IP or Not IP: Clarifying Minecraft Server Address
Monday, March 28, 2022
When it comes to joining Minecraft multiplayer servers, one common question that arises is how to connect to a server using the correct address. Many players encounter confusion when dealing with terms like "IP" or "server address." In this article, we will clarify the concept of Minecraft server addresses and help you understand the various types of server addresses you may encounter.
Firstly, let's define what a server address is. In Minecraft, a server address is a unique identifier that allows players to connect to a specific Minecraft server. It serves as the gateway for players to join a server and interact with other players in multiplayer mode. A server address consists of two main components: the IP address and the port number.
The IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It acts as the unique identifier for a particular device or server on the internet. IP addresses come in two formats: IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). An IPv4 address looks like a series of four numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1), while an IPv6 address is longer and consists of hexadecimal digits and colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
The port number, on the other hand, is a specific number assigned to a service or application running on a device. In the context of Minecraft servers, the default port number is 25565. However, server administrators can choose to run their servers on different port numbers to differentiate them from others or to work around network restrictions.
Now, let's clarify the different types of server addresses you may encounter when connecting to a Minecraft server:
IP Address Only:
Some servers provide their IP address as the server address. For example, you might see an address like "play.servername.com" or "123.45.67.89." In this case, you can simply input the IP address into the Minecraft multiplayer menu to connect to the server. If the server runs on a non-default port, you will need to specify the port number as well, following the IP address with a colon and the port number (e.g., "123.45.67.89:12345").
Domain Name:
Instead of displaying the raw IP address, some servers use a domain name as the server address. For instance, "play.servername.com" is a domain name that represents a specific IP address. To connect to a server using a domain name, enter the domain name in the multiplayer menu, and Minecraft will resolve it to the corresponding IP address automatically. Again, if the server uses a non-default port, append the domain name with a colon and the port number.
Subdomains:
In some cases, servers may employ subdomains to direct players to different game modes or regions. For example, "survival.servername.com" and "creative.servername.com" could lead to separate servers running different game modes. Connecting to a subdomain follows the same process as connecting to a domain name, where you enter the subdomain in the multiplayer menu, and Minecraft resolves it to the corresponding IP address.
Understanding the different types of server addresses in Minecraft can help you connect to the right servers and join your desired multiplayer experiences. Whether you encounter a direct IP address, a domain name, or a subdomain, knowing how to input the correct information in the Minecraft multiplayer menu will ensure a smooth connection process. So, next time you embark on your Minecraft multiplayer journey, don't let server addresses confuse you—embrace the multiplayer experience and enjoy the adventures that await!
