Turn Server Hosting: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Hello Dev, are you looking for a reliable and effective way to host your turn server? Look no further! In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about turn server hosting. From what it is to how to choose the right provider, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in!

What is a Turn Server?

A TURN (Traversal Using Relay NAT) server is a type of network server that allows two devices behind NAT (network address translation) to communicate with each other. When two devices cannot connect directly due to NAT, a TURN server can act as a relay and facilitate communication between them. TURN servers are commonly used in real-time communication applications such as video conferencing, online gaming, and instant messaging.

How Does a Turn Server Work?

When two devices try to communicate with each other, they send data packets containing information about their IP addresses and ports. However, if one or both devices are behind NAT, their private IP addresses are not visible to the outside world. This makes it impossible for the devices to communicate with each other directly.

A TURN server acts as a relay between the two devices. It receives data packets from both devices and relays them to the other device. This allows the devices to communicate with each other indirectly, even if they are behind NAT.

TURN servers also provide a way for clients to discover their public IP addresses and ports. This is important because clients need to know their public addresses in order to communicate with each other.

Why Use a Turn Server?

There are several reasons why you might need to use a TURN server:

• Your device is behind NAT and cannot communicate directly with the other device.
• Your device is behind a firewall that blocks incoming connections.
• Your device has a dynamic IP address that changes frequently.
• Your network uses a private IP address range that is not routable over the internet.

Using a TURN server can help you overcome these obstacles and allow your devices to communicate with each other.

Choosing a Turn Server Hosting Provider

Factors to Consider

When choosing a turn server hosting provider, there are several factors you should consider:

• Reliability: You want a provider that has a high uptime and minimal downtime.
• Scalability: You want a provider that can handle your traffic needs as your application grows.
• Security: You want a provider that takes security seriously and has measures in place to protect your data.
• Cost: You want a provider that provides good value for money and fits within your budget.
• Support: You want a provider that has responsive and knowledgeable support staff who can help you when you need it.

Popular Turn Server Hosting Providers

There are several turn server hosting providers to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:

Provider	Features	Pricing
Amazon Web Services	Highly scalable, secure, and reliable	Pricing varies based on usage
Google Cloud	Scalable, secure, and reliable with easy-to-use console	Pricing varies based on usage
Twilio	Scalable and reliable with easy-to-use APIs	Pricing starts at $0.004/minute
OpenTok	Scalable and reliable with customizable APIs and SDKs	Pricing starts at $49/month

Setting Up a Turn Server

Steps to Follow

Setting up a turn server can be a complex process, but here are the general steps you need to follow:

1. Choose a turn server software. There are several options available, including Coturn, Restund, and Turnserver.
2. Install the turn server software on a server or virtual machine.
3. Configure the turn server according to your needs. This includes setting up users, certificates, and other settings.
4. Test the turn server to make sure it is working correctly. You can use a turn client such as Trickle or Pion TURN to test your server.
5. Integrate the turn server into your application. You will need to provide your application with the turn server’s address, port, and credentials.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about turn server hosting:

What is the difference between a turn server and a stun server?

A STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) server is another type of network server that helps devices behind NAT to identify their public IP addresses and ports. The main difference between a STUN server and a TURN server is that a STUN server does not relay data between devices.

Can I use a turn server for non-real-time applications?

Yes, you can use a turn server for any application that requires communication between devices behind NAT or firewalls. However, turn servers are most commonly used for real-time applications such as video conferencing.

What kind of security measures should I look for in a turn server hosting provider?

You should look for a provider that uses encryption to protect data in transit and at rest, has secure access controls, and has measures in place to prevent DDoS attacks and other security threats.

Conclusion

Turn server hosting is an important consideration for any real-time communication application. By using a reliable turn server hosting provider and following the proper setup procedures, you can ensure that your devices can communicate with each other effectively and securely. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to get started with turn server hosting. Good luck!