BMG : 9th March, 2010 at 06:00 PM.
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  #9  
Unread 9th March, 2010, 09:06 PM
marquis103 marquis103 is offline
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Hi. I've been running it in dedicated mode off the laptop and accessing the game over the internet from my desktop in the next room. I did the uninstall and reinstall and nothing has changed. The lag is still there. On a different site I found a post from people having the same problem. They had core duo laptops and solved the problem by putting a CPU Speed command batch file in the Unreal Tournament system folder. They used 1500 as a baseline speed. I tried it and noticed that the lag took about 15 seconds to appear when I adjusted the cpu speed to 1500. But any other adjustments, higher or lower resulted in pretty much going back to the 5 second lag. I'll try the priority thing and let you know. I can't see anything repeating in task manager every 5 seconds, but maybe I'm just missing it. I'll watch it again. I'm really beginning to think it has something to do with SP3 though. Thanks for your input.

Last edited by marquis103 : 9th March, 2010 at 09:57 PM.
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  #10  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 01:11 AM
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Just exploring here now...
  • Laptop
  • Inconsistant server play in dedicated mode
  • XP Used to work in a previous Service Pack
You didn't comment about other things running on the laptop in the background. I realize you said the TaskMgr was of no help, but that can be deceiving.

So, try removing or stopping all unnecessary programs and services just to be sure they don't matter. Include in this any resources being shared from the laptop like printers. The game and only the game.

Still no difference... try another thing while you've slimmed things down... try running the server in Non-Dedicated Mode. I have seen laptops [especially Sonys] that would not give fair cpu attention to a task unless it was doing video IO. If this makes things better... we need to look to laptop BIOS settings and drivers [no matter how it USED to work]

I'll stop here and wait for some answers. [BTW - I forgot to ask what game revision you're running]

Last edited by 50BMG : 10th March, 2010 at 01:24 AM.
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  #11  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 07:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marquis103 View Post
...On a different site I found a post from people having the same problem. They had core duo laptops and solved the problem by putting a CPU Speed command batch file in the Unreal Tournament system folder...
in my personal experience it was caused by my Dual core AMD +4800 why the Creeping Lag type feelings were happening One minute fine , next minute Fkd. , apparently this is called 'The Benny Hill Effect' for some reason.

I have hosted Dedicated Servers from this machine and connected to the server(s) via the same machine, with similar effects. UT99 installed in Sep Folder for Client-side gameplay.

Ironically enough the server works alright for even players with 400ms ping.. even though I was lagging as if I had 400ping , players reported how smooth is was running...

A fix for the dual core problem can be found here

This has greatly fixed alot of problems that I have had... with UT99.

Apparently Quad core processors don't have the same issues as Dual core systems.

As 50BMG was implying , revert laptop back to SP1 or 2 perhaps? alternatively you could try the ubuntu Server or another linux type server?

Last edited by back4more : 10th March, 2010 at 07:29 AM.
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  #12  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 12:30 PM
marquis103 marquis103 is offline
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Hi. I disabled all power options on the laptop that allow it to hibernate, etc. then I played in non dedicated mode and the laptop ran like a champ with no lag whatsoever. So I switched to dedicated mode and tried from my desktop accessing over the internet, and the lag was there just as bad as ever. Am I correct in assuming it has to do with my wifi. Either the router itself, or the wifi card in my laptop (which is the same one as always, but obviously 5 years older)
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  #13  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 12:37 PM
SoNY_scarface SoNY_scarface is offline
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I think it is more to do with your CPU not giving the server enough resources in dedicated mode.
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  #14  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 04:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoNY_scarface View Post
I think it is more to do with your CPU not giving the server enough resources in dedicated mode.
Ya.... Bingo. Leave the laptop in non-ded mode [spectator is fine] and try playing from the desktop just to be sure.

This was a very typical problem for laptops made up to 4 years ago. There's some kind of battery optimization or cpu usage optimization that causes the OS to incorrectly starve that app, because it thinks it's not doing anything.

I personally don't know if there's a sure cure for it, other than to run it non-dedicated. This fools the OS into giving it what it needs.

I've helped other admins on these forums try to figure it out. Some can cure it by a re-install of the OS, some don't. I don't know if you'll be sucessfull reverting to a previous SP. It's dangerous to try unless you are ok with reloading the OS should it fail.

We could pursue it, if you feel determined. Personally, I'd use non-ded mode and forget it.

Other things I can think of now that we've isolated it to this:
  • I wonder... how are you launching the server? Are you running UCC from a cmd prompt, or are you starting it from the GUI [task name = Unrealtournament.exe]?
  • Did anyone install a BIOS update in the last few [5] years? [check the BIOS dates] If so, you could try reverting back. [Dangerous adventure]
  • Get yourself an ethernet network card and run the laptop off of wire rather than WiFi. Actually, this is probably what I'd try next.
  • Comb the BIOS looking for any CPU battery optimizations and TURN THEM OFF. But this is so obvious that I don't put much hope in it.

Let us know what you end up with. Also, please report the BIOS version / Date and precise Laptop Model description in case others come along [in the future] and see these posts. Maybe it will save them some time.

Last edited by 50BMG : 10th March, 2010 at 04:52 PM.
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  #15  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 07:59 PM
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Cool or course the easiest way to troubleshoot this would be...

This has helped me more often then not to resolve almost any WinD0ze problems worldwide.
there were instances where I gave up in regards to <56k connections and 2min pauses between clicks :S
if you download and install TeamViewer onto your laptop, and 50BMG download the same application onto his Computer...

  • PM MSN/GT/AOL or ICQ Details to each other. e'aw..e'aw
  • Setup a Time when both can be online simultaneously.
  • Both Launch TeamViewer Application, note the random generated password changes every connection,
    also do-not set it up to start with windows :/
  • maquis103 you will need to IM 50BMG your Client ID: XXX XXX XXX, and Password XXXX.
  • 50BMG will enter this into his Client and then Remotely connect to you, he will be able to see exactly what you can see.
  • 50BMG , through top menu you will need to Request Access to matquis103's computer. (this will allow 50BMG Full access to your computer)
  • Now 50BMG has control of the system and is able to resolve any problems remotely, as if being right their beside you
  • marquis103 Grab a Coffee , sit back and watch as 50BMG goes through the steps to resolve this issue

*- marquis103 can terminate the session at any time.

*- TeamViewer supports Shortcut keys from Client by pressing the [Scroll Lock] key: [Windows key]+E = Explore

*- marquis103 TeamViewer is a remote Administration tool that is the best that I have used yet. RADMIN has nothing on this one. (including File Size)

*- marquis103 Note: be sure to hide (move) anything personal off of your desktop and other places of interest (like pictures of cats etc) before accepting the connection,

ps: is best used in conjunction with some kind of Chat facility GoogleTalk/MSN(crap Messenger) and or Skype/Ventrillo/Telephone

pps: Please report back here any resolution/problems so that others with this problem in the future may find the solution as well...

Last edited by back4more : 10th March, 2010 at 08:46 PM. Reason: ...Use TeamViewer !?!
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  #16  
Unread 10th March, 2010, 10:05 PM
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Sorry back4more, but I won't be doing that remote thing, so marquis103, please don't bother going there for my sake.

Unless you wanna take this further, I suspect we're done. If not, there are better ways to get remote access, should we need to resort to it, thanks.

I'll wait to see how you make out and what you decide.
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  #17  
Unread 11th March, 2010, 12:05 AM
marquis103 marquis103 is offline
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Hi everyone. In answer to some earlier questions, I launch the program through the GUI. There have been no Bios updates in the past 5 years. All the talk about power management and battery options reminded me that the one difference might be the fact that I never left the battery in the laptop before, but now I've had it in all the time, even though it's running on AC power. I removed the battery, but as you might imagine, it didn't help. I'll probably try the wired network option at some point, but right now it's not necessary. The reason for that is stated below.

Here are the stats on the machine.

Sony PCG-FXA47 laptop
AMD Athlon 1.0 Ghz processor
512MB Ram
Windows XP SP3
ATI Rage Mobility-M1 AGP 8 MB
Bios version R0114K5 2002
D-link DL-624 router
D-link DWL-G650 Wifi laptop card

Now for the good news. Besides this 8 year old Sony laptop, and a fairly new Sony Desktop that's my workhorse, we also have a 9 year old Compaq desktop with a 1.2 GHZ processor, and a D-Link internal wifi card. This afternoon we loaded UT GOTY onto it, and put in all the server settings, and VOILA !!! It works like a charm as a dedicated server. No lags, or problems whatsoever. When I access the server over the internet from my Sony desktop, game play is excellent. I haven't tried the Sony laptop yet, but I have no doubt it would work fine since it worked so well in non-dedicated mode.

I want to say thanks to all of you for the time and effort you put in helping me. It's truly very much appreciated.

3/12 Update: Just for the fun of it, I tried the wired option, and the lag is still there in dedicated mode. Since I have another PC to act as my server, I'm not going to worry about it any more, but wanted to update the info.

Last edited by marquis103 : 12th March, 2010 at 02:12 PM.
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  #18  
Unread 11th March, 2010, 09:42 AM
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Control Computer using Iphone, that's got to be handy.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMG50C
...there are better ways to get remote access,
what do you recommend there BMG?

in terms of Remote access?

Last edited by back4more : 11th March, 2010 at 09:46 AM.
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  #19  
Unread 11th March, 2010, 01:38 PM
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Well, most OS's have remote control built in. [All Windows since XP]

For 95 thru 2000 I use WinVNC. It's not secure itself, so you can't leave it up 24/7 unless it's through a VPN tunnel. It's small, easy to install, easy to remove. When connections are initiated by the computer to be viewed, it drills through outbound firewalls without any special settings or changes to them. I've been using it for over 10 years on that basis.

The iPhone app is cool, but a last resort.
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  #20  
Unread 13th March, 2010, 07:08 PM
marquis103 marquis103 is offline
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Hi everyone. One more update. I rolled back the SP3 update on the Sony laptop, rebooted and loaded the dedicated server. Lag and jitter problems are still there. I guess you can't win them all.
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