A Web Network uses Hopping Spiders to move items between inventories. It consists of three parts:
- Web Lines that form the routes
- At least one Hopping Spider Nest connected to those routes
- Web Ports attached to the inventories you want to use
Basic Setup
Connect a nest and two inventories with Web Lines. Install a Web Port on each inventory's Web Line endpoint, then set one port to Input and the other to Output. Make sure both ports use the same color.
The nest's spiders will collect matching items from the Input and carry them to the Output. Each spider can carry up to one stack per trip.
Expanding a Network
Every connected group of Web Lines is one network. Lines can branch, so one network can reach many nests and inventories.
A nest can connect to several separate networks and its spiders can take jobs from any of them. Multiple nests can also share one network; their spiders coordinate to avoid choosing the same pickup or delivery.
Use different Web Port colors to create independent item routes within the same network. Item Filters provide more control over what each port accepts.
Choosing Jobs
A job is available when an Input contains an allowed item, a same-colored Output has room for it, and both ports have a complete route to a nest.
When several jobs are available, spiders prefer higher-priority Inputs, followed by higher-priority Outputs. They also favor shorter trips and jobs that can move more items.
If an Output fills while a spider is traveling, the spider waits and tries again. If a changed route, color, or filter makes delivery impossible, it returns the item to its original inventory.
Idle Spiders
Spiders wander along the network when no jobs are available. At night, idle spiders return to their nest and remain nearby. Transport work takes priority over wandering.
Use a Web Pathfinder to check whether two points are connected and briefly highlight the shortest route between them.