Rates
Most people seem to be confused about what rates they should use etc…
Well, there is really only one way to know which rates are best for you:
The highest you can put cl_cmdrate and cl_updaterate without getting any choke/loss are the best rates (not higher than 101).
And also put your “rate” to the max that the server allows:
*If sv_maxrate is 10000 then you should use “rate 10000”
*If sv_maxrate is 0 and sv_lan is 0 then you should use 25000
*If sv_maxrate is 0 and sv_lan is 1 then you should use 10000 or 9999
Also if sv_maxupdaterate is 30 (default in 1.6) then you should use 30 updaterate, otherwise you will be sending extra packets.
You can set your HLSW to select the rate for you:
NOTE: typing sv_ commands in console while connected to dedicated server (one that you are not hosting) will not tell you the rates that the server you are connected to is using - but will only show the rates that your listen server would use if you were to create one.
ex_interp: don’t worry too much about interp. It no longer gives players an advantage, and is a basic net code command just like cl_cmdrate is. I’m not going to bother explaining the formula for ex_interp and cl_updaterate. All you need to know is to type “ex_interp 0” every time you change your interp and Half-Life will automatically set the optimal interp value for you.
For more detailed information (not how to, but why) you should check BDS’ article on net code (free registration required): http://www.schroet.com/features.php?id=34&insider=0