Scalable and consistent virtual worlds: An extension to the architecture of OpenSimulator

In this paper, we propose an extension to the current architecture of OpenSimulator (OpenSim); a well known open source framework for the development of virtual worlds. The basic purpose of this extension is to make it scalable by introducing dynamic and fair distribution of load based on physical partitioning of a virtual space. Whenever, a server exceeds its maximum capacity, a new server is added and the load is shared with it. This extension also incorporates a consistency model based on a constrained communication model. The proposed extension maintains resources in a hierarchy and uses a decentralised approach for consistency management based on our previous work. Modules incorporating these functionalities are explained and adding a new OpenSim instance is explained with the help of a simple illustration.