iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted Minecraft Java servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
Waterfall places one public Minecraft address in front of multiple backend servers, such as a lobby, survival world, minigame instance, or event server. Players authenticate once with the proxy, then Waterfall connects them to the selected backend. The reliable setup is: enable BungeeCord forwarding on every backend, disable backend online-mode, configure IP forwarding and server entries in the proxy file, keep backend ports private, and start backends before the proxy.
What a Waterfall proxy does
A proxy is the network entry point for a group of Minecraft servers. Instead of publishing separate addresses for a lobby and each game mode, you publish one address. Waterfall accepts the player connection, performs authentication at the proxy, and forwards the connection to a backend server.
A typical network looks like this:
- Public address: the hostname or IP and port players enter in Minecraft.
- Waterfall: the proxy listening on that public address.
- Backends: Spigot-compatible servers such as a lobby and survival world.
- Private links: local addresses or firewall-protected ports used between the proxy and backends.
Waterfall does not replace the backend servers. Each backend still has its own world, plugins, permissions, and server files. The proxy handles the front door and movement between those servers.
Before you begin
Choose where the components will run
You can run the proxy and backends on one machine or distribute them across several machines. When everything is on one host, loopback addresses such as 127.0.0.1:25565 and 127.0.0.1:25566 keep backend listeners off the public network. When backends are on separate hosts, allow connections only from the proxy host through a firewall or private network.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
Reserve one public listening port for Waterfall. The setup examples below use 25565 for the proxy, a lobby backend on 127.0.0.1:25565, and a survival backend on 127.0.0.1:25566. Change those values if another process already uses the ports.
Verify the build and generated files
Waterfall configuration naming is not completely consistent across documentation. Community guides and a PaperMC issue title refer to config.yml, while a PaperDocs page is titled for waterfall.yml. Do not create a file solely because a guide names it. Start your Waterfall build once, stop it cleanly, and edit the configuration file that the build actually generated.
Recommended Free Tools
Configuration keys also need to match your build exactly. In particular, use the spelling in the generated official file for the IP-forwarding option. Some examples contain the misspelling ip_foward; copying it can leave forwarding disabled.
Prepare every backend server
Perform these changes on the lobby, survival server, and every other backend that will sit behind the proxy.
1. Enable BungeeCord forwarding in spigot.yml
Open the backend’s spigot.yml. Under its settings section, set the BungeeCord option to true:
settings:
bungeecord: truePreserve the surrounding structure and indentation. If the file already contains a settings block, change the existing value rather than creating a second block. Restart the backend after saving.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →2. Disable online-mode on the backend
In the backend’s server.properties, set:
online-mode=falseAuthentication is performed at the proxy in this arrangement. A backend that remains in online mode can reject the forwarded connection or attempt to authenticate independently, while a backend with online mode disabled must never be exposed directly to untrusted players.
3. Bind and firewall the backend
Keep backend ports unreachable from the public internet. On a single host, binding to loopback prevents outside connections. On separate hosts, bind to a private interface where practical and create a firewall rule that accepts the backend port only from the proxy’s address.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
This is a security requirement, not merely a topology preference. If somebody can connect directly to a backend while its online mode is disabled, they may bypass the proxy’s authentication and forwarding controls.
Backend preparation checklist
spigot.ymlhassettings.bungeecord: true.server.propertieshasonline-mode=false.- The backend listens on the intended private address and port.
- The backend port is blocked from the public internet.
- The backend has been restarted after both file changes.
Start Waterfall once to create its files
Use your normal service, hosting panel, or Java startup command to launch Waterfall once. The purpose of this first launch is to let the build create its configuration and other runtime files. Wait until startup has completed, then stop the proxy cleanly.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIf you use a command-line service, the command normally points Java at the Waterfall JAR; the exact filename depends on the build you downloaded:
java -jar waterfall.jarReplace the filename with the JAR present on your system. Do not keep editing a sample file in another directory: edit the file created beside the running Waterfall installation.
Configure the proxy file
Open the generated YAML configuration. Most guides call it config.yml; use the filename your build created. YAML is whitespace-sensitive, so use spaces consistently and validate indentation before starting the proxy.
Set the listener
The listener is the address players use. Guides commonly show:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →listeners:
- host: 0.0.0.0:255650.0.0.0 tells the proxy to listen on all network interfaces. If your host has a public and a private interface and you need tighter binding, use the appropriate interface address instead. The port must match the port opened in the host firewall and the port players will enter.
Enable IP forwarding
Set the top-level IP-forwarding key to true. In guides this is normally written:
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
ip_forward: trueOne host wiki says the setting defaults to false and describes leaving it disabled as a security risk; community guides consistently instruct administrators to enable it. Check the default in your deployed build and set it explicitly rather than relying on a default. Also check the generated file for the exact key spelling, because at least one example writes ip_foward.
IP forwarding allows the backend to receive the player’s identity and connection information supplied by the proxy. It only works safely when direct backend access is blocked.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Define each backend under servers
Add one entry for every backend. Each entry needs an address, a message of the day, and a restricted flag in the guide examples. A minimal pattern is:
servers:
lobby:
motd: '&1Lobby'
address: 127.0.0.1:25565
restricted: false
survival:
motd: '&2Survival'
address: 127.0.0.1:25566
restricted: falseThe names lobby and survival are labels used by the proxy and by commands or plugins; they do not have to match the backend directory name. The address must match the backend’s actual bind address and port. The motd is the text Waterfall can present for that server entry. The restricted value controls whether the entry is treated as restricted by the proxy’s server-selection behavior; use the value required by your permissions and fallback design.
Set the priority order
The priorities list controls fallback when a server is unavailable. Put the preferred first destination at the beginning:
listeners:
- host: 0.0.0.0:25565
priorities:
- lobby
- survivalWith this order, a new connection is directed to the lobby when it is available. If the lobby is down, Waterfall can try the next listed backend. Ensure every name in priorities exactly matches a key under servers.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Understand player-count settings
Do not assume two similarly named limits mean the same thing. One guide distinguishes player_limit from max_players: player_limit is the cap on total players across the network, with -1 meaning unlimited in that guide, while max_players is the player count displayed to clients and can differ from the actual cap. Check the comments in your generated file before changing either setting, and document any intentional difference so the server list does not promise capacity you do not provide.
Keep YAML indentation exact
A single misplaced space can prevent the entire configuration from loading. Use spaces rather than tabs, keep child keys indented beneath their parent, and avoid duplicate top-level keys. If the proxy reports a YAML parsing error, restore the generated file and reapply one section at a time.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Start the network in the correct order
- Stop the proxy after its first file-generation run.
- Confirm that every backend contains the forwarding and online-mode changes.
- Start the lobby and all other backends.
- Wait for each backend to finish loading its world and plugins.
- Start Waterfall after the backends are ready.
- Connect to the proxy’s public address, not to a backend port.
Starting the proxy before its destinations are ready can produce an empty or failed initial connection. A backend restart is required after changing spigot.yml or server.properties; editing the files while the server is running does not reliably apply the changes.
Test the connection
Basic lobby test
In Minecraft, add the proxy’s public hostname or IP and listener port. On connection, you should arrive at the backend named first in priorities, normally the lobby. Confirm that the server list, MOTD, and player identity appear as expected.
Backend routing test
Use the server-switch mechanism provided by your installed proxy or network plugins to move from the lobby to survival. If the switch fails, verify that the destination name matches the servers key and that the backend is listening on the configured address.
Fallback test
With nobody relying on the network, stop the preferred lobby backend and connect again. Waterfall should attempt the next server in the priorities list if it is available. Start the lobby again before normal use.
Forwarding and identity test
Check the backend console and in-game permissions behavior. The backend should see the player’s forwarded identity rather than treating every connection as an anonymous proxy connection. If player addresses or UUID behavior are wrong, inspect both sides: the proxy’s IP-forwarding setting, every backend’s BungeeCord setting, and the firewall that prevents bypass connections.
Secure the finished installation
- Expose only the Waterfall listener to the public internet.
- Block direct access to every backend port with host or network firewall rules.
- Use loopback addresses for same-machine backends whenever that fits your process layout.
- Keep the proxy and backend files in separate, clearly identified directories.
- Back up the working configuration before changing listener, forwarding, or priority settings.
- After an upgrade, compare the newly generated configuration comments and key names with your saved settings.
Because backend online mode is disabled, the firewall boundary is part of the authentication design. A proxy-only network is not secure if a player can discover and reach a backend address directly.
Troubleshoot common failures
The proxy will not load the configuration
The usual cause is malformed YAML, especially indentation. Confirm that the file is the one generated by the running Waterfall build, replace tabs with spaces, check that every list item begins at the intended level, and remove duplicate keys. Reapply the configuration in small sections until the failing block is identified.
The proxy starts but players cannot join
- Confirm the listener host and port match the address players are using.
- Check the host firewall and any external firewall rules.
- Make sure Waterfall is running after the backends have started.
- Verify that the listener port is not already occupied by another process.
Players connect but are immediately disconnected
Check that each backend has online-mode=false and that the backend was restarted after editing server.properties. Then verify settings.bungeecord: true in that backend’s spigot.yml. A mismatch between the proxy’s forwarding mode and the backend’s forwarding setting is a common cause of rejected connections.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
The backend cannot be reached from Waterfall
From the proxy host, verify that the configured address and port are reachable and that the backend is actually listening there. A backend bound to 127.0.0.1 cannot be reached through a remote proxy host; use a private interface address in that case and permit only the proxy host through the firewall.
Players can bypass authentication
This indicates that a backend is publicly reachable while online mode is disabled. Remove the public firewall rule, bind the backend privately, rotate any exposed address or port if necessary, and retest by connecting only through Waterfall.
Forwarded IP or UUID information is incorrect
Confirm the top-level proxy key is enabled and correctly spelled, then confirm BungeeCord forwarding is enabled on the affected backend. Do not copy the ip_foward spelling found in some examples unless your generated configuration explicitly uses it; the canonical spelling shown in the guides is ip_forward. Finally, verify that the player is not using a direct backend address.
The wrong server opens first
Check the priorities list under the listener. The first available name is the intended destination. Remove stale names and make sure capitalization and spelling match the entries under servers.
A backend change appears to do nothing
Restart that backend after editing either spigot.yml or server.properties. If the proxy configuration changed, restart Waterfall as well. Keep one known-good copy so you can distinguish a reload problem from a syntax problem.
Waterfall, BungeeCord, and Velocity: choosing a proxy
Waterfall uses the BungeeCord-compatible forwarding model described in this setup. Plain BungeeCord is often described by community guides as outdated, while Velocity is commonly presented as the alternative for new deployments. The practical choice depends on maintenance status, forwarding requirements, plugin compatibility, and the hosting panel you use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Area | Waterfall | Plain BungeeCord | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forwarding model in these guides | BungeeCord forwarding: enable the backend’s spigot.yml BungeeCord setting and the proxy’s IP forwarding. |
BungeeCord-style forwarding. | Modern forwarding with a forwarding secret; the cited setup disables the backend BungeeCord option and enables Velocity support in the backend configuration. |
| Backend security requirement | Backends use online-mode=false and must be private. |
Same basic requirement. | Backends still require the forwarding and secret configuration to be correct and should not be publicly reachable. |
| Configuration layout | Generated YAML file; guides commonly call it config.yml, while one documentation page uses waterfall.yml. |
BungeeCord-style YAML layout. | Different configuration and forwarding settings; do not copy Waterfall keys into it. |
| Maintenance status | Disputed in the available sources; one third-party guide says the Paper team marked it end-of-life on March 26, 2024, but that claim needs confirmation through PaperMC’s own channels. | Community guides describe it as outdated. | Presented by the guides as the usual modern alternative. |
| Compatibility decision | Useful when your existing plugins, backend software, or hosting panel expects the BungeeCord ecosystem. | Consider only when an existing deployment requires it. | Evaluate when modern forwarding and current project direction matter more than BungeeCord-specific compatibility. |
Do not combine forwarding instructions from these proxies. A Waterfall backend configured with BungeeCord forwarding is not configured the same way as a Velocity backend using a forwarding secret. Select one proxy model, follow its matching backend instructions, and test identity forwarding before opening the network to players.
Maintenance decisions before going live
The available sources disagree about Waterfall’s maintenance status. A third-party hosting guide attributes an end-of-life decision to the Paper team dated March 26, 2024, but that statement is not independently confirmed in the cited material. Check PaperMC’s official project channels for the current status of the exact build you plan to deploy before committing a new public network to it.
If you proceed with Waterfall because your plugin set or hosting panel requires BungeeCord compatibility, record the build, configuration filename, forwarding key spelling, and backend settings in an operations note. Recheck those details after upgrades. If you are starting a new network and can migrate plugins and forwarding settings, evaluate Velocity separately rather than assuming its configuration is interchangeable with Waterfall.
Quick Recap
Complete deployment checklist
- Waterfall has been started once and its own configuration file has been identified.
- The proxy listener is bound to the intended public port.
- The exact generated key for IP forwarding is set to true.
- Every backend has
settings.bungeecord: trueinspigot.yml. - Every backend has
online-mode=falseinserver.properties. - Every backend address and port appears under
servers. - The priorities list names the desired first destination and valid fallbacks.
- Backends are started before Waterfall.
- Backend ports are blocked from direct public access.
- A player can join through the proxy, reach the lobby, switch servers, and trigger the intended fallback behavior.
- The current Waterfall maintenance position has been checked through PaperMC’s own channels.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
