How to Host a TS Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Devs! If you’re looking to host a TS server, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go through the steps needed to set up and manage your own server. Whether you’re a personal user or a business owner, hosting a TS server can help you communicate with your team or friends effectively.

What is a TS Server?

A TeamSpeak server, or TS server for short, is a communication tool that lets people chat in real-time, either through voice or text. It’s often used by gamers, but it can also be useful for businesses or anyone who needs to communicate with different people from different locations.

When you host your own TS server, you have full control over who can join, what they can do, and how they can communicate. This can be especially useful for businesses who need to have secure communication channels.

Who Can Benefit from Hosting a TS Server?

TS servers can be beneficial for a variety of people and businesses, including:

People
Businesses
Gamers
Small to medium-sized businesses
Streamers
Remote teams
Content creators
IT departments
Online communities
Security-conscious organizations

No matter what your reason is for hosting a TS server, this guide will help you get started and make the most out of your server.

Setting up the TS Server

Step 1: Choosing a Host Provider

The first step to hosting a TS server is to choose a host provider. While it’s possible to host a TS server on your own computer, it’s not recommended as it can be taxing on your hardware and your internet connection. Instead, you should look for a reputable host provider that can ensure 24/7 uptime and fast speeds.

Here are a few examples of popular host providers:

Name
Price
Features
TeamSpeak
Free or paid plans starting at $0.27 per slot per month
Customizable permissions, high-quality voice codecs, and more
DreamHost
Paid plans starting at $15 per month
Unlimited bandwidth, SSD storage, and more
Hostinger
Paid plans starting at $3.99 per month
Free domain name, 24/7 support, and more

Be sure to read reviews and compare features before committing to a host provider.

Step 2: Downloading the TS3 Server Software

Once you’ve chosen a host provider, the next step is to download the TS3 server software. You can download it for free from the TeamSpeak website.

After downloading, extract the files to a folder on your computer. You should see the following files:

  • ts3server.ini
  • ts3server.sqlitedb
  • ts3server_startscript.sh
  • ts3server_minimal_startscript.sh
  • redist folder

Step 3: Configuring the TS3 Server

Before launching the TS3 server, you need to configure it to your liking. The easiest way to do this is through the ts3server.ini file.

Open the file with a text editor and edit the following lines:

  • serveradmin_password=password – Replace “password” with a strong password for your server admin account
  • default_voice_port=9987 – This is the default voice port for your server. You can change it if you prefer.
  • voice_ip=0.0.0.0 – This is the IP address your server will listen on. You can leave it as is.
  • licensepath= – Leave this line blank, as the server will use the default license.

You can also customize other settings, such as server name and MOTD (message of the day).

Step 4: Starting the TS3 Server

After configuring the TS3 server, it’s time to start it up. Depending on your host provider, you may need to use a specific start script or command.

Here’s the command you need to use to start the server:

./ts3server_startscript.sh start

Alternatively, if you’re on Windows, you can use the ts3server_win32.exe file to start the server.

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After starting the server, you should see output in the console window indicating that the server is listening for incoming connections. Congratulations, you’ve successfully set up your TS3 server!

Managing Your TS Server

Step 1: Creating User Accounts

After setting up the TS server, the first thing you should do is create user accounts for yourself and your team members. To create a new user account, follow these steps:

  • Connect to the server using the TeamSpeak client.
  • Click on the “Permissions” menu and select “Server Groups”.
  • Click on the “Create” button to create a new server group.
  • Name the server group and give it the necessary permissions (e.g. “Admin”, “Moderator”).
  • Click on the “Users” menu and select “Add Client”.
  • Enter the username and password for the new user account.
  • Click “Save” to create the account.
  • Assign the user to the appropriate server group.

Step 2: Customizing Server Settings

Now that you have user accounts set up, you can start customizing your server settings to fit your needs. Here are a few settings you might want to adjust:

  • Channel permissions – You can customize the permissions for each individual channel on your server. For example, you can allow certain users to speak in a channel while muting others.
  • Ban list – If someone is causing problems on your server, you can ban their IP address or entire account.
  • Server banner – You can upload your own banner image to display on your server’s welcome message.

Step 3: Backing up Your Data

It’s always a good idea to back up your TS server data in case something goes wrong. Here’s how to do it:

  • Stop the TS3 server.
  • Copy the ts3server.sqlitedb file to a safe location.
  • Restart the TS3 server.

Step 4: Updating Your TS Server

From time to time, updates to the TS server software are released. Here’s how to update your server:

  • Stop the TS3 server.
  • Download the latest version of the server software from the TeamSpeak website.
  • Extract the files to the same folder as your existing server installation. Be sure to overwrite any existing files.
  • Start the TS3 server as usual.

FAQ

Q: Can I host a TS server on my own computer?

A: While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. Hosting a TS server can be taxing on your hardware and your internet connection, and it can also be a security risk if you’re not careful.

Q: How many people can join my TS server?

A: The number of people who can join your server depends on the number of slots you’ve purchased from your host provider. Most host providers offer a range of slot options, from as few as 10 to as many as 1000 or more.

Q: How do I make sure my TS server is secure?

A: There are several steps you can take to secure your TS server, including:

  • Set strong passwords for your server admin account and user accounts.
  • Only give permissions to trusted users.
  • Use a host provider with 24/7 monitoring and DDoS protection.
  • Regularly update your server software to the latest version.

Q: Can I use TS server on my mobile device?

A: Yes, TeamSpeak offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices.

Q: Do I need to pay for a TS server?

A: It depends on how many slots you need and what features you want. TeamSpeak offers both free and paid plans, and other host providers may also offer different pricing options.

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Conclusion

Hosting a TS server can be a great way to communicate with your friends or team members. With these steps, you should be able to set up and manage your own server with ease. Remember to always prioritize security and to back up your data regularly. Good luck and happy hosting!