My stability and lagging and rubberbanding have been absolutely in the toilet for the past few days. I de-synced and stuttered around an entire Moonfire TF last night, and the situation never improved. Watching my characters* move around has been like watching the game through a strobe setting.
And then, to top that off, I hardcrashed from a mapserver or loading screen SIX times in the past 24 hours.** (Attempting to load into the SG base after a death produced the most crashes, at three.) I don't think I've mapserver/loadscreen crashed out of this game six times in the previous year prior to this. 
Please fix. Please.
*I couldn't swear it was ALL of my characters, but certainly most of them, across a wide level and zone and faction spread.
**And every time it was a different error message. 'BadNetProtocol', 'Cannot Load Map', 'Forcibly disconnected from server. Map is shutting down.'..
Last night I had the first sync problem I've seen in about a year or so. It was a bizarre one though. I zoned into Steel and headed for WW. I didn't even notice till I got there that nobody including npcs were in the zone. Once I entered WW I saw it was empty and realized I was out of sync.
So I entered the /sync command expecting to find myself back in the tram. Instead I didn't move but suddenly could see everybody around me. So instead of it being like the server was telling my system where I really was it acted like my system telling the server where I really was.
Don't count your weasels before they pop dink!
I get sync issues (rubberbanding) when using SS or SJ type travel powers... it's almost like the screen redraw/refresh rate can't keep up with radical and rapid changes to the new PoV location (this seems to happen more when I'm SJing)
Apparently, I play "City of Shakespeare"
*Arc #95278-Gathering the Four Winds -3 step arc; challenging - 5 Ratings/3 Stars (still working out the kinks)
*Arc #177826-Lights, Camera, Scream! - 3 step arc, camp horror; try out in 1st person POV - 35 Ratings/4 Stars
OMG!!!!!! why in the world did u ever come out with I13 it should have been skipped to I14 dont the devs know that 13 is bad luck. Since i13 came out its all about disconnection and not game time. Aloow me to give u a scernario. I log into the game and go to the BM guess wht disconnected. I try to log back in and i cant log back into the D-B server so I wait. I attempt to log back in and its successful now while playing the game on some maps like the LGSF some of the map is missind and on top of that im rubber banding all over the place like a rabbit only to find out im dead. So i relog attemtpting to play again only to realize now im losing map server. 
I log back in and now i freeze and get a loss map connection message but wait I dont dc so im still in the game, 
OMG nowi get a COH window mesasage saying COH's has encountered an issue and needs to close wht the heck now i have yo wait to verify files. I log back in after waiting 5-10 mins to verify files and guess wht regarless whether i Type /sync or any macro to compensate lag or rubber banding I still find myself getting dc. If u want to play COH and have all these issues then have at it, if not dont play that often
[ QUOTE ]
We would like to know if you stay out of sync for more than 10 seconds. The server should automatically try to /sync if you're out of sync for that long.
[/ QUOTE ]
yes, set the server to sync every 0.5 seconds im tried of this garbage.
i've now had to walk like 14 ppl thru making the trusty f11 bind ( /bind f11, "reload_gfx$$sync" )
Well now it happened to me. Same thing, only smaller distance.
Exited mish, walked 10 feet, rubberbanded back, then did the same again, then again, then paused (for the 10 sec), it happened yet again. My gf was watching me the whole time, says I never moved. I typed /sync, then it worked.
[ QUOTE ]
We would like to know if you stay out of sync for more than 10 seconds.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes. Twice on a Manticore TF. First time was after zoning from my base to Steel Canyon via the base teleporter and the 2nd time was exiting the final mission of the TF into Atlas Park. Both times I was rubberbanding for more than 10 seconds, up to 30 seconds, until I used /sync. I /bugged both times.
Jer
I have been having constant connection, mapserver and login server issues since the launch of issue 13. While I did occasionally have similar problems prior to issue 13 due to my wireless they have increased a thousandfold with it's launch. Problems I have now:
-- Being told the login server is unavailable when trying to login, only to have it available again 10 seconds later, sometimes lasts for 10-30 minutes on end.
-- Randomly getting disconnected from the server without a single blip on netgraph. Happens on all characters, all servers, red and blue sides. The mapserver basically gives me the finger.
-- Getting a lapspike that induces mapservering and/or then server disconnect. Sometimes the same mapservering happens but is announced by a massive lagspike full of yellow and red on netgraph.
-- Constantly losing sync which most of the time using /sync or even spamming a "sync$$sync$$sync$$sync" bind does nothing to improve. Rarely syncing fixes this, more often I am left to ride it out until it just quits.
-- Getting constant slow response/high pings/lost packets from the game. Part of this very well could be my connection, but there are times my netgraph will show a ping of 700-1200 ms even when there is ZERO lag doing other things like surfing the web (to any site). This sometimes jumps to 2500-3200ms pings where any and all commands to the game are delayed by 20 to 30 seconds.
-- Display driver crashing multiple times per week, typically around once a day. Game usually, but not always, requires file verification when restarting. This particular issue NEVER happened prior to issue 13.
All in all whatever was changed in issue 13 has very nearly made the game unplayable to me. I have been a subscriber with multiple accounts since 2004, and would like to continue to be. I am considering switching internet providers to see if this might help with the problems I am having, however if it fails to help or any of these issues continue after making this change I may be forced to find another game to give my money to.
Debt is temporary, prestige is forever
My Screenies and Videos :: My Toon List
Godlike: What's your performance like when NOT using wireless?
I know I know "It worked fine before!". That's not the concern. The game's tolerance of/recovery from dropped packets may have gotten much worse with I13 (which would cause 'spotty' connections to suddenly get REALLY BAD) but if the underlying problem is your wireless connection getting stepped on by your neighbor, then fixing that or bypassing it with an Ethernet cable will remove the issue entirely.
See... there's an inherent problem with wireless networking - OTHER wireless networking devices. Regardless of encryption, if someone else is on the same channel as you, then their traffic will interfere with yours. It's radio - strongest signal wins. More wireless devices in a given area = greater chance of radio frequency interference. At some point, enough traffic gets stepped on to cause significant packet loss.
Couple that with playing a game, which requires pretty much constant data flow to work properly, and dropped packets become a problem. We've seen spotty performance with dialup, not always because of latency, but because there's enough 'background noise' on the phone line to cause data to be lost and retransmitted... it is, after all, an acoustic carrier, and sound/crosstalk will interfere. Wireless is the same situation with a different carrier, RF energy instead of sound.
Wow... that was long-winded. Short version? Try Ethernet cable, and see what happens.
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
[ QUOTE ]
We would like to know if you stay out of sync for more than 10 seconds. The server should automatically try to /sync if you're out of sync for that long.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have a character on Justice, "Mastermind Mandy" (lvel 50 MM), which doesn't get the Out of Sync problem. She gets the Reset to Zone Entry every 10 seconds or so. The character get's rubber banded back to the spot she zones into to. This happens for the first 3-4 zones. And they periodsly returned through out the session. The /sync command is the only way to break the cycles. The character is in the zone, I can see other character. and they can see me.
[ QUOTE ]
We would like to know if you stay out of sync for more than 10 seconds. The server should automatically try to /sync if you're out of sync for that long.
[/ QUOTE ]
definately didnt do to me, was out of synch for ages and /synch wasnt working either
6th feb, freedom server, grandville 1
[ QUOTE ]
We would like to know if you stay out of sync for more than 10 seconds. The server should automatically try to /sync if you're out of sync for that long.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yep, still seeing it. I have a level eight tanker who, after going to Perez Park from Atlas Park this evening would snap back to the entrance after running for about ten seconds -- a *really* long rubber band. I repeated this about a half-dozen times until I typed /sync. =P
-Buxley
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." -- Dr. Seuss
[ QUOTE ]
On topic--I run into very frequent de-syncs with my main (Balanced on Virtue), but I'm not sure how long they last now. I've gotten into the habit of hitting my sync bind every time he zones, since that's when he loses it. He doesn't lose sync every time, but often enough to be worth the bind. None of my other characters seem to have this problem.
I'll make a point of holding off on the bind and timing him next time it happens.
[/ QUOTE ]
As promised, I took notes on it when I logged back in on the character. Here are the details:
Server: Virtue
Character: Balanced, L50
Time: 12:15 AM Central
Network Connection: Wired LAN connection
Internet Connection: DSL
Circumstance: Zoning from Ouro to Atlas Park.
Results:
I started heading from the zone-in point toward the train station. About 10 seconds into the run, I snapped back to my starting point. I repeated this 10 times, and each time, I snapped back at exactly 10 seconds after the last rubberband. I monitored my netgraph the entire time, and saw no anomalies--just low green fuzz, as usual.
I waited 5 minutes, then tried again, with exactly the same results.
Then I used /sync. After using the command, I was able to run to the train station unhindered and zone to Steel Canyon. Once in Steel, I repeated the process--snapping back to the train exit every 10 seconds. Once again, using /sync cleared the problem.
Observations:
1) The server sync is indeed triggering every 10 seconds.
2) The server sync is not doing the same thing as the /sync command, and does not clear the problem for the affected characters.
3) The problem seems to be tied to specific characters, as none of my other characters encounter it on a regular basis.
Speculation:
Could there be something about the character-specific data that is somehow interfering with the normal sync process? Balanced is L50, and has more stuff (badges, accolades, souvenirs, temp powers, etc) than any of my other characters. Could something in all that extra data be causing an overflow? Are other people seeing this issue principally on characters with lots of influence, or badges, or what-have-you?
The Way of the Corruptor (Arc ID 49834): Hey villains! Do something for yourself for a change--like twisting the elements to your will. All that's standing in your way are a few secret societies...and Champions of the four elements.
My internet service doesn't include the ability to plug in with a wired connection. It's wireless broadband that covers my whole apartment complex, the apartments aren't hardwired. I have had cable in the past and the wired connection with it was rock solid, never even a bump.
Debt is temporary, prestige is forever
My Screenies and Videos :: My Toon List
Yes, I have i12 OOS bug which is still going on.
For me, this is typically going OOS when zoning.
I have characters OOS when I first zone in with them.
I have other characters that don't have the bug at all.
I have characters that don't have it some times but have it other times.
Thanks for taking time to review this on-going issue.
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showt...197&page=1
The server does not automatically /sync.
When my characters go OOS, they stay OOS until I use the /sync command.
I often can't tell when the first rubberbanding happens if it is the /sync bug or just rubberbanding, so move away from the door and wait for a while until I'm pulled back to the door again before using sync. This is usually in excess of 10 seconds.
I'm pretty sure I've done over a 30 second count before moving.
I know I've been at the door and done searches of for more team members, got ready to move with the team, and found out that the OOS bug had me and had to use /sync to re sync with the game.
I'm pretty sure that I've started a zoning, went afk, came back, and my character was OOS.
I'm seeing on evidence of the game auto /sync'ing within 10 seconds if I'm OOS after zoning.
EDIT :: I'm more than willing to do testing on this to insure that this bug gets fixed. I was on the way to crash out, so I'll check my characters when I get back up and see what I find timing wise with one once I find one that goes OOS again. I should find at least one by the end of the day of not earlier.
Not sure which of these two threads is actually being watched, so reposting a snippet of what just dawned on me that I posted in the other thread:
(In response to many mentionings of packet loss being what caused the OOS issue)
I hadn't thought about the OOS issue being caused by packet loss, however, which makes me wonder something:
Back in October there was an issue with Qwest dropping info to and from the NCSoft sites that caused a great number of players that used smaller providers (that routed through Qwest in Texas) to be unable to play/barely able to play.
When my connection starts going south and I fire up the ping and the traceroute, guess where everything ends?
That's right. Dead end at a Qwest server.
IS there a chance that this entire problem (and the reason we can't seem to pinpoint what causes it) is being caused by something in the pathway being borked?
In the last week, yes, getting alot of oos, too much actually. Been on teams where we're all getting that. Now today, no globals, can't even stay connected for more than a few minutes.
[ QUOTE ]
Observations:
1) The server sync is indeed triggering every 10 seconds.
2) The server sync is not doing the same thing as the /sync command, and does not clear the problem for the affected characters.
3) The problem seems to be tied to specific characters, as none of my other characters encounter it on a regular basis.
Speculation:
Could there be something about the character-specific data that is somehow interfering with the normal sync process? Balanced is L50, and has more stuff (badges, accolades, souvenirs, temp powers, etc) than any of my other characters. Could something in all that extra data be causing an overflow? Are other people seeing this issue principally on characters with lots of influence, or badges, or what-have-you?
[/ QUOTE ]
Just to add to Balances observations, based on my 2 experiences listed here, for me...
1) The rubberbanding/sync did not aways take as long as 10 sec. I had the loop going myself maybe every 3.
2) this is most likely true. Altho, thats assuming that the rubberbanding is the server sync.
3) I cant say that this is the case. It has only happened 2x and somewhat randomly.
A few other points:
I cant say its directly tied...
-to lvl, influence, badges, temps etc.
(1x was with a maxed out lvl 50 badger, the other time was with a lvl 38 with barely anything.)
-w/zoning either.
(1x was after zoning out of a mish, the other time was randomly in a map.)
I know I have only 2 definite experiences w/the OOS bug to report on, but I think thats enuff to prove theres no absolute rule to it. Sorry for possibly making things more confusing.
Let's first define the SYNC bug so we are all on the same page here.
The SYNC bug was when right after you zoned, you were able to move around but unable to interact with anything that wasn't within click range of your original position. NPCs may spawn within visual range but outside that range they as well as doors vanish. When teamed, your teammates don't see you move at all.
It's not generic rubberbanding or the market hanging or the occasional one time rubberbanding you get when you zone. I believe what most of us are complaining about is the repeated rubberbanding every few seconds (sounds like the "fix" doesn't it) back to our starting position and facing after zoning which a manual /sync usualy fixes. I've personally never needed to do more than one /sync to break this cycle.
Large amounts of rubberbanding while playing is a network issue usually seen when you get a flood of retransmitted or duplicate packets. If you have /netgraph up and the counts of those packets are ticking up, then it's a network problem. Whether it's you, the servers, all the intervening routers or the packets are going from the server to your system via Timbuktu who knows. But that isn't the SYNC problem being talked about.
Let's try to focus on this ONE set of symptoms instead of tossing in every network hiccup anyone every had.
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
The OOS is currently occurring on one of my characters after playing the past three hours without issue. Every 10 seconds she snaps back to the door. My teammates do not see me move away from the door between location resets.
Minimal badges on this alt and no IO set bonuses as of yet.
Resolved the snapping back by getting a 'port from a teammate instead of using /sync.
-- Lady T
Edit: I forgot to check /netgraph while it was happening.
I don't have an alt problem. I like trying new things.
VirtueVerse ♦ City Info Tracker ♦ ParagonWiki
Yes, still happening to at least one character that has been stuck with problem since it reared it's ugly head. I still need to use the /sync command after almost every zone/map change. I've tried waiting 10 - 30 seconds several times and it doesn't appear to be auto-syncing me.
I've already forgotten about most of you
This might at first sound less useful to post... but I have *not* experienced the "Sync bug" as defined above by FatherXmas in over 6 months. Even before then, it happened very very infrequently.
Servers: Infinity, Virtue, Champion
I use a single ethernet cable from my computer to my DSL modem.
CenturyTel is my ISP and my telephone service provider.
I live in a very rural area (60 miles from nearest city).
I have many characters at high level (L40+) with set bonuses, badges, etc.
I visit high-population zones (e.g. Talos) frequently, and visit the markets frequently.
I sometimes have two instances of the client running on one computer at the same time, connected to the same server or different servers.
I hope it is useful to know what seems to avoid the problem, as much as knowing what may cause it. For those who are reporting problems, I encourage you to mention the server(s) involved, your ISP, and consider using netgraph to watch for unusual packet loss or lag spikes.
If one of the leading theories is a problem with lost packets, then I can add this bit of evidence...I have two accounts, and often notice lost packets (in netgraph) with a server on one coast, while my connection to a server on the other coast is fine. When my client-server connection is losing packets, it has trouble firing attacks and has rubberbanding, and is more likely to lose connection to the mapserver. However, it has not recently caused a de-sync immediately after successfully entering a zone.
Okay, getting going again.
Logged into Jungle Priestess, Virtue, Hero, Midnighter's Club.
Logged in OOS.
Moved to check OOS. OOS. Waited a bit. moved to check OOS. OOS, etc.
Tested for over 2 minutes of continuing log-in OOS. Game did not auto-sync.
Bug reported when used /sync command to move.
---
Did multiple zonings, but did not go OOS.
---
Meeting up with sg now. more testing later once they have logged for the night, but I'll keep notes on any OOS that occurs as I go.
I have been noticing this mostly when teamed. On an ITF it is consistent and constant. After every zone in I have to sync. I've done 5 ITF's on 3 different toons this week(all lvl 50) and all 3 have the problem. I haven't timed it. I usually just /sync after 2 or 3 "bounces" like most people seem to do.
I did do a Dr. Q (with a different lvl 50) earlier this week and had the problem at a much reduced frequency. Maybe once out of every 5 zonings. My lowbies seem to be about this rate when teamed also. Unteamed the problem only shows maybe once out of every 15 zonings.
Don't know what, if anything this shows, but it's my 2 cents.