Peer-to-Peer Architecture

Virtual Messenger features P2P technology as its network infrastructure. To sum it up, whenever you go into a world your computer create and maintain connections with all other users in the world. All network data (text messages, avatar movement, etc.) that is generated while in those worlds will go across those links. This architect drastically reduces the load on our servers which will primarily be used to maintain account and world information. P2P helps us keep our cost down while providing great scalability. New data files such as avatars, levels, and upgrades may also be transferred directly from peer to peer. If a user downloads a new file, his VM client may be occasionally be requested to transfer that file to another user that needs it. Below is a simplified diagram of how the system works.

The diagram shows how computers will connect to each other when a user enters a world. The numbers indicate the order in which each machine entered a virtual world. The arrows indicate the direcrion a TCP/IP connection was established. Each computer also exchanges UDP datagrams with every other computer in the world. This is why you must configure your network and system allow incoming connections and datagrams on the ports which you select.