Setting Up Separate IPs for Two Minecraft Servers on the Same Router: A Guide

Fri, Apr 21, 2023

Running multiple Minecraft servers on the same router can provide diverse gameplay experiences for different communities or game modes. However, to ensure smooth operation and avoid conflicts, it is important to set up separate IP addresses for each server. This guide will walk you through the process of configuring your router to assign distinct IPs to multiple Minecraft servers, allowing you to manage them independently and avoid potential connectivity issues.

Step 1: Identify Router Access

Access your router's administration panel by typing its default gateway IP address into your web browser. This address is usually provided in the router's documentation or can be found by opening the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and typing "ipconfig" or "ifconfig."

Step 2: Log in to Router

Enter your router's login credentials. If you haven't changed them, refer to your router's documentation for the default username and password. Once logged in, you will gain access to the router's settings.

Step 3: Reserve IP Addresses

Navigate to the "DHCP" or "LAN Setup" section in your router's settings. Look for an option to reserve IP addresses or set up static leases. This feature ensures that the IP addresses assigned to your Minecraft servers remain constant, even if devices disconnect and reconnect to the network.

Step 4: Assign IP Address for the First Minecraft Server

Find the option to add a static lease or reserve a new IP address. Enter the MAC address (Media Access Control) of the device hosting the first Minecraft server. The MAC address can usually be found on the device or its network settings. Specify the IP address you want to assign to this server. Choose an IP outside the range of the DHCP pool to avoid conflicts.

Step 5: Assign IP Address for the Second Minecraft Server

Repeat Step 4 for the second Minecraft server. Assign a different IP address to ensure uniqueness and avoid conflicts. Make sure to enter the MAC address of the device hosting the second server and specify the desired IP address.

Step 6: Save and Apply Changes

Once you have assigned the IP addresses for both servers, save the changes in your router's settings. Apply the changes to activate the new IP assignments.

Step 7: Configure Port Forwarding

To ensure proper connectivity, configure port forwarding for each Minecraft server. In your router's settings, locate the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Servers" section. Add a new rule for each server, specifying the internal IP address (the one you reserved in Steps 4 and 5) and the corresponding port(s) required by the Minecraft server software (default port is 25565).

Step 8: Restart Router and Servers

To ensure that the changes take effect, restart your router. Also, restart the devices hosting the Minecraft servers. This ensures that the servers obtain the newly assigned IP addresses and establish proper connectivity.

Setting up separate IP addresses for multiple Minecraft servers on the same router allows for independent management and smooth operation. By reserving static IP addresses and configuring port forwarding, you can ensure that each server has a unique IP and the necessary connectivity to function properly. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can avoid conflicts and provide uninterrupted gameplay experiences for your Minecraft communities. Enjoy the seamless operation of your multiple Minecraft servers and let the adventures unfold in their respective worlds.