Creating a Server Network: Adding Servers to BungeeCord

26 January, 2023

Running a server network in Minecraft can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It allows you to connect multiple Minecraft servers together, creating a seamless and dynamic gameplay environment for your community. One popular tool for managing server networks is BungeeCord, a powerful proxy server that enables you to add and manage multiple servers within a network. In this article, we will explore the process of adding servers to BungeeCord and creating a robust server network.

Understanding BungeeCord:

BungeeCord is a proxy server designed specifically for Minecraft. It acts as a middleman between players and multiple Minecraft servers, allowing them to connect and seamlessly transition between different servers within the network. BungeeCord supports various features, such as server balancing, player management, and chat integration, making it an ideal choice for creating and managing server networks.

Adding Servers to BungeeCord:

To add servers to your BungeeCord network, follow these steps:

1. Install BungeeCord:

   First, you need to install BungeeCord on a separate server or computer. You can download the latest version of BungeeCord from the official Spigot website or other reputable sources. Follow the installation instructions provided to set up BungeeCord.

2. Configure BungeeCord:

   Once BungeeCord is installed, navigate to the BungeeCord server files. Open the "config.yml" file using a text editor. In this file, you will configure BungeeCord to recognize and connect to your Minecraft servers.

3. Add Server Entries:

   Within the "config.yml" file, locate the "servers" section. This is where you will add entries for each Minecraft server you want to include in your network. Each entry should have a unique name, IP address, and port number for the corresponding Minecraft server. For example:

1. Customize Server Entries:

   You can further customize each server entry by adding optional settings such as motd (message of the day), restricted permissions, or custom server icons. Refer to the BungeeCord documentation for detailed information on available customization options.

2. Start BungeeCord:

   Save the changes to the "config.yml" file and start the BungeeCord server. This will launch BungeeCord and load the server configurations.

3. Connect Minecraft Servers to BungeeCord:

   On each Minecraft server you want to add to the network, modify the server's "server.properties" file. Set the "server-ip" property to the IP address of the machine running BungeeCord. Additionally, ensure that the "server-port" property matches the port number specified in the corresponding BungeeCord server entry.

4. Test the Server Network:

   Start each Minecraft server and connect to the BungeeCord server. You should be able to seamlessly transition between the servers within the network using BungeeCord's functionality.

Managing and Expanding the Server Network:

Once your server network is up and running, you can manage and expand it further:

• Server Balancing: BungeeCord allows you to distribute player traffic evenly across multiple servers, ensuring optimal performance. Configure server priorities and adjust balancing settings to accommodate player load.

• Proxy Plugins: BungeeCord supports various plugins that extend its functionality. Explore plugins such as permissions managers, chat integration, player teleportation, and more to enhance the server network's features.

• Server Network Expansion: As your community grows, consider adding more Minecraft servers to the network. Simply repeat the process of configuring BungeeCord and connecting the new servers to the proxy.

Creating a server network using BungeeCord offers numerous benefits, including seamless server transitions, load balancing, and enhanced player management. By following the steps outlined above, you can add multiple Minecraft servers to BungeeCord, creating a robust and dynamic gameplay environment for your community. Take advantage of BungeeCord's features, customize server entries, and explore additional plugins to maximize the potential of your server network. So, dive into the world of server networks, connect your Minecraft servers with BungeeCord, and provide your players with a seamless and immersive multiplayer experience.