Decoding Minecraft Server Web Addresses: All You Need to Know
19th Jan, 2023
IP Addresses:
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. In the context of Minecraft servers, an IP address identifies the server's location on the internet. It consists of a series of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1). Players can connect to a server by entering its IP address directly into the Minecraft client.
Domain Names:
Domain names are user-friendly alternatives to IP addresses, making it easier for players to connect to Minecraft servers. These names serve as virtual addresses that redirect to the corresponding IP address. For example, instead of entering the numerical IP address, players can type a domain name (e.g., play.exampleserver.com) to connect to a server.
Domain Name System (DNS):
The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses. When a player enters a domain name in their Minecraft client, the DNS server resolves the domain name into its corresponding IP address, allowing the client to establish a connection with the Minecraft server. This process is automatic and transparent to the player.
Obtaining Server IP Addresses:
To connect to a Minecraft server, you need to know its IP address or domain name. Server owners typically provide this information on their website, server listings, or in online communities. Additionally, players can use server listing websites like Planet Minecraft, Minecraft Servers, or server forums to discover and explore new servers, obtaining their IP addresses or domain names for connection.
Direct Connect and Server Lists:
In the Minecraft client, players can connect to a server using either the Direct Connect option or the server list. Direct Connect allows players to enter the IP address or domain name directly into the client. Alternatively, the server list displays a collection of saved server addresses, making it convenient to connect to frequently visited servers without typing the address each time.
Using Domain Names:
To connect to a Minecraft server using a domain name, players simply enter the domain name into the Minecraft client. The client's DNS resolver then translates the domain name into the corresponding IP address, establishing the connection. Players do not need to worry about the underlying IP address; they can focus on remembering and using the domain name provided by the server owner.
Dynamic IP Addresses and Port Forwarding:
In some cases, Minecraft servers hosted at home may have dynamic IP addresses. This means the IP address assigned to the server by the internet service provider may change periodically. To connect to a server with a dynamic IP address, server owners can set up port forwarding on their routers and use dynamic DNS services that provide a consistent domain name that redirects to the changing IP address.
Server Whitelisting and Security:
Server owners often implement whitelisting as a security measure. Whitelisting restricts server access to only approved players, preventing unauthorized individuals from joining. To join a whitelisted server, players need to provide their Minecraft username to the server owner for inclusion on the whitelist.
