Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYou can host a BeamMP server on a Windows or Linux computer at home, or rent a VPS. Home hosting avoids a hosting fee, but players outside your network will need inbound IPv4 access and router port forwarding. A VPS avoids changing your home router and is described by BeamMP as easier and more secure. This guide walks through both choices, the server setup, configuration, and connection checks.
Choose home hosting or a VPS
| Option | Cost and setup | Network considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Home computer | BeamMP describes creating a home server as free. You install and maintain the server yourself. | Players outside your household generally need a router port-forwarding rule. CGNAT or mobile internet may prevent inbound connections, and opening ports carries security risk. |
| VPS or hosted server | Paid hosting; BeamMP describes VPS hosting as easier and more secure. Specific provider prices and plans are not established here. | Avoids changing your home router. Network setup depends on the host and its instructions. |
BeamMP’s setup guide lists partnered hosting services, including Horizon Hosting, RackGenius, Connect Hosting, Assetto Hosting, ZAP-Hosting, HostHavoc, PedalHost, Vyper Hosting, BisectHosting, Four Seasons Hosting, Vertuo Hosting, Winheberg, Wabbanode, and Iceline Hosting. The listing alone does not establish current plans, prices, or signup terms.
Check whether home hosting can accept outside players
BeamMP’s setup guide says the server supports IPv4 only; it describes IPv6 support as planned. For home hosting, the important question is whether your internet connection can receive inbound IPv4 traffic. A correct router rule will not overcome carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT), which places your connection behind another network layer.
- Compare the WAN address shown in your router with the address reported by a public-IP lookup. If they differ, your connection may be behind CGNAT.
- BeamMP’s CGNAT guide also suggests running
tracert -4 beammp.comon Windows and checking for carrier-grade address ranges. - Ask your internet provider whether your service uses CGNAT and whether inbound IPv4 or a public address is available. BeamMP says a static IP is not required, though an ISP may charge for a dedicated IP.
- BeamMP’s FAQ says mobile 4G/5G internet cannot use port forwarding for this setup. Consider a hosted server if that is your connection.
Sources: BeamMP Server Setup, BeamMP Server FAQ, and BeamMP CGNAT guidance.
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Install the BeamMP server
Windows
- Install the Visual C++ Redistributables required by BeamMP.
- Download
BeamMP-Server.exefrom the official setup guide and place it in a dedicated folder. - Run the executable once. It creates
ServerConfig.tomland other server files in that folder.
Linux
- Download the server binary BeamMP provides for your distribution and install the dependencies listed in its guide.
- Place the binary in a dedicated server directory, then make it executable with
chmod +xfollowed by the binary’s filename. - Run it once to generate
ServerConfig.tomland the other required files.
BeamMP recommends a dedicated Linux account for the server. Do not run it as root, with sudo, or under your personal account. Linux distributions without an official binary may work from source, but BeamMP does not officially support them. See the official server setup instructions for the distribution-specific download and dependencies.
Create and protect an AuthKey
Sign in to BeamMP Keymaster with Discord and create an AuthKey, following the link in BeamMP’s setup guide. A key is required for a public server to appear in the server list, and BeamMP recommends using one for private servers too. One key can be used by only one server at a time. Treat it like a password: do not share it or publish it.
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- 40Gbps Speed, Wide Compatibility This Cat 8 Ethernet cable supports up to 40Gbps data transfer and 2000MHz bandwidth for fast, reliable internet performance. Standard RJ45 connectors are backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat5e devices, including routers, modems, switches, gaming PCs, PS5, PS4, Xbox, smart TVs, laptops and printers.
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Configure the server in ServerConfig.toml
Open the generated ServerConfig.toml in a text editor. It is a TOML file; retain the file’s formatting and edit the values rather than adding example credentials from other sources. The comments in the generated file are BeamMP’s most current explanations of individual settings.
Port: the port the server listens on. BeamMP’s guide uses30814as its usual example; it is configurable.AuthKey: paste your own Keymaster key into the setting and keep the file private.Private: usetrueto keep the server off the public list, orfalseto make it listable.Name: choose the name players will see.MaxPlayersandMap: set the player limit and map you want.
Set the same chosen port in the server configuration, firewall rule, and router rule. Consult the comments in your generated file and BeamMP’s server setup guide for the full set of available fields.
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- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
Allow connections through the firewall and router
This step is for a home-hosted server that must accept players from outside your local network. Forward the configured port—often 30814—to the computer running BeamMP, with both TCP and UDP enabled. Also allow the server through the computer’s firewall for incoming and outgoing traffic as applicable. BeamMP warns that turning off Windows Firewall usually does not fix connection problems.
A local-only server does not need a home-router port forward for outside players, and a VPS does not require changes to your home router. For exact port-forwarding details, use your router’s instructions because menus differ by model. BeamMP’s server FAQ specifies TCP and UDP.
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Join the server and test the connection
- Same computer: in BeamNG.drive, use Direct Connect with
127.0.0.1and the configured port. - Another computer on the same home network: Direct Connect using the server computer’s local IP address and the configured port.
- Outside your home network: connect using the address and port appropriate to your server setup. Confirm the server is running and that the router forwards both TCP and UDP to the correct computer.
A server appearing in the public list does not guarantee that the host can join it through that list. Some routers do not support NAT loopback, which lets devices inside the network reach its public address; direct connect using the local IP is a useful local test. If an outside connection fails, check the following:
- Confirm the server is running and the configured port matches the router and firewall rules.
- Check that the router forwards both TCP and UDP to the server computer, and that the firewall permits the connection.
- Test connectivity with BeamMP’s CheckBeamMP tool.
- If the checks pass but outside players still cannot connect, investigate CGNAT or mobile-network restrictions with your ISP. BeamMP advises against unsupported VPN workarounds; a hosted server may be the practical alternative.
What hardware does a BeamMP server need?
BeamMP’s 2026 Server FAQ publishes these minimum requirements. They are stated minimums, not a performance guarantee for a particular number of players, mods, or plugins.
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- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
| Resource | BeamMP-published minimum |
|---|---|
| Memory | 50+ MiB usable RAM, excluding operating-system overhead |
| CPU | Above 1 GHz; multicore preferred |
| Operating system | Windows or Linux (the FAQ says theoretically any POSIX system) |
| Graphics | No GPU required |
| Disk | 10 MiB, plus space for mods and plugins |
| Upload bandwidth | 5–10 Mb/s |
Source: BeamMP Server FAQ. Real resource needs can vary with the server’s workload and configuration.
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