How can I make my IRC Server public?
reddit / irc

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ircgenius · 2019-05-27 20:01

Hello, everyone.

I've set up an IRC server at home. It runs only in a private network,
but I'd like to make it public.

How can I create a domain name such as
[irc.example.com](https://irc.example.com) and have people connect to
it publicly, **for free?**

I appreciate any help. Thanks.

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mindlesstux · 2019-05-27 21:11

So you can do the "cheap" route and find a dynamic dns (ddns) service
that lets you select a subdomain for free.  Or register a real domain
and use that going forward for everything you host.

The next thing would be to have the ddns or a subdomain on the domain
point to your public ip address.

You will then need to make sure the ports you setup (likely 6660-6669)
in the irc daemon are open on your firewall.  If this is being hosted
out of home, you will likely need to port forward them as well
(usually this opens the port on the firewall).

Last, tell your friends to use their favorite IRC client, "hey my
super cool irc server is at
[ircgenius.dyndns.org](https://ircgenius.dyndns.org)" and watch them
connect...

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ahandle · 2019-05-28 15:18

For free? AWS free tier. Install your preferred IRC server. Register a
free domain (GLWT) or have your friends connect directly to the
IP:port.

ProTip don't use the standard ports on a Public IRC box.

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ircgenius · 2019-05-29 21:27

That was awesome. Just finished setting it up. Had some trouble with
linux firewall and opening ports on the router, but finally it works.
Thanks a lot for the comment, it really helped me carrying it on.

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ircgenius · 2019-05-29 21:28

Thanks! About the ProTip, should I use other ports rather than
6667/6697?

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ahandle · 2019-05-29 21:30

Yes, that's advisable.

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ircgenius · 2019-05-30 12:51

Thanks for the heads up. \o_

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Saber_UK · 2019-05-31 16:19

You can probably ignore their "advice" and just use 6667/6697.

Anyone who wants to find out if you're using an IRC server will just
nmap your server and find what you're using in about ten seconds.