New server, lag issues and some .bsp files are missing

[KubeDawg]

I recently started a new server through NFo and am having some problems and was wondering if anyone had any advice or thoughts about some of my settings.

First off, I only have Metamod/SM installed, no custom plugins and I'm using some of the plugins that are initially in the disabled folder such as rtv, random mapcycle, etc.

So far, when the server gets to about 8-10 people, it starts lagging on pretty much any map so I'm wondering if I have the right server cfg or not.

Also, maps like dropdown and rock2_qnd_b6 do not work if I don't already have the map. I test the maps on my server by moving them to a backup folder on my PC, ensuring both my game server host and web host have the files(res, lua, bsp, txt) and when I try to join my server, I get the "Missing map .bsp files" error even though I have the files in the right locations.

I've verified the fast downloads link is correct because I've downloaded other custom maps from my server today quickly.

Any idea what could be causing this?

Here's my server.cfg for reference:

// Name Of Server
hostname "I can't believe it's not TFC! - Dallas, TX - Newbie Friendly"

// ff specific cvars

mp_prematch 0
mp_forcerespawn 0

// General HL Cvars

sv_contact ""
decalfrequency 60
mp_decals 100
mp_falldamage 1
sv_cheats 0
sv_maxrate 30000
sv_minrate 15000
sv_gravity 800
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 1
mp_timelimit 20
sv_alltalk 1
sv_voiceenable 1
mp_allowspectators 1
sv_spectatorchat 1
sv_voicecodec vaudio_speex
sv_specaccelerate 5
sv_specspeed 2
mp_footsteps 1
sv_rcon_maxfailures 3

// Rcon Stuff

rcon_password "O_o"

// Make sure the right people are banned

exec banned.cfg
writeid

//files

mapcyclefile mapcycle.txt

// disable lag compensation

sv_unlag 1
heartbeat

// important settings inserted by NFo

sv_stats 0
sv_region 0
fps_max 0

net_queued_packet_thread 1

sv_maxupdaterate 100
sv_minupdaterate 66
sv_maxcmdrate 100
sv_mincmdrate 66
sv_max_queries_sec 3
sv_max_queries_sec_global 150
sv_downloadurl "http://www.kubedawg.com/FF/"
net_maxfilesize 64
sv_password ""
log 1
tv_enable 0

My server is 66 tic, which is why I set similar values for the max/min rates. But TBH, I have no idea what they should be set to or why.

net_maxfilesize 64 - Does this make sure the biggest map files are accepted for download?

Should my min/max rates be higher?

Since my server is located in Texas, should I set sv_region to 1 or keep it at 0?

sv_unlag 1 - What does this do and what will happen if I turn it off?

I've found on a Garry's mod wiki these need to be turned off:
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 1

but I don't see how that could be true.

[hlstriker]

Originally Posted by KubeDawg

My server is 66 tic, which is why I set similar values for the max/min rates. But TBH, I have no idea what they should be set to or why.

From what I've heard the cmd/update rates should be set the same as the servers ticrate.

Originally Posted by KubeDawg

net_maxfilesize 64 - Does this make sure the biggest map files are accepted for download?

Up to 64 megabytes. You might be able to uncap it with a SourceMod plugin.

Originally Posted by KubeDawg

Since my server is located in Texas, should I set sv_region to 1 or keep it at 0?

I'd keep it at 0 just because Texas is mostly central timezone.

Originally Posted by KubeDawg

sv_unlag 1 - What does this do and what will happen if I turn it off?

Enables lag compensation. See here.

Originally Posted by KubeDawg

I've found on a Garry's mod wiki these need to be turned off:
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 1

I'm pretty sure that's wrong unless Garry's mod is backwards.

Here is a cleaned up server config:

// Main settings
hostname "I can't believe it's not TFC! - Dallas, TX - Newbie Friendly"
rcon_password "O_o"
sv_password ""
mp_timelimit 20
log 0	// Logging is just wasting resources!


// Make sure the right people are banned
exec listip.cfg
exec banned.cfg
writeid
writeip


// Rate settings
sv_maxrate 0
sv_minrate 15000
sv_maxupdaterate 67
sv_minupdaterate 66
sv_maxcmdrate 67
sv_mincmdrate 66
sv_unlag 1
sv_maxunlag 0.6


// Fast downloads
sv_downloadurl "http://www.kubedawg.com/FF/"
net_maxfilesize 64
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 1


// Voice & Chat
sv_alltalk 1
sv_voiceenable 1
sv_spectatorchat 1
sv_voicecodec vaudio_speex


// FF specific
mp_prematch 0


// Other variables
sv_cheats 0
sv_gravity 800
decalfrequency 60
mp_decals 100
mp_allowspectators 1
sv_specaccelerate 5
sv_specspeed 2
mp_footsteps 1
tv_enable 0


// Important settings inserted by NFo
sv_stats 0
sv_region 0
fps_max 0	// Uncapped fps might actually lag FF servers due to using more of the CPU.

If the lag persists I would ask NFO to allocate more resources to your server.

[Atreuce]

When we had Trailer's server up - we'd get some bad choke at 10+ people... our server was based out of Atlanta.

We didn't have the extra CPU usage thing you could pay more for... not sure if that had anything to do with it or not.

[hlstriker]

Originally Posted by Atreuce

We didn't have the extra CPU usage thing you could pay more for... not sure if that had anything to do with it or not.

You shouldn't have to pay more for extra resources when they offer a service that isn't functioning as it should. I could see if the server is loaded with a million different 3rd party plugins, but if the server doesn't function without additional mods then the problem should be fixed for free.

[KubeDawg]

I've been researching rates and server settings and have updated them and restarted the server. I'm going to see if these updated settings fix:

sv_maxrate 30000
sv_minrate 8000
sv_maxupdaterate 67
sv_minupdaterate 33
sv_maxcmdrate 67
sv_mincmdrate 33
fps_max 300

[Dexter]

Originally Posted by Atreuce

When we had Trailer's server up - we'd get some bad choke at 10+ people... our server was based out of Atlanta.

We didn't have the extra CPU usage thing you could pay more for... not sure if that had anything to do with it or not.

choke is client side

sorta