Distributed Directory Server (Build 4) readme.txt


---What is new?
Jul 29: Build 1
	Simple directory server mirror, lotsa bugs, no configuration tool, no logs or statistics files
Aug 01: Build 2
	Budding directory server clone, few visible bugs, no configuration tool, no logs or statistics files
Aug 02: Build 3
	Directory server clone, one visible bug, no logs
Aug 15: Build 4
	Directory server clone, no logs


---What can't I do with this?
- Security logs/blacklists
Next build, or the one after that.  Right now the server simply ignores them, but I
would like to maintain a log file and ban users for violations.  There's also the
issue of several DoS vulnerabilities I need to plug up in the core protocol through
limiters and other such patented Catid teq.  It'll happen, eventually.


---What can I do with this?
+ Create population graphs
By parsing the stats.txt file produced by DDirServ, it becomes possible for any network
to make a complete population over time graph such as those seen on the websites of
major networks.

+ Use DDirServ to directly update zone information
This feature was lacking in Build 1.  Now you can add the directory server's hostname
or IP address to [Directory]:IP= and directly update the server list.  As a result, this
is no longer a directory server mirror but a (limited) directory server clone.

+ Mirror directory server data from more commonly used dservs
If you want to run your own, private directory server for some odd reason, you won't be
getting many listing from zones.  DDirServ's primary function is to get these listings
for you; jump-start your network with this tool!

+ Tweak low-level transport options
SubSpace uses a form of TCP over UDP for reliable messaging.  My core compounds this theme
by offering something that most TCP stacks do not: The ability to change the initial values
for lag-reducing settings.  In the INI you'll find options to affect message fragmentation,
carpooling (clustering), parallel transfers, etc.

+ Cache server lists for faster download on localhost
Good for LAN parties, as it automatically filters zones you cannot enter.
It's a no-hassle alternative to coordinating everyone through your firewall.

+ Learn from the code
I wrote this as a test for the new SSBot3 netgen.  It performs beautifully!
Keep your eyes peeled for further releases using this core, especially new bots.


---Enjoy!
As this is a pre-release, I would appriciate the efforts of anyone who would like
to analyze its effectiveness in dealing with certain DoS vulnerabillities present
in all SubSpace software to date.


ICQ#18736684
Catid@pacbell.net
http://venus.spaceports.com/~catid/
ftp://catid.dyn.dhs.org