Where is a tick sent? - briefly
A tick is delivered to the operating system’s scheduler, which forwards it to the process or thread awaiting the timer interrupt. The kernel’s timer‑interrupt handler is the ultimate recipient.
Where is a tick sent? - in detail
A tick, defined as a discrete timing signal generated by a client or server, is transmitted to the component that processes the next logical step in the system’s execution cycle. In a client‑server architecture, the signal originates on the client side, travels through the network stack, and arrives at the server’s tick handler, which updates the game state, synchronizes physics, or advances the simulation.
In a peer‑to‑peer model, each node generates its own tick and forwards it to all connected peers. The receiving peers incorporate the tick into their local state machines, ensuring consistent progression across the network.
When a tick is part of a distributed database replication protocol, it is sent to the primary coordinator, which then propagates the change to replica nodes. The coordinator records the tick in its log and uses it to order subsequent operations.
Typical destinations for a tick include:
- Server tick processor – responsible for global state updates.
- Peer nodes – maintain synchronized local copies of the state.
- Coordinator or master node – orchestrates ordering in replicated systems.
- Logging subsystem – records the tick for audit and debugging purposes.
The transmission path follows the established communication channel (TCP, UDP, or a custom protocol). The packet containing the tick is encapsulated in a message header, routed by the network layer, and delivered to the listening port of the target component. Upon receipt, the target validates the tick identifier, applies any associated payload, and acknowledges the update if required.
Thus, a tick is sent from its generator to the processing entity that governs the next phase of execution, whether that entity is a central server, a peer, a coordinator, or a logging service.