RakNet explained

Author:	Jenkins Software LLC
Developer:	Oculus VR, Inc.
Programming Language:	C++
Operating System:	Linux, OS X, Windows, et al.
Genre:	Game middleware
License:	3-clause BSD License^[1]

RakNet is networking middleware developed by Oculus VR, Inc. for use in the video game industry. RakNet was originally authored by Jenkins Software LLC.

Overview

RakNet is a C++ class library that provides UDP and reliable TCP transport. It contains several core systems that rely on the transport layer: object replication; Remote procedure call in C++ using Boost C++ Libraries; VoIP supporting FMOD, DirectSound, and PortAudio; NAT traversal; and Patch.

Its source was available without charge for games grossing under $100,000^[2] allowing use by developers of indie or free/open source games.^[3]

On July 7, 2014, RakNet was bought by Oculus VR who released the source code for PCs, under the BSD licence with a patent granting license.^{[4] [5]}

Supported operating systems

• Microsoft Windows
• PlayStation 3
• PlayStation 4
• Xbox 360
• Xbox One
• Games for Windows – Live
• PlayStation Vita
• Linux
• macOS
• iOS
• Android with Cygwin
• Windows CE
• Nintendo Switch

Integrated Technology Partners

Game Engines

• Unity
• Roblox

Other middleware

• Scaleform
• Steamworks

References

1. Web site: RakNet 4.081. GitHub. 25 October 2021.
2. . "RakNet - Multiplayer game network engine." RakNet - Multiplayer game network engine. Jenkins Software LLC, 25 Jun 2011. Web. 11 Feb 2012. .
3. Jenkins, Kevin, and Digitalghost. "RakNet in open source games." RakNet - Multiplayer game network engine. Jenkins Software LLC, 27 July 2010. Web. 11 Feb 2012.
4. "GitHub for OculusVR/RakNet/LICENSE"
5. Web site: Oculus VR acquires game-networking engine RakNet — and makes it open-source. 2014-07-07. Jeffrey Grubb. VentureBeat.