Glossary: Infrastructure
Short, clear explanations of game server terms - from slots to wipes.
The Steam server query protocol. It returns name, map, player count, and version. Most Source and Unreal games use it.
A machine or process hosting a multiplayer game. Players connect via an IP address and port. Every listed server is checked automatically every 15 minutes.
A network port dedicated to status queries, often different from the join port. The query protocol exposes player count, map, and version.
A server's remote console. Admins issue commands through it without joining the game. Never share the RCON password and don't expose the port publicly.
A DNS record that points a domain to a specific host and port. Minecraft servers use it to hide non-standard ports behind a clean address.