How to Assign Distinct IPs to Multiple Minecraft Servers on a Shared Router
17th Apr 2023
Running multiple Minecraft servers on a shared router can be a challenge, especially when you want to assign distinct IP addresses to each server. This customization allows players to connect to specific servers without confusion or conflicts. In this article, we will explore the steps to assign distinct IPs to multiple Minecraft servers on a shared router, enabling smoother gameplay experiences and better server management.
Step 1: Determine the Router's Capability
Before attempting to assign distinct IPs, it's essential to confirm that your router supports port forwarding or has a feature called "virtual server" or "port mapping." These features are typically available on most modern routers and are necessary for directing incoming connections to the correct server.
Step 2: Configure Port Forwarding/Virtual Server
Access your router's configuration settings by entering its IP address into a web browser. This address is typically found in the router's manual or on a sticker on the device itself. Once in the router's settings, look for the port forwarding or virtual server section.
In this section, you will need to create a new rule for each Minecraft server you want to assign a distinct IP to. Here's how to do it:
- Select "Add New" or a similar option to create a new rule.
- Specify the external (public) port that players will use to connect to the server. For example, you can use port 25565 for the first server, 25566 for the second server, and so on.
- Enter the internal (private) IP address of the server hosting machine. This is the IP address assigned to the computer running the Minecraft server on your local network.
- Set the internal (private) port to the default Minecraft server port, which is 25565.
- Choose the appropriate protocol, usually TCP or both TCP and UDP.
- Save the rule and repeat this process for each additional server you want to assign a distinct IP to.
Step 3: Assign Static IPs to the Servers
To ensure that the internal IP addresses of your Minecraft servers remain consistent, it's recommended to assign static IP addresses to each server hosting machine. This prevents the IP addresses from changing, which could disrupt the port forwarding configuration.
To assign a static IP to a server hosting machine, follow these general steps:
- Identify the local IP address of the hosting machine. This can be found in the network settings of the operating system.
- Access the router's configuration settings and look for the DHCP or LAN section.
- Locate the list of connected devices or DHCP reservation options.
- Find the entry corresponding to the hosting machine's IP address and MAC address (a unique identifier for network devices).
- Set a static IP address for the hosting machine by associating the MAC address with a specific IP address. Use an IP address that falls within the range of your local network and is not already in use.
Step 4: Test the Configuration
After configuring the distinct IPs and assigning static IPs to the hosting machines, it's crucial to test the setup to ensure everything is working correctly. Start each Minecraft server on its respective hosting machine and try connecting to them from external devices using the designated ports.
If the connections are successful and players can join the servers using the distinct IPs, then the configuration is properly set up. If any issues arise, double-check the port forwarding/virtual server settings and the static IP assignments to ensure accuracy.
By following these steps, you can assign distinct IPs to multiple Minecraft servers on a shared router, enabling seamless gameplay experiences and efficient server management. Whether you're hosting servers for friends, a community, or different gameplay modes, this customization allows players to connect directly to the desired server without any confusion or conflicts. So, take control of your Minecraft server setup and provide a smoother and more organized experience for all players involved.