Mine Craft Server Port Forwarding Question/Help

[Kensworth]

Hey guys, so I recently made my first MC server using ubuntu 24.04.4, installed java 17 MC version 1.20.1 modded with fabric and I'm running it with AMP and WEBMIN, this is the first time I have ever done something like this. I forgot that it only works on my local internet and forgot to make it accessible to the public via port forward or playit.gg. The server is running on a micro dell optiplex 9020 that I upgraded. I was wondering do you recommend port forward or playit.gg. I have been looking into it on my own and it seem I just need to install playit on ubuntu and then have it on auto run, but my issue with that is if I need to update the program and it requires me to fix some things, what's the longevity like?

As for port forwarding, I have been seeing many different versions of guide on how to do it. Some say I need to create a static ip which the server should already have??? unless I'm wrong, some say that I have open the port in the ubuntu firewall (UFW) while some don't even mention it at all, then I have to log into my modem and allow forwarding which is consistent across guides.

Personally, I would like the port forward as it seems to be a sure way without the possibility of a mediator like playit from failing and its on its on isolated server too. I have to go back edit some things to allow auto restart in case of power surges and what not. I just want to make the server run hands off as much as possible. I am fine with leaving webmin, and AMP on the local ip.

[Dedayog]

25 minutes ago, Kensworth said:

Hey guys, so I recently made my first MC server using ubuntu 24.04.4, installed java 17 MC version 1.20.1 modded with fabric and I'm running it with AMP and WEBMIN, this is the first time I have ever done something like this. I forgot that it only works on my local internet and forgot to make it accessible to the public via port forward or playit.gg. The server is running on a micro dell optiplex 9020 that I upgraded. I was wondering do you recommend port forward or playit.gg. I have been looking into it on my own and it seem I just need to install playit on ubuntu and then have it on auto run, but my issue with that is if I need to update the program and it requires me to fix some things, what's the longevity like?

As for port forwarding, I have been seeing many different versions of guide on how to do it. Some say I need to create a static ip which the server should already have??? unless I'm wrong, some say that I have open the port in the ubuntu firewall (UFW) while some don't even mention it at all, then I have to log into my modem and allow forwarding which is consistent across guides.

Personally, I would like the port forward as it seems to be a sure way without the possibility of a mediator like playit from failing and its on its on isolated server too. I have to go back edit some things to allow auto restart in case of power surges and what not. I just want to make the server run hands off as much as possible. I am fine with leaving webmin, and AMP on the local ip.

For Xfinity, I just select the device running my game servers and then hit Port Forward, enter the port # and done.

 

You can use an app or directly into the Router via a web browser using a set IP address the manual tells you.   Xfinity is 10.0.0.1 I think for example.

[anothertealtiger]

23 minutes ago, Kensworth said:

Some say I need to create a static ip which the server should already have???

If the server is in your home and you don't have like business Internet or your ISP otherwise has static IPs then yeah your IP may change in the future. Truth be told though, I don't think this is as big of an issue as people make it out to be. Just tell your friends the new IP. Or hell, get crazy and buy a domain with the DNS mapped to your IP (good idea? doubt it.) and then change the DNS entry if it changes.

 

25 minutes ago, Kensworth said:

Personally, I would like the port forward as it seems to be a sure way without the possibility of a mediator like playit from failing and its on its on isolated server too.

This was my recommendation. It's just a MC server after all. I don't think it's worth overcomplicating with an external service. It's free for your use, but even then it just seems like it's not worth the effort when port forwarding is pretty easy. You just may have to come back to it from time to time when you can't connect and change a value here or there.

 

My networking noob two cents

[Dedayog]

IIRC, everyone else needs playit.gg as well if you go that route.  

[OddOod]

1 hour ago, anothertealtiger said:

and then change the DNS entry if it changes

Or grab a free NoIP domain and set up a beacon on the server so it changes automatically!

 

 

My rec would be port forwarding if possible. There is a chance that your ISP is kinda hiding your IP from the internet via CGNAT and you might have to add static IP as an extra line item on the bill, but I find the few bucks a month to be well worth the cost.
Also, I assume any guide you are using has mentioned that while server should probably have a static IP on *your* network, the address you hand to your friends will have to be your public IP.