Implementation of a hybrid topology for collision handling in a virtual environment

Abstract

This article proposes the use of hybrid topologies (client-server and multicast groups together) in networked virtual reality environments to reduce the disadvantages presented individually by both of them. One of the most important issues to consider when building a networked virtual reality environment (NVRE) is the topology to be used. The most commonly used topologies in NVRE’s are client-server and peer-to-peer, generally built on multicast groups. The client-server topology allows for a high level of consistency while multicast groups are faster and transmit less messages through the network, but is difficult to ensure consistency. Hybrid topologies in virtual environments are useful to reduce the disadvantages presented by multicast and client-server topologies when implemented individually.