> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding A2S Caching

> Master server visibility and performance with Cosmicguard A2S Caching. Learn how edge-querying reduces CPU load and prevents timeouts for Valve engine games.

## Hardware-Level Query Performance

A2S (Source Engine) queries are the fundamental packets utilized by Steam and in-game browsers to retrieve real-time server information, such as player counts, current maps, and server names. While essential for visibility, these queries can be exploited by malicious actors to flood your server with thousands of requests, overwhelming your CPU and causing legitimate players to see your server as "Timed Out." Cosmicguard's **A2S Caching** technology solves this by answering these queries at the network edge, ensuring your server remains visible and responsive under even the most intense query-based attacks.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Intermediate
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    5 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Mechanics of Edge-Querying

When A2S Caching is active, the relationship between the player's client and your game server changes fundamentally to prioritize performance.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Status Learning">
    The Cosmicguard firewall periodically communicates with your game server to "learn" its current status (Active Players, Maximum Slots, Map Name, and Version).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edge Storage">
    This metadata is stored in a high-speed hardware cache located directly within our global scrubbing centers.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Autonomous Response">
    When a player or a browser bot sends an `A2S_INFO` request, the **firewall answers the query directly** from its local cache.
  </Step>

  <Step title="CPU Preservation">
    Because the query never reaches your server, your CPU resources are preserved entirely for processing core game logic and player movements.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Operational Benefits

Implementing A2S Caching provides several strategic advantages for community owners.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Zero CPU Latency">
    High player-count servers (such as 200+ slot Rust servers) generate massive query traffic naturally. By offloading these requests to the firewall, you eliminate the micro-stutters often associated with the game engine attempting to process thousands of info requests while simultaneously managing physics.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Maximum Browser Visibility">
    Since the firewall responds with multi-gigabit throughput and sub-millisecond response times, your server will consistently appear at the top of browser lists with a stable "Online" status, even if the backend game process is experiencing heavy load.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Activation & Support

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How to Enable Caching">
    A2S Caching is automatically integrated into specific **Cosmicguard** Protection Profiles designed for the Valve ecosystem. To activate it, simply apply the profile that matches your game (e.g., Rust, CS2, TF2, or GMod) within the **[IP Addresses](https://firewall.freakhosting.com/dashboard/ip-addresses)** tab.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Cache Refresh Intervals">
    The cache refreshes every few seconds to ensure that your player count and map information remain accurate. This small delay is imperceptible to users but provides a massive security shield for your infrastructure.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Warning>
  ### Supported Protocol Requirement

  A2S Caching is exclusively compatible with games using the standard Valve Source Engine query protocol. If your game uses a proprietary or custom query system (such as certain Minecraft query plugins), this specific hardware caching layer may not be applicable.
</Warning>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Cosmicguard:** Advanced hardware caching.
</div>