We’re running out of internet - Steam Game Caching Server

Linus Tech Tips・2 minutes read

Over 200 gamers at the Whale LAN party used a caching server with Intel's sponsorship, Supermicro's server, Ubiquity's switch, and Infinite Cables, improving download speeds. The caching server redirected requests to Nginx for content caching from various game stores, showcasing efficient game distribution and minimal CPU usage.

Insights

  • Utilizing a caching server with advanced hardware components and software integration significantly enhances the efficiency and speed of game downloads at LAN events, ensuring a seamless and high-speed gaming experience for participants.
  • The implementation of a streamlined Steam caching server, now integrated into a single software solution called Lan Cache, revolutionizes the process of distributing game updates and downloads, simplifying network configurations and reducing the strain on CPU resources while maintaining optimal performance levels.

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Recent questions

  • How was the caching server at the Whale LAN party set up?

    The caching server at the Whale LAN party was set up with Intel's sponsorship, utilizing Supermicro's server, Ubiquity's switch, and Infinite Cables for high-speed game copies. It redirected requests using DNS to Nginx for caching content from various game stores like Windows Update, Steam, Origin, and BattleNet. This new caching server, integrated into one software called Lan Cache, provided a more straightforward and robust solution compared to previous methods.

  • What hardware was used for the caching server at the Whale LAN party?

    The hardware used for the caching server at the Whale LAN party included Supermicro's Super Server SYS510P-WTR with an Intel Xeon Gold 6314U processor, 256GB RAM, and NVMe drives. Initially, only two NVMe drives were installed, leading to creative wiring solutions with adapter cards. The network setup featured dual 25-gigabit Mellanox ConnectX-5 cards for a combined 50-gigabit throughput, enhancing server performance.

  • What software was necessary for the Lan Cache solution at the Whale LAN party?

    To implement the Lan Cache solution at the Whale LAN party, Ubuntu Server 20.04, Docker IO, and Docker Compose were installed as prerequisites in a Docker container. Configuring the caching server involved setting parameters like the system IP, cache root, cache size, cache index size, and time zone for optimal performance. Pointing systems on the network to the caching server was crucial for seamless operation, either through individual settings or router configuration.

  • How did the caching server at the Whale LAN party handle game installations?

    The caching server at the Whale LAN party efficiently handled game installations by utilizing a Steam cache server. This server allowed for the downloading and distribution of games to multiple users simultaneously at the LAN event. It showcased the successful management of a large number of downloads with minimal CPU usage, emphasizing the speed and efficiency of the setup in downloading games at high speeds.

  • What steps were taken to ensure network stability at the Whale LAN party?

    To ensure network stability at the Whale LAN party, instructions were provided on installing drivers and configuring network settings properly. Troubleshooting steps like flushing the DNS cache were outlined to address any connectivity issues. In cases where the internet connection was lost during game installations, the use of an Intel network card was recommended for stability. The system's CPU and SSD performance were highlighted to showcase the speed and efficiency of the network setup.

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Summary

00:00

"High-speed Gaming Server Enhances LAN Party"

  • Hosting over 200 gamers at the Whale LAN party with slow internet, 2 gigabit down split between 250 people, resulting in 8 megabits per person.
  • Building a caching server with Intel's sponsorship, Supermicro's server, Ubiquity's switch, and Infinite Cables for high-speed game copies.
  • Caching server uses DNS to redirect requests to Nginx for caching content from Windows Update, Steam, Origin, BattleNet, and other game stores.
  • Deploying a more straightforward and robust Steam caching server compared to previous methods, now integrated into one software called Lan Cache.
  • Hardware used includes Supermicro's Super Server SYS510P-WTR with Intel Xeon Gold 6314U processor, 256GB RAM, and NVMe drives.
  • Due to a mix-up, only two NVMe drives were initially installed, requiring creative wiring solutions with adapter cards.
  • Network setup includes dual 25-gigabit Mellanox ConnectX-5 cards for a combined 50-gigabit throughput, enhancing server performance.
  • Installing Ubuntu Server 20.04, Docker IO, and Docker Compose as prerequisites for the Lan Cache solution in a Docker container.
  • Configuring the caching server involves setting the system IP, cache root, cache size, cache index size, and time zone for optimal performance.
  • Pointing systems on the network to the caching server is essential, either through individual settings or router configuration for seamless operation.

14:49

Efficient Game Installation with Intel Network Card

  • The installation process for a game prompts the user to connect to the internet, leading to confusion when the internet connection is lost, necessitating the use of an Intel network card for stability.
  • Instructions are given on installing drivers and configuring the network settings properly, including troubleshooting steps like flushing the DNS cache.
  • The system's CPU and SSD performance are highlighted, showcasing the speed and efficiency of the setup, especially in downloading games at high speeds.
  • A Steam cache server is utilized to efficiently download and distribute games to multiple users at a LAN event, demonstrating the successful handling of a large number of simultaneous downloads with minimal CPU usage.
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