In traditional game development, clients typically connect directly to the logic servers responsible for handling game operations. While this architecture is simple, it presents several significant risks and challenges:
Connection anomalies are hard to detect: When connection issues arise during server switching, they can only be identified through timeout mechanisms, resulting in a poor user experience.
Servers are exposed to security risks: Logic servers, being directly accessible over the internet, are highly vulnerable to non-application-level attacks such as hacking or DDoS attacks. Beyond service disruption, these attacks can lead to the leakage of sensitive data.
High defense costs: Protecting against these threats often requires expensive hardware firewalls or traffic scrubbing services, greatly increasing operational expenses.
Inspired by live-streaming technologies, we introduced edge servers into game development to offer a groundbreaking solution:
Shielding logic servers: Edge servers are deployed in front of logic servers and handle client connections by focusing solely on packet forwarding and data caching. This design ensures that even if an attack occurs, sensitive data remains secure.
Simplified DDoS mitigation: Since edge servers do not process logic operations, they can endure resource-exhaustion attacks without causing service disruption. Combined with cloud-based load-balancing features, users can quickly reconnect and resume gameplay with minimal impact.
Optimal cost and performance balance: Leveraging cloud auto-scaling capabilities, additional endpoints can be rapidly deployed during attacks, ensuring cost-effective and efficient protection.
What’s even more exciting is how Xenon enhances the application of edge servers:
Dynamic data-driven CDN services: By transforming game object data into streams, edge servers equipped with Xenon can handle dynamic data efficiently.
Global deployment for low latency: Edge servers are distributed across data centers worldwide, delivering stable and low-latency gaming experiences for players everywhere.
Xenon is redefining game server architecture, empowering developers to build more secure and efficient gaming operations. If you’re looking for a reliable technology partner, we’re here to help!