What is going on?

[Guest sri777]

I am a newbie to online flying. Even though, i am happy just flying, it is driving me crazy not knowing what is going on under the covers when it comes to thinking about how the online ATC like VATSIM works? Here is what i am struggling with:FS9 requires multiplayer session in order for multiple aircrafts to be present in the same virtual world. Hence SB3 creates a multiplayer session in the local FS9 instance and later asks to log onto a VATSIM server. So, the question is when SB3 connects a multiplayer session, a) is it creating a new MP session on the local host (I don't think so). Then how is it connecting with other individuals into my local mp session?:( is it joining a MP session created on some other server (like vatsim server?). If yes, then on which server this MP session is running? What is it? A running instance of FS9 with a named MP session? c) if everything is working through MP sessions, how is the max aircrafts limit (i think 16) is overcome.I just took vatsim as an example. The same question goes for other similar online ATC networks. i appreciate any insight.regardssrini

[Guest Pilot3033]

I may not be the best to explain this, but here it goes:For VATSIM, SB3 creates a multi-play session on your local host(your computer). Meaning that your computer connects to it's self. Then, SB joins that session. Then SB compiles the information on the VATSIM Servers and relates it to you. There is no "limit" on the amount of players allowed in an MP session (unless specifyed by the host). So most users control the amount of online traffic (And thus FPS) using SB3's internal settings. FS9 will only let you see traffic within a 10nm radius, so that is the setting I have SB3 use to keep FPS smooth. So in essence what SB3 does is read everyone's information off the Server's and relay it to you.Smaller online places (such as eSkyWorld, or WestCoast ATC) use FSHost. This program literally creates a Multiplay session that other users can just join. So limits etc are set though it's UI. Loads more simple, but harder to co-ordinate for a scale that VATSIM is on. These are just my best explinations. Please correct me if I am wrong.-Matt

[Guest sri777]

Thanks Matt. I appreciate.You are making a distinction between the multiplay session created by SB3 and the "literally" created multiplay session.Not sure what you mean by those two? Wondering how these are different from the multiplayer session normally created in FS9? And FSHost also seem to overcome the 16 players limit. Not knowing the distinction between the regular FS9 multiplayer sessions created vi FS9 UI noramlly and the "multi-play session" you are refering to, I am still in the dark.thanks-srini

[Guest ChadBlack]

read the VATSIM Pilot resource Center... as suggested.Good luck...Also try posting your questions on the official VATSIM forum http://forums.vatsim.net