Dedicated Server Behind Router

[ding5550123]

I am expecting to set up a server this summer, and I know that I will receive a static IP address from my ISP, and I have a dedicated box to run the servers. I was wondering if the router will mess up th IP address for the server, because it is different than the networks global IP address. If this is an issue, how can I work around it with a router.

The OS for the server will be Debian Linux, the software is the Linux COD4 server, and the router is a Linksys WRT54GC. I know the features, but I don't know most of their uses because I haven't needed to use them.

 

[JackMDS]

If the server listen to port 80 (or any other port) you open port 80 (or any other port) in the Router toward the server Local IP.

This is a very basic question, and it indicates that you should get a good book and do some reading before you start your project.

 

[Markbnj]

The static IP from your ISP will be assigned to the router/gateway. The router/gateway should then be set up to assign a static internal IP to the server. You then implement a firewall rule to open port 80 (or whatever) from the router to the server.

 

[jaqie]

The other two posters seem to assume you will be running an only HTTP server, which you may not be.

Basically, the NAT router you have (as every home router is NAT) will block incoming requests to the server unless you specifically forward those requests to your server. If you are going to run more then a simple HTTP server, then you will need to do a more in-depth setup in the router. Since it will be linux and you seem to not know an extreme amount about the issue, I recommend that you set up the server on a static IP inside your subnet that is not in the dynamic IP assignment range of your router (log into it to find out, and read up a bit on Class C TCP/IP networks), and then set your router to enable DMZ to the internal IP of the server. This is only necessary if you plan on running more then a simple HTTP server, however, if you are only doing that, what the other two posters suggested will be sufficient.

 

[Jeff7181]

Looks like he's going to be hosting a game server. I suppose if this IP address is dedicated for the server, you could either just stick the PC right out there on the Internet, or put it in the DMZ. It is Linux afterall... not quite as vulernable as a Windows box would be.

 

[NickOlsen8390]

Before you going doing all this make sure you have the upload for a game server, And a low latency connection, for a large 20 or so man server. you will need a few Mb/s up.

 

[ding5550123]

I'm not the best with networking, I'll read up.

My ISP's upload on the plan I have is 1 Mbps, but i can upgrade to a higher speed.

 

[NickOlsen8390]

I'm not quite sure how much COD4 takes, but i have run Counter Strike Source and Team Fortress 2 servers. And a 20 person server needs about 4mb/s up, including overhead.
I would think COD4 would be about the same, if not more.
99% of home hosted servers don't perform well. There great for just messing around with friends. But if you want a good server that is say more then 10 people you really should look into renting a server. Not only are they going to have the bandwidth but they are going to be peered with all the big company's, so everyone pings good that is near. With your ISP, chances are only you other people on your isp will ping good.
You may also want to look at your ISP's TOS to see what they say about hosting servers.

 

[ding5550123]

My ISP can run Fiber Service. I'm not sure on the exact speed, but their website says it has speeds scalable up to OC12.

They allow servers in their business class service. I will be upgrading sometime soon.

 

[NickOlsen8390]

You know how much a OC12 would cost? a OC12 is 600someodd Mb/s, and i know from timewarner telecom a 100mb fiber line is like $4500 a month.
And chances are they wont run fiber to your house. If they do your paying for them to do it. And they will charge you a few grand a mile. I think my local cable company charges like 20k a mile to run fiber.
As for the TOS and running servers. you could run one fine on your res, just if they find out that you are hosting stuff they have the right to terminate your service.
Get the server and play with it. Thats how you learn, but don't expect to run a large server that preforms well (game server wise)
You can most likely run a smaller like say a 10 man server well.

Don't let me discourage you. Doing is the best way to learn. I would look into hosting other stuff too. Such as web and email. They would do well with less bandwidth. Game Servers just need a lot of low latency bandwidth and top of the line hardware.

If you got the 15/2 service from Cox you could run a 10 person server well. I would think, im baseing this on Counter Strike Source bandwidth requirements

The cox optical service is most likely out of the question.

 

[ding5550123]

I'll check prices for a smaller connection. OC-12 is the fastest. They probably won't run the fiber optic cable, and it's all underground to the nearest pole that is 1/2 mile away. I'll defiantly upgrade to the 15/2 with the servers allowed in the TOS.
I'll just run a server for me and some friends. If I have a 10-man, oh well.
I looked into renting. The prices are reasonable ($300 per year), and I'll probably go with that later this year.
I'll try to host FTP and web on this server, I'll just play around with it. I can find uses for it.

 

[NickOlsen8390]

Yes, thats a great way to do it.
If you have a clan or something you could host the website, email, ftp ect for it with ease.

 

[Ratman6161]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Looks like he's going to be hosting a game server. I suppose if this IP address is dedicated for the server, you could either just stick the PC right out there on the Internet, or put it in the DMZ. It is Linux afterall... not quite as vulernable as a Windows box would be.

Yikes! Don't ever put anything "right out there on the internet". Always use at least a basic home router\firewall between the PC and the internet regardless of what OS you are using. I'm not getting into a Windows vs Linux debate here, but its just foolish to not spend at least the $30 it would take.