How to Host Local Server on Internet – A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hello Devs! Are you looking for a way to host your local server on the internet? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process of hosting your local server on the internet. We understand that it might be overwhelming for some, but we assure you that this guide is written in a relaxed English language that is easy to understand. So, let’s get started!

What is a Local Server?

Before we dive into the process of hosting a local server on the internet, let’s first understand what a local server is. In simple terms, a local server is a server that is hosted on a local computer or network. It can be accessed only by devices that are connected to the same network. Local servers are used for testing and development purposes, and they are not accessible from the internet.

However, if you want to make your local server accessible from the internet, you need to host it on a public server. This process is known as hosting a local server on the internet.

Why Host a Local Server on the Internet?

There are various reasons why you might want to host your local server on the internet. Here are a few:

Requirements for Hosting a Local Server on the Internet

Before we proceed further, let’s make sure that you have all the requirements for hosting a local server on the internet. Here are the requirements:

• A computer with internet connectivity
• A local server setup
• A domain name
• A public IP address
• A port forwarding rule in your router

If you don’t have any of these requirements, don’t worry. We will guide you through the entire process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Host Local Server on Internet

Step 1: Setup Local Server

The first step is to set up your local server. There are various local server software available that you can use. Here are a few popular ones:

• XAMPP
• MAMP
• LAMP
• WAMP

Choose the one that suits you the best and install it on your computer.

Once you have installed the local server software, you need to make sure that it is working correctly. Open your web browser and type in the following address:

http://localhost/

If you see a message like “It works!”, it means that your local server is working correctly.

Step 2: Get a Domain Name

The next step is to get a domain name for your server. A domain name is a human-readable name that you can use to access your server instead of typing the IP address. You can get a free domain name from various websites, such as Freenom, or you can purchase a domain name from a domain registrar, such as GoDaddy.

Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and relevant to your website or application.

Step 3: Get a Public IP Address

The third step is to get a public IP address for your server. A public IP address is the IP address that you use to access your server from the internet. You can get a public IP address from your internet service provider (ISP) or from a dynamic DNS service.

A dynamic DNS service is a service that maps your dynamic IP address to a static hostname. This way, you can access your server using a hostname instead of an IP address. Some popular dynamic DNS services are:

• No-IP
• DynDNS
• Duck DNS

Choose the one that suits you the best and sign up for their service.

Step 4: Port Forwarding

The fourth step is to set up port forwarding in your router. Port forwarding is a process that allows internet users to access your server by forwarding incoming traffic from a specific port to your local server. Here’s how you can set up port forwarding:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
2. Go to the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Servers” section.
3. Add a new rule by specifying the following information:
   • Service name: The name of the service you want to forward (e.g., HTTP).
   • External port: The port number that internet users will use to access your server (e.g., 80).
   • Internal IP: The IP address of your local server (e.g., 192.168.0.10).
   • Internal port: The port number of the service on your local server (e.g., 80).
   • Protocol: The protocol used by the service (e.g., TCP).

Save the rule and exit the router’s admin panel.

Step 5: Test the Server

The final step is to test your server. Open your web browser and type in the following address:

http://your-domain-name.com/

If you see your website or application, it means that your server is accessible from the internet.

FAQ

Q1. Can I host a local server on the internet for free?

A1. Yes, you can host a local server on the internet for free using a dynamic DNS service and a free hosting service. However, the performance and reliability might not be great.

Q2. Can I host multiple websites on a single server?

A2. Yes, you can host multiple websites on a single server using virtual hosts or subdomains.

Q3. What are the security risks of hosting a local server on the internet?

A3. Hosting a local server on the internet can expose your server to security risks, such as hacking and malware attacks. Make sure to use strong passwords, keep your software up to date, and use SSL certificates to encrypt your traffic.

Q4. Can I host a server on a Raspberry Pi?

A4. Yes, you can host a server on a Raspberry Pi. It is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way of hosting your website or application.

Q5. Do I need a static IP address to host a server on the internet?

A5. No, you don’t need a static IP address to host a server on the internet. You can use a dynamic DNS service to map your dynamic IP address to a static hostname.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Devs! You have successfully learned how to host your local server on the internet. We hope that this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.