What is the best way to decrease game lag and network ping in multiplayer games

# of Georgraphic Locations: 3
Distance apart: >5km.

Location # 1

Game Server: 1
Client Computers: 14

Location # 2

Game Server: 0
Client Computers: 14

Location # 3

Game Server: 0
Client Computers: 14


Internet Upload @ each location: 512Kbit
Internet Download@ each location: 1024Kbit

Call of Duty 4 average ping all locations 10 players playing: 300+
Call of Duty 4 average ping all locations 5 players playing: 200+
Call of Duty 4 average ping all locations 2-3 players playing: >200

Server Configuration:

Core 2 Duo E4500
2GB 667MHz RAM
800MHz FSB (VIA M900) MoBo
80GB SATA HDD (7200 RPM)

Client Configuration:

Core 2 Duo E4500
2GB 667MHz RAM
800MHz FSB (VIA M900) MoBo
80GB SATA HDD (7200 RPM)

MY QUESTIONS:

1. IF I WANT TO HOST A 32 PLAYER GAME ON THE GAME SERVER, AND HAVE ALL THREE LOCATIONS PARTICIPATE, WHAT KIND OF GAME SERVER REQUIREMENTS & BANDWIDTH REQUIREMENTS TO I NEED TO FULFILL.

2. IS MY GAME SERVER ADEQUATE IN TERMS OF SPECIFICATIONS?

3. DOES GAMING VIA VPN ADD MORE THAN A 10% OVERHEAD TO THE NETWORK PERFORMANCE?

4. WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT GAME PERFORMANCE AND IN-GAME PING?

5. WHY DOES COD4 REQUIRE MORE BANDWIDTH THAN OLDER GAMES LIKE BF1942 AND EVEN COD2?

THANKS,

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