A Guide to Self-Hosting a Server

-Manas Dedge

What is the self-hosting server? 

A self-hosting server refers to a server that is set up and managed by an individual or organization for their own use, rather than relying on third-party hosting services. It involves hosting and managing services, applications, or data on personal hardware or infrastructure instead of utilizing external providers. 

Self-hosting servers can vary in size and complexity, ranging from a single server running on a personal computer to a network of servers housed in a data center. The specific configuration depends on the needs and resources of the individual or organization. 

What are the benefits of self-hosting? 

Self-hosting offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for individuals and businesses. One significant advantage is the ability to retain full control over data and privacy. By running your own server, you can ensure that sensitive information remains secure and protected. Customization and flexibility are also key advantages of self-hosting. You have the freedom to tailor your server environment to meet your specific requirements, including hardware, operating system, and software choices. This flexibility allows for optimal performance, personalized configurations, and seamless integration of different tools and applications. Cost savings can be achieved in the long run as self-hosting eliminates recurring fees and gives you the option to repurpose existing hardware or choose affordable hosting solutions. Self-hosting also encourages learning and skill development, as it provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with server administration, networking, and security. Furthermore, self-hosting reduces reliance on third-party providers, offering increased reliability, uptime, and the freedom to avoid disruptions caused by external factors. Engaging with open-source communities and collaborating with fellow self-hosters adds another dimension of community and support. However, it's important to be aware of the challenges that come with self-hosting, including maintenance, security risks, and the need for technical expertise. 

Get started with self-hosting:-

Setting up a media server using Jellyfin and Tailscale involves several steps. Here's a brief overview of the process: 

1. Choose a hosting platform:  

Decide where you want to host your media server. This can be a physical server, a virtual private server (VPS), or a cloud provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or DigitalOcean. 

2. Set up the hosting environment:  

Install the operating system (OS) on your chosen hosting platform. This can be Linux-based (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian) or another OS that supports Jellyfin. 

3. Install Jellyfin:  

While Selecting the service you need to keep one thing in mind to doing research about your preferred service and that service provider. For example, to host a media server you have a lot of options just as Plex and etc but hosting the media server using Plex is not that convenient and has a lot of their own library. But to replace that Plex now we have Jellyfin which is far more convenient and have a lot of modification options. 

Process: 

Follow the official Jellyfin installation instructions for your specific OS. Typically, this involves adding the Jellyfin repository, updating the package manager, and installing Jellyfin using the appropriate commands. 

Jellyfin provides an installer script to easily configure the Jellyfin APT repository. All you need to do is run this command on your system: 

curl https://repo.jellyfin.org/install-debuntu.sh | sudo bash 

If you do not have curl installed, you can try wget instead: 

wget -O- https://repo.jellyfin.org/install-debuntu.sh | sudo bash 

4. Configure Jellyfin:  

Access the Jellyfin web interface through your browser and go through the initial setup wizard. Set up libraries, media sources, and customize server settings according to your preferences. 

To access Jellyfin open the browser and type: 

Localaddress:8096 

(You can find your local address in your network setting) 

5. Install and configure Tailscale:  

Firstly we will see what is VPN: 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure and private connection over the Internet. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address, providing privacy and protection from hackers. VPNs also let you access blocked content and enable remote access to networks. 

Procedure: 

Tailscale is a secure networking tool that allows you to create a private network between your devices. Install Tailscale on your media server and any devices you want to connect to the server. Configure Tailscale to create a private network that connects all the devices. 

Install with one command: 

curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh 

To Configure Tailscale follow these steps: 

Step 1: Sign up for an account  

Sign up for a Tailscale account. Get started with a free plan for an organizational plan. 

Tailscale requires a Single Sign-On (SSO) provider, so you’ll need an Apple, Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Okta, OneLogin, or other supported SSO identity provider account to begin. 

Step 2: Add a machine to your network  

Tailscale helps you connect your devices together. For that to be possible, Tailscale needs to run on your device. 

Tailscale works seamlessly with Linux, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, Android, Synology, and more. 

Step 3: Add another machine to your network  

The magic of Tailscale happens when it’s installed on multiple devices. Add more of your devices and share Tailscale with your peers to grow your private network.  

Add more machines to your network by repeating step 2 or by inviting others to join your network. 

Congratulations! You just created your own private Tailscale network! 

Note: Using Tailscale does not increase your data usage it just directs your connection when you request to establish a connection to a specific Service  

For example: In this case, your request to access the Jellyfin so tailscale will just give you a gateway to access that service even if you are not connected to localhost directly. 

6. Connect devices to the media server:  

Install Tailscale on your client devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, PCs) and connect them to the same private network as the media server. This will enable secure access to the Jellyfin media server from these devices. 

Follow these Steps to connect your other devices to your Tailscale Network: 

Tailscale automatically assigns each machine on your network a unique 100.x.y.z IP address, so that you can establish stable connections between machines no matter where they are in the world, even when they switch networks, and even behind a firewall. 

What’s next? 

• Invite other users to join your tailnet using the Invite Team option 

• Connect to an existing network with a subnet router 

To manage your network, including your machines and configurations, visit the admin console. 

7. Set up media playback:  

Install a Jellyfin-compatible media player app or use a web browser on your client devices to access and stream media from the Jellyfin server. You may need to sign in to your Jellyfin account and select the desired media to play. 

8. Customize server and client settings:  

Explore the Jellyfin settings to customize various aspects of the media server, such as transcoding options, subtitles, and remote access permissions. Similarly, configure client settings to personalize the playback experience. 

These steps provide a general overview of setting up a media server using Jellyfin and Tailscale. Keep in mind that specific details may vary depending on your chosen hosting platform, OS, and individual preferences. It's recommended to refer to the official documentation of both Jellyfin and Tailscale for more detailed instructions tailored to your specific setup.