I'm going to build a feature to dfterm2, that will allow linking separate dfterm2 servers together, so that games on both can be watched on either.
With that, a cluster of computers can be used to host a server that looks like a single one.
Some scenarios where I think it might be useful:
1. LAN of computers on which lots of DF are running. Let's say computers A, B, C, D and E. Only A is directly connected to the internet. You can run dfterm2 on all of those computers, and computer A then acts as a lobby for them.
2. Two friendly admins are both hosting dfterm2 servers. Then they decide they want to link them together. They link each other's slots on themselves, and then players who connect can play on either, and chat with users on both servers. Playing might be harder because of an added source of lag, but for watching it should not be a problem.
edit: anoying speling fixses
That sounds pretty freakin' awesome... but I'm skeptical as to how much it'd actually be used... Sounds like it'll be a bitch to code too...
The way dfterm2 is coded, it's not that hard to implement. It'd work by a special slot type.
Currently I have these slot types:
- Grab a running DF slot (win32)
- Launch a new DF process (win32)
- Launch a new process in a pty (linux)
- Grab a running DF slot and use DFHack (win32, developer version, still buggy)
I will add another special slot type:
- Linked slot
In this slot type, you have an additional setting to set remote server address and slot ID number. The dfterm2 server in the remote machine will get a notification, where the admin can then either accept or reject the linkage. The linked slot will be linked to another slot on a remote server.
After that, the server where the linked slot is automatically connects to the remote server when needed. In case the other server is down, it refuses to launch.
The feature is very doable. It does need some work but not incredibly. Personally I think the feature is interesting, even if nobody would use it.