Local vs. Online Servers: How to Combine Them in Minecraft
1st February 2022
When it comes to hosting a Minecraft server, players often have to make a choice between local (LAN) or online servers. Local servers allow for a more private and controlled gaming experience, while online servers offer a broader community and multiplayer experience. However, what if you could combine the benefits of both? In this article, we will explore how to combine local and online servers in Minecraft, enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Understanding Local Servers:
Local servers, also known as LAN servers, allow players to host a server on their local network. This means that only players connected to the same network can join and play on the server. Local servers are ideal for small groups of friends or family members who want to play together in a private and secure environment. They provide low latency, fast connection speeds, and easy setup without the need for an internet connection.
Exploring Online Servers:
Online servers, on the other hand, are hosted on remote machines accessible via the internet. These servers allow players from all around the world to join and play together. Online servers provide a vast community of players, a variety of gameplay modes, and the opportunity to engage with players from different backgrounds. They often offer additional features like mini-games, custom plugins, and specialized gameplay experiences.
Combining Local and Online Servers:
To combine local and online servers, you can use the "port forwarding" feature in your router settings. Port forwarding allows incoming connections from the internet to be directed to your local server, making it accessible online. Follow these steps to set it up:
Determine your local server's IP address: On the computer running your local server, open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type "ipconfig" (Windows) or "ifconfig" (Mac/Linux) to find your local IP address.
Access your router settings: Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This IP address can usually be found in the router's manual or by searching online using your router model.
Locate the port forwarding settings: In your router settings, look for the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Server" section. The exact location and terminology may vary depending on your router model.
Add a new port forwarding rule: Create a new port forwarding rule by specifying the local IP address of your server and the port number Minecraft uses (default is 25565). Save the changes.
Configure your server software: On your local server, ensure that your server software is configured to use the same port number specified in the port forwarding rule.
Test the connection: With the port forwarding set up, you should be able to provide your public IP address (which can be found through websites like whatismyip.com) to friends or other players. They can then connect to your local server using this IP address.
Note: Setting up port forwarding may require technical knowledge, and the process can vary depending on your router model. It's recommended to consult your router's documentation or seek assistance from your internet service provider if needed.
Benefits of Combining Local and Online Servers:
Combining local and online servers allows you to maintain the privacy and control of a local server while also enjoying the extended multiplayer experience of an online server. It enables you to play with friends and family locally while also inviting players from outside your network to join the server. This hybrid approach provides flexibility, community engagement, and the ability to scale up your server's player base as desired.
By combining local and online servers in Minecraft, you can experience the best of both worlds. Local servers offer privacy, low latency, and easy setup, while online servers provide a broader community and additional features. With port forwarding, you can bridge the gap between these two server types, allowing players from outside your network to connect to your local server. This hybrid approach empowers you to enjoy the benefits of both local and online servers, creating a unique and customizable Minecraft experience for you and your fellow players.