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Kaillera Server
Kaillera Server is primarily used to enable online multiplayer functionality within emulators for classic arcade and console games. It utilizes UDP communication to facilitate real-time data exchange between connected players and a central host server. Although unofficial, it remains popular in retro gaming communities to simulate near LAN-like conditions over the internet..
Kaillera Server enables emulators to support multiple users playing classic games online. It functions as a synchronization middleware, managing connections among players by distributing game state updates via UDP packets, which helps reduce latency—a key factor in fast-paced gaming environments. Because it is designed around real-time interactivity, it focuses heavily on minimizing input lag to emulate the experience of in-person multiplayer.
The protocol used by Kaillera is lightweight and connectionless, relying on UDP packets exchanged between clients and the server. This design choice makes setup relatively simple and network overhead minimal, enabling smooth gameplay even on lower bandwidth connections. The server coordinates session initiation, player state synchronization, delay management, and disconnection handling to maintain game consistency.
Kaillera is largely implemented as a community and third-party project, lacking a standardized specification or formal support. Its flexible implementation allows various emulators to incorporate online features without extensive changes. Nevertheless, its reliance on UDP and absence of encryption expose some inherent networking challenges, including susceptibility to spoofing and replay attacks.