SRI RAMAKRISHNA ENGINEERING COLLEGE

[Educational Service: SNR Sons Charitable Trust]

[Autonomous Institution, Reaccredited by NAAC with ‘A+’ Grade]
[Approved by AICTE and Permanently Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai]
[ISO 9001:2015 Certified and all eligible programmes Accredited by NBA]
Vattamalaipalayam, N.G.G.O. Colony Post, Coimbatore – 641 022.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

ACTIVE LEARNING METHOD (ALM)

TOPIC: NETWORKING IN STEAM

AJAY L - 2253005
KOPE KRISSNAN P - 2253029
MUKESHKUMAR A - 2253036

SECOND YEAR M.TECH CSE – IV SEM

Academic Year 2022-2023

20CS252 – COMPUTER NETWORKS

SIGNATURE OF STAFF IN-CHARGE

Mr.T.Chithrakumar,AP/ CSE
 SRI RAMAKRISHNA ENGINEERING COLLEGE
[Educational Service: SNR Sons Charitable Trust]
[Autonomous Institution, Reaccredited by NAAC with ‘A+’ Grade]
[Approved by AICTE and Permanently Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai]
[ISO 9001:2015 Certified and all eligible programmes Accredited by NBA]
Vattamalaipalayam, N.G.G.O. Colony Post, Coimbatore – 641 022.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

ACTIVE LEARNING METHOD (ALM)

NETWORKING IN STEAM

Assessment

Implementatio

Presentation
Introduction

Report (2)
Total

Demo
n (3)
S. (10)
Name & Roll No.
No.
(2)

(3)
1. AJAY L (2253005)

2. KOPE KRISSNAN P
(2253029)
3. MUKESH
KUMAR A
(2253036)

SIGNATURE OF STAFF IN-CHARGE

Mr.T.Chithrakumar,AP/ CSE
1 INTRODUCTION ON NETWORKS
Computer networks form the backbone of modern communication and connectivity,
revolutionizing how we exchange information and interact in the digital age. They encompass a
vast array of interconnected devices, enabling seamless data transmission across local and
global distances. From simple home networks to complex enterprise infrastructures, their
importance pervades every facet of modern society. At their core, computer networks facilitate
the sharing of resources, including hardware, software, and data, among users and devices. They
empower collaboration, fostering teamwork and innovation in various fields, from business and
education to entertainment and research. With the advent of the internet, computer networks
have become ubiquitous, linking individuals, organizations, and nations on a global scale. Their
reliability and scalability are paramount, ensuring uninterrupted communication and productivity
in an increasingly interconnected world. From wired to wireless technologies, computer
networks continually evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing digital landscape.
Understanding their fundamentals is essential for navigating the complexities of today's
interconnected world. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of computer networks, we unlock
boundless opportunities for communication, collaboration, and growth in the digital realm.

1.2 INTRODUCTION ON STEAM

Steam is a video game digital distribution service and storefront developed by Valve Corporation.
It was launched as a software client in September 2003 to provide game updates automatically
for Valve's games and expanded to distributing third-party titles in late 2005. Steam offers various
features, like game server matchmaking with Valve Anti-Cheat measures, social networking, and
game streaming services. Steam client's functions include game update automation, cloud
storage for game progress, and community features such as direct messaging, in-game overlay
functions and a virtual collectable marketplace.
2 HOW NETWORKS APPLIED IN STEAM
Networks are integral to Steam's operations, enabling the platform to deliver content, facilitate
multiplayer gaming, foster community engagement, ensure security, and provide a seamless
gaming experience for millions of users worldwide.

2.1 ONLINE MULTIPLAYER

Within the realm of Steam games, online multiplayer dynamics are intricately woven into the
fabric of the gaming experience. Leveraging computer networks, Steam seamlessly connects
players from around the globe, fostering dynamic interactions and competitive gameplay.

2.1.1 MATCHMAKING
Steam has no actual infrastructure to do multiplayer.

All it does is MATCHMAKING. Your matchmaking is weighted by your "Download" region on

Steam. The infrastructure to get players to play vs each other is dependent on the developer.
Whether it’s community servers, private servers (BO2) or peer to peer. Rocket League specifically
appears to be all hosted by Rocket League (like BO2). So, any matchmaking you want to do you
should change your download region. Which will weigh you to a specific region. Lag will depend
on so many local factors it’s impossible to tell. If you drop/leave from a game, you get a loss. For
now, that’s the only penalty for leaving a game. But future penalties for leaving may be more
substantial. This is decided by Psyonix, not Steam.

Lobbies are the place where matchmaking occurs and it may occurs based on your level(rank),
your download region, your server region and probably with most recent player you played with.

Playing across different server regions can be achieved by Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

2.1.2 VOICECHAT AND COMMUNICATION

Many Steam games incorporate voice chat functionality, allowing players to communicate with
each other during gameplay. Computer networks enable the transmission of voice data between
players in real-time, enhancing coordination and teamwork in multiplayer games. Users access
Steam's voice chat and communication features through their devices, such as computers,
gaming consoles, or mobile devices. These devices connect to the internet via various means,
including wired or wireless connections. Steam latency performance and chat performance may
vary depending on type of communication, if it is peer to peer(P2P) communication, the player
can directly communicate with each other by-passing servers so it can have reduced latency and
clear voice chats. When it comes to open communication the server is full responsible for
communication traffic, facilitates voice chat sessions, and store messaging data so there may be
a delay and interception, but steam focuses on giving best performance.

2.1.3 CROSS-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY

Cross-Platform Play. Games that have cross-platform play between PC (Windows/Mac/Linux)
and mobile devices (iOS/Android). Games that support cross-save and/or shared progress will
also be included. Steam supports a variety of gaming platforms, including Windows, macOS, and
Linux for desktop computers, as well as gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and
Nintendo Switch. Additionally, Steam offers support for mobile devices running iOS and Android
operating systems. This feature of steam allows users to connect to multiple devices(platforms)
which enhances gaming performance, allows users to play on different platforms regardless of
any specifications. Matchmaking, voice-chats, saves and progression, server and p2p
connection are completely based on this feature. Cross-platform compatibility simply connects
one-user from steam to another user from any platform (XBOX, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch,
Epic games).

Overall, cross-platform compatibility in Steam enhances accessibility and connectivity, allowing

users to enjoy gaming experiences, communicate with friends, and access community features
seamlessly across various platforms and devices within the Steam ecosystem.
3 HOW GAME TRANSFERS OCCURS IN STEAM
Steam's efficient network infrastructure optimizes game transfer experiences for millions of
users worldwide. Utilizing a strategic content delivery network (CDN) and intelligent server
selection, Steam ensures swift downloads regardless of users' locations. Bandwidth
optimization, parallel downloads, and segmented transfers further enhance speed and reliability.
Meticulous file verification safeguards against corruption, maintaining installation integrity.
Automated updates and cloud save synchronization streamline the gaming experience, reflecting
Steam's commitment to delivering optimal service.

3.1CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK

Steam Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a key component of the platform's infrastructure,
enabling efficient distribution of game content to users worldwide. Through strategically
positioned servers, Steam optimizes download speeds and reduces latency, ensuring a seamless
experience for gamers regardless of their geographical location. By intelligently routing traffic and
utilizing advanced caching mechanisms, Steam minimizes bandwidth usage and accelerates
content delivery. This robust CDN infrastructure underpins Steam's ability to provide fast and
reliable access to a vast library of games, updates, and downloadable content, enhancing the
overall user experience on the platform.

Steam uses Level3, Akamai, EdgeCast (Verizon), Stackpath (formally Highwinds) and their own
CDN for content delivery.

Steam breaks the world up into “cells” and maps countries and regions to these cells. For the
curious among you, this mapping can be found here, and reveals a lot about their network
topology. Interestingly, customizations exist for specific ISPs like Verizon, TELUS, and Shaw.
These ISP-specific customizations appear to bias users on these ISPs towards specific CDN
locations rather than introduce caches inside their networks (like Netflix and YouTube do). Each
cell is allocated a list of approximately 20 servers, which may be distributed amongst multiple
CDNs. For example, the UK is split into two cells — London and Manchester. Both are primarily
served by Valve’s own CDN, with what appear to be backups using Stackpath (in Amsterdam) and
Edgecast (in London). The Steam client downloads a game in “chunks” using multiple parallel
TCP sessions to a selection of the servers in the user’s cell. In our testing we found that the Steam
client used six parallel TCP sessions. Using multiple parallel connections to multiple CDNs is a
good way of working around congested paths between a user’s ISP and any one specific CDN.

3.1.1 INTELLIGENT SERVER SELECTION

Upon initiating a game transfer, Steam's system dynamically selects the most suitable server
based on the user's location and network conditions. This intelligent server selection ensures
optimal download speeds and minimizes congestion, enhancing the overall user experience.
Steam's CDN prioritizes servers that are geographically close to the user. By selecting servers in
proximity to the user's location, Steam minimizes latency and ensures faster download speeds.
Steam's CDN continuously monitors server availability and health. If a server becomes
unavailable or experiences issues, Steam automatically redirects traffic to alternative servers to
ensure uninterrupted content delivery. Steam's server selection algorithms are dynamic and
adaptive, continuously adjusting based on real-time conditions. This allows Steam to respond
quickly to changes in network conditions and maintain optimal performance for users.

3.1.2 BANDWIDTH OPTIMIZATION

Steam's download manager employs bandwidth optimization techniques to maximize download
speeds while minimizing network strain. Additionally, Steam implements throttling mechanisms
to allocate network resources fairly, preventing individual transfers from monopolizing available
bandwidth. Steam implements bandwidth throttling mechanisms to regulate the rate at which
content is downloaded. By limiting download speeds, Steam ensures that users' internet
connections are not overwhelmed and that other network activities can proceed smoothly.
Steam employs optimized compression algorithms to reduce the size of game files and updates
without compromising quality. Compressed files require less bandwidth to transfer, resulting in
faster downloads and reduced network congestion. Steam caches frequently accessed game
files and updates on users' local storage devices. This allows subsequent downloads to be served
from the cache rather than re-downloading the content from Steam's servers, reducing
bandwidth usage and download times. Steam prioritizes the contents that are needed to
download such as update patches etc.,

3.1.3 CLOUD USAGES

The cloud plays a crucial role in Steam's infrastructure, enabling seamless gaming experiences,
scalable community features, efficient content distribution, and robust security measures. By
leveraging cloud services, Steam continues to innovate and enhance the gaming experience for
millions of users worldwide. Steam offers cloud saving functionality, allowing users to store their
game progress and settings in the cloud. This ensures that users can access their game data from
any device with Steam installed, providing flexibility and continuity across gaming sessions. With
evident of Cloud computing, it become the base for all possible steam features such CDN, cross-
platform compatibility, saving game progress, fair-play policies, synchronization etc., The Steam
Cloud allows games and the platform to utilize cloud storage hosted by Steam. Games can utilize
Steam Cloud for storage of many different types of data, including game settings, save games,
profile stats and other user-specific bits. Many Steam client settings are also saved via the cloud,
including collections, friend nicknames and anything changed via the Steam client Settings
menu.

4 CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the case study on networking with the Steam platform underscores the pivotal role
of robust network infrastructure in delivering seamless gaming experiences to millions of users
worldwide. Through sophisticated content delivery networks, intelligent server selection
algorithms, and bandwidth optimization techniques, Steam ensures efficient distribution of
game content while minimizing latency and congestion. The platform's use of cloud services
enhances cross-platform compatibility, enables seamless synchronization of game progress,
and supports scalable community features. Additionally, Steam's commitment to security, with
cloud-based anti-cheat mechanisms and encrypted communication protocols, ensures a safe
and fair gaming environment for users. Overall, the case study highlights how Steam's network-
driven approach sets the standard for digital distribution platforms in the gaming industry,
continuously innovating to enhance connectivity, accessibility, and user satisfaction in the ever-
evolving world of gaming.
REFERENCES
1) Steam by Valve Corporation - https://store.steampowered.com/
2) Steamworks by Steam - https://partner.steamgames.com/
3) Reddit a community platform - https://www.reddit.com/
4) Wikipedia a source platform - https://www.wikipedia.org/
5) Medium article sharing platform - https://medium.com/