[Crossfire-wiki] [Crossfire DokuWiki] page added: serverhosting:hosting_a_crossfire_server

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Date        : 2008/05/14 13:33
User        : leaf
Edit Summary: Page created - still a draft

====== Hosting a Crossfire Server ======

This is a rough draft (and a work in progress) on suggestions and things to consider when hosting a Crossfire server.


===== Setup =====


Make sure you have the following available to you:

  * Hardware that can handle hosting a Crossfire server
  * Enough and fast enough bandwidth (it's mostly upload speed that you are concerned about) 
  * Have an ISP allows for server hosting
  * Network security to allow remote connections (aka, tweaked firewall rules) and communication to the metaserver(s)
    * NOTE: Make sure the hostname is a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), otherwise there will be connections issues within the Crossfire client

===== Post Deployment =====


After your server and network is setup and configured, there are additional steps to consider.

  * Become very, very familiar with the DM commands and how to use them
  * Edit and update the MOTD (Message of the Day) information
  * Edit and update the Server Rules file
    * As an example, if you want to ban players who exploit bugs, PK other players, disrupt gameplay for others, etc. - say so in the server rules file so if/when something like this happens you can take action and avoid the long "debate" afterwards 
  * Edit and update the Server News file - players like to know about new maps, bug fixes, special events, etc.
  * Consider limiting how many guilds are initially available 
    * This will prevent a player or small group of players from buying all the guilds at once
    * This helps to make sure guilds will be available for new players who join your server later on
  * Have access to the server firewall rules for the extremely problematic player(s) and/or network(s)
    * Unfortunately, it's advised that you learn how to block (ban) networks and subnets
    * Much of this can be done in game while in DM mode (command: banish) but sometimes attacks are to widespread or not coming from player(s) from within the game

===== Other Recommendations =====

If you want to attract players and build a community on your server - your server will need to be reliable, which means:

 * Available on a consistent basis
 * Available for the long term - at least several months (maybe longer)
 * Adequate bandwidth for usage and performance
 * Adequate hardware to handle server load
 * The catch-22; you need players online to attract and keep new players
 * Have a trustworthy DM (or two) to help players and address related issues




IP-Address  : 65.193.16.100
Old Revision: none
New Revision: http://wiki.metalforge.net/doku.php/serverhosting:hosting_a_crossfire_server

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