I'm trying to set up a game server with a friend, but I don't have a static or public IP, so we can't figure out how he can access it since we're in different locations. We're considering options like port forwarding or a VPN, but I'm open to other suggestions. What can we do?
5 Answers
You have a few options, but they depend on your internet setup:
1. Set up a VPN on your firewall and have your friend connect to it.
2. Use port forwarding; sometimes your dynamic IP remains consistent, and you could use a DNS service to update a domain pointing to your IP automatically.
Yeah, Tailscale is great. I've also heard CloudFlare has something similar, but I don't have much info on that. For simplicity, Tailscale is definitely less work!
I agree, Tailscale is solid for these kinds of setups. In the past, I used a dynamic DNS service to keep an updated address but Tailscale is more user-friendly nowadays. It’s definitely an improvement over old methods.
If you're into tech, IPv6 is the future. If both your systems support it and your ISP does too, simply connecting via your IPv6 address could work well with proper firewall settings. But keep in mind, if you go this route or with DMZ setups, you may expose your computer more to the internet, so be careful with your firewall rules!
You actually do have a public IP, but it's dynamic which makes it a bit tricky. A great option is Tailscale; it’s free and lets multiple devices connect as if they're on the same local network. Definitely worth checking out!
Tailscale really is the best choice here!
Is Tailscale really the best option? It sounds like a good idea.
Which option is safer, Tailscale or CloudFlare?