sv_downloadurl (explanation)

[KaOsX]

I grabbed this from the other post so that people could view it easier, thanks to the original author.

EDIT: I have just released software for you to easier use this feature! Check out my website: http://www.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51410

--
the "sv_downloadurl" cvar

============================================
Half-Life Fast HTTP Asset Downloading Instructions
V1.02 January 22, 2004


SUMMARY
-------

Half-Life now supports the download of custom content (maps,
skins, sounds,
and so on) from a HTTP server (ie: webserver) when connecting,
instead of
downloading directly from the game server itself.

HTTP downloading has three major benefits:

1) There is no impact on the game server when downloading
custom content, as
a completely separate HTTP content server does the transfer

2) Players will download custom content at their maximum
transfer rate,
resulting in *much* faster downloads

3) Players who are downloading custom content do not take up a
player slot
on the server while they wait


WHAT PLAYERS CONNECTING TO A SERVER WITH CUSTOM CONTENT WILL SEE
----------------------------------------------------------------

When a player connects to a server utilizing custom content, one
of two
things will occur:

1) If the server is not configured for HTTP download, the game
server
will use the normal "trickle" download mechanism

2) If the server is configured for HTTP downloading, the player
will
see an enhanced download dialog, and much faster downloads.
While
this content is downloading, they are not connected to the
game
server. Once the download finishes, they are automatically
reconnected to the game server, and ready to play.


CONFIGURING YOUR SERVER TO USE FAST HTTP ASSET DOWNLOADING
----------------------------------------------------------

1) Make a list of all the custom files (bsp, wav, mdl, etc)
used on your server

2) Put these files on a HTTP server (ie: webserver), keeping
the folder
layout intact

3) OPTIONAL: To display a "banner image" to players that
download content,
place a 340x56 pixel image in the file <custom content
directory>/gfx/banner.gif

4) Set the sv_downloadurl cvar to
"http://yourserver/custom_content_directory/"


Example:

Your server uses the non-standard map "de_generic", which
requires the following files:

C:\Program
Files\Steam\SteamCache\your@email.address\Counter-Strike\cstrike\maps\de
_generic.map
C:\Program
Files\Steam\SteamCache\your@email.address\Counter-Strike\cstrike\de_gene
ric.wad
C:\Program
Files\Steam\SteamCache\your@email.address\Counter-Strike\cstrike\sound\a
mbience\de_generic_a.wav
C:\Program
Files\Steam\SteamCache\your@email.address\Counter-Strike\cstrike\sound\a
mbience\de_generic_b.wav
C:\Program
Files\Steam\SteamCache\your@email.address\Counter-Strike\cstrike\sound\a
mbience\de_generic_c.wav


You have web space (perhaps through your ISP) with the URL
"http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~matt" that you will use to
host your
custom content.

To do this, you copy the files needed for "de_generic" to your
webspace,
placing them in a folder called "my_cstrike" in your webspace
top-level directory,
keeping their directory layout intact.

You now have the following files in your webspace:


http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m.../de_generic.map

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m.../de_generic.wad

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m...mbience/de_gene
ric_a.wav

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m...mbience/de_gene
ric_b.wav

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m...mbience/de_gene
ric_c.wav

You now set the "sv_downloadurl" cvar on your game server to
"http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~matt/my_cstrike/". Now,
players who connect
to your server will automatically download the map "de_generic"
and its required
files from your webspace when they connect (unless they already
have it, of course).


TECHNICAL DETAILS
-----------------

* The maximum length of the sv_downloadurl is 127 characters

* A username and password can be specified for the HTTP server
by embedding
them in the sv_downloadurl like so:

http://usernameassword@www.somewhere.com/

( Note - recent IE patches make disable this functionality )

* If a connecting player has an existing file of the same name,
it will not
be overwritten. The download file will be skipped.

* Certain game-crtical and/or dangerous files cannot be
downloaded (ie: *.exe, *.vbs, etc)

[maxhlds]

yea great Beautifull I LOVE IT

but is it a possible to define a back up server also
so if one is offline the second will back up on it

to totally clear it out
i mean :
1 Game server
2 Web servers

all with the same counterstrike content



Me is making it very advanced :) (at least i try)

[Kezus]

Man I love you! I never even knew about this cvar. I've always had the problem of people eating up bandwidth cause of downloads with sounds, and large maps. I'm so glad that this was here! Now everything runs so much better because I used some sounds people usually don't find.

[mulvinator]

I've known about it for a little while... it wasn't working very well for a while. If the http server didn't have the file requested it would disconnect you from the server rendering your CS server useless if the http server was down or didn't have the map/sound/model etc..

But steam fixed this recently, so yea.. it rocks!!!!

[Kezus]

Now, would anybody know a site I could use to hold my files and actually have them download off of them? I doubt there's any free sites to go about doing this as well...:(...right?

[KaOsX]

t35.com lets you .. but they have a 250kb file size limit, so small maps/sounds only i suppose

[QwertyAccess]

lol 250kb.

[QuakerOates]

I have this in my server.cfg and amxx.cfg files:


// Download URL for custom maps
sv_downloadurl "http://www.123456site.com/cstrike/"


and still it doesn't work for me.

custom maps are still been downloaded form the server and not the site.

What am i doing wrong?

[Coors]

sv_downloadurl "http://12345.com/cstrike/"
Mine works great.
Maybe it doesnt work because you have the "www" in the line, just a thought.

[GetWired]

Handy.

[QuakerOates]

yep works now...got the banner.gif up as well but it just shows it as a black banner.

[JBstrikesagain]

Originally posted by QuakerOates
yep works now...got the banner.gif up as well but it just shows it as a black banner.

This is great, maps download fast now. I have a banner.gif in <custom directory>/gfx/banner.gif but it also shows up blank here too. I tried copying the banner.gif to the root of the custom directory but that didn't work either....

Any solution?

Thanks again for explaining sv_downloadurl

[JustGags]

It would be nice if someone had a solution to the blank banner.gif issue.

[KaOsX]

That's valves problem, not ours, I checked the request, theres no banner.gif even being requested..

[JustGags]

The STEAM server isn't requesting it? Or the web server isn't receiving a request?

[QuakerOates]

The request should come from the Steam client, so we can only hazard a guess that Valve have not introduced a Steam Client request for the banner.gif, on a server set with sv_downloadurl.

[skyfxl]

Originally posted by KaOsX
http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m.../de_generic.map

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m.../de_generic.wad

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m...mbience/de_gene
ric_a.wav

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m...mbience/de_gene
ric_b.wav

http://www.turtlerockstudios.com/~m...mbience/de_gene
ric_c.wav

The links are cut of so I'm not sure on the directory structure. What is it? /~mark/maps/de_dust.bsp for example?

[GoodasDead]

Every thing seems to work including my banner.gif. However I have 1 small problem, I can't download .wad files from the website.

Structure:

www.pi-maps.com/cstrike/
www.pi-maps.com/cstrike/maps/
www.pi-maps.com/cstrike/models/
www.pi-maps.com/cstrike/sounds/
etc...

I have the .wad files in www.pi-maps.com/cstrike/

I also noticed if the server has a .res file, this seems to override the sv_downloadurl cvar, so when I deleted the .res files, those maps worked. Any maps with .wad files will still not download to client and they get an error stating 'unable to open *.wad' and then the game crashes.

Anyone have this problem?

[Cuchulain]

same here about the .wad issue.

Kind of annoying to be running a custom maps server, and not have people able to play a custom map because they need the .wad thats not downloaded.

Cuchulain

[QuakerOates]

I havent noticed the problems with the wads, but what i find interesting is that ur banner.gif works now.

Something that doesn't work for me as of yet, bit strange really.
Can any1 else confirm the banner.gif works now thx.

[GoodasDead]

Sorry, it seems that certain .wad files won't download, and some do. I have de_simpsons and the .wad file downloads no problem, but for all the CZ maps on my CS server, the .wad files won't, no doubt a Steam issue for copyright infrindgement. Oh well, clients will have to find their own .wad files for CZ

As for my banner.gif working, It only started when I switch to a new web storage company so I could get 500 megs as oppose to my old one which only had 50 (not very many maps that way). I have no idea why it works for me, it's in the gfx directory.

[_KaszpiR_]

i was testing sv_downloadurl and i must say it works- especially well when regenerated .res files in maps dir with resgen
i use sql downlad tracker powedred by php
there is a flaw with banner.gif - that file is not even requested by the steam system - in apache logs i got all req - maps, sounds etc, but no signo fo any banner or other file

seems they forgot to enable support for a banner :D

lets wait for current update , then we maybe be lucky

[_KaszpiR_]

KaOs see this http://info.wsisiz.edu.pl/~sochon/download/dlurl2/dlurl-tracker.zip

[DoubleDoom]

wad files have never been auto downloaded so it is expected that this would be the same.

Just use the res file and put the wad name in there.

My only complaint about this system is that with some maps, on map change, you have to reload VAC between maps because it has disconnected you from the server to download the files. That itself isnt a bad thing but it seems to do that sometimes even when you already have the map in question.

If you have the map, if shouldnt be attempting to re-attempt a download. I havent been able to find what it is that causes it with some maps and not others.

[MD-MAchine]

can you do this using a ftp? I was just wondering because this would be great using a ftp on my other cpu with ulimitied space.

I have attempted it? It logs on and show activity on the FTP, but then downloads off the server anyways. Just a thought let me know if anyone finds out if FTP can be used.

[_KaszpiR_]

it works on ftp too

[Envision]

So, where exactly are the res files supposed to be placed. I generated them on my computer at home and uploaded the the .res files to the web map folder. Are they supposed to be in the server map folder or the web map folder?

Also, I get just a quick blip where I can see the purple banner and info box, behind the info box that is infront of it. So, I know it is trying to download from the website, but it is like a half second flash, disconnects and begins to download from the server again.

Any ideas?

[_KaszpiR_]

on hlds server map folder

[Envision]

ok, now I have the res files both up in the web maps folder and on the servers maps folder.

Same thing is occuring. Just a blip connect, a disconnect from the webserver and then a reconnect to the game server and a download from the game server.

Seems to direct to the web folder ok, but not download anything and then get it from the game server.

The file structures are in tact and mirror the gameserver file structure, all the needed folders and contents are there for sound, gfx/env and etc...

Is there any cvar that is supposed to be disabled when using the sv_download url?

[AlxCds]

Originally posted by Envision
ok, now I have the res files both up in the web maps folder and on the servers maps folder.

Same thing is occuring. Just a blip connect, a disconnect from the webserver and then a reconnect to the game server and a download from the game server.

Seems to direct to the web folder ok, but not download anything and then get it from the game server.

The file structures are in tact and mirror the gameserver file structure, all the needed folders and contents are there for sound, gfx/env and etc...

Is there any cvar that is supposed to be disabled when using the sv_download url?
sv_download 0 try that.

[ch0nger]

this was a awsome walk threw, thanks. its all works. not sure on the wad files though. but its awsome none the less.

[i||ega|-op]

Now if they can only make it work with ftp access. That would be great and I could limit the bandwidth much easier and have random password changes as so others can leech off of my bandwidth for use with their own servers.

[[KOD]Raptor]

I have all maps on an FTP server with password.
..../csmaps/
..../csmaps/gfx
..../csmaps/maps
..../csmaps/models
..../csmaps/sound
..../csmaps/sprites

I have

sv_downloadurl "ftp://******:*******@netvalueservices.com/csmaps/"

in my server.cfg.

Why isn't it working ?

[AlxCds]

a (not so recent) update to Internet Explorer disabled the ability to use user:pass@site
Its not going to work that way.

[[KOD]Raptor]

So I need a public ftp ?

[AlxCds]

yes, since anonymous ftp you dont need to pass any usernames or passwords. However, I've never tested ftp through the sv_downloadurl thing, so I'm not sure if it would work that way either.

[DoubleDoom]

i seem to recall it being said that you cant use ip addresses but need to use the http://

[jr_G-man]

Does anybody know if this will work with 'symbolic links'?

I have it configured and working with my webserver...works great. But, I tried to replace the directory structure with the webserver with symbolic links to the cstrike and dod map directories. The result was an identical path, but the maps wouldn't load.

Is there a problem with symbolic links, or is something else going on here?

[_KaszpiR_]

works (on linux)

[jr_G-man]

Originally posted by _KaszpiR_
works (on linux)

I'm not sure if this was an answer to me, but I'm speaking about on a linux box.

If you did this successfully, can you give me an example? "ln -s <what target?> <what source?>"

etc.?

[ch0nger]

i dont see why a symbolic link would matter. why dont u post what u have in your sv_downloadurl. if u can put a file in that dir and access it threw your browser then it should work. like some ppl said above. you must have http:// and do not use www. it didnt work for me till i took out www. also i use "", i dont know if that mattered or not. sv_downloadurl "http://yourwebpage.com/cstrike" or whatever.

[jr_G-man]

Originally posted by ch0nger
i dont see why a symbolic link would matter. why dont u post what u have in your sv_downloadurl. if u can put a file in that dir and access it threw your browser then it should work. like some ppl said above. you must have http:// and do not use www. it didnt work for me till i took out www. also i use "", i dont know if that mattered or not. sv_downloadurl "http://yourwebpage.com/cstrike" or whatever.

Your response got me thinking. I checked my error logs for my apache webserver and it was reporting an error that 'symbolic links are not allowed'. So, the problem lay in my apache configuration.

It apparently was locked down by default on Mandrake 10. I reconfigured it and all is well.

Thanks for the help and sorry for the trouble.

[ch0nger]

hehe im glad i helped someone :) gl

[hartex]

@AlxCds
Internet Explorer? Hello? *knock-knock*
We're talling here about Linux based gameservers.
That has nothing to do with Internet Explorer.

[AlxCds]

Originally posted by hartex
@AlxCds
Internet Explorer? Hello? *knock-knock*
We're talling here about Linux based gameservers.
That has nothing to do with Internet Explorer.
yes, however the server is not downloading the maps, its the users. The users use windows and the game uses internet explorer. The server has nothing to do with it.

[hartex]

I don't think that Steam is using IE. Some systems have no IE (light installation)...and then?

[jr_G-man]

As can be shown by my responses on this thread, it very well CAN be the linux server.

[AlxCds]

you'd have to try it with the light installation. All I'm saying is that its the user downloading the map, not the server. Either linux or windows servers are not the ones downloading the maps. Last I remember there wasn't a playable version of steam on linux or mac. (i wish, mac owns :) )

[hartex]

Yes that the user downloading the map is locigal...ok. My Vault ;)
But i think that Steam don't use IE to download the stuff.
But it's to much work to make a light installation only to test it ;)

[Tweak22]

Hi, I have a linux server, and I just want to enable fast downloading. So I copied the czero directory to /var/www/.

That is my root directory for the website.
So if I go http://theip/czero/ I see maps and sounds and all the folders from the game.

in my server.cfg I have sv_downloadurl "http://theip/czero/"

I chmod -R 777 czero directory to have no permission problems.

but it still doesnt download fast. It just ... downloads slow.

I took sv_allowdownload and made it 0, and then it wouldnt even let me connect becuase it needs cs_robbery.bsp to play the game.

What is wrong? thanks.

[[KOD]Raptor]

For those who wants an url for sv_downloadurl, I have 100Mb FTP with unlimited bandwidth.
http://stephane.agnus.free.fr/cstrike

So if you want you can use it and PM me if you want others maps

[DoubleDoom]

Originally posted by Tweak22
Hi, I have a linux server, and I just want to enable fast downloading. So I copied the czero directory to /var/www/.

That is my root directory for the website.
So if I go http://theip/czero/ I see maps and sounds and all the folders from the game.

in my server.cfg I have sv_downloadurl "http://theip/czero/"

I chmod -R 777 czero directory to have no permission problems.

but it still doesnt download fast. It just ... downloads slow.

I took sv_allowdownload and made it 0, and then it wouldnt even let me connect becuase it needs cs_robbery.bsp to play the game.

What is wrong? thanks.

cs_robbery is not a good example to use as there is a file missing with it and whenever a file is missing, it drops you back to the old way.

[jr_G-man]

Originally posted by Tweak22
Hi, I have a linux server, and I just want to enable fast downloading. So I copied the czero directory to /var/www/.

That is my root directory for the website.
So if I go http://theip/czero/ I see maps and sounds and all the folders from the game.

in my server.cfg I have sv_downloadurl "http://theip/czero/"

I chmod -R 777 czero directory to have no permission problems.

but it still doesnt download fast. It just ... downloads slow.

I took sv_allowdownload and made it 0, and then it wouldnt even let me connect becuase it needs cs_robbery.bsp to play the game.

What is wrong? thanks.
The files in this directory must have the same structure as in the game...meaning:
wads will be in http://theip/czero
bsps will be in http://theop/czero/maps

etc.

[Steve123]

hey, if you guys want to use this, check out www.urldownload.com, thats alxcds's page, and they offer 1 gig of space, and 15 gigs of bandwidth, AND 500 megs of webspace and 5 gigs of webspace bandwidth for only 5 bucks a month, I use it on my server, and they are a great buisness.