In today's world, there is an increasing demand for online communication tools more than ever before. Companies, schools, and even private groups are seeking reliable and secure platforms for their video conferences. In this article, we will focus on the steps required to set up a Virtual private server (VPS) for hosting two popular open-source video conferencing services: Jitsi Meet and BigBlueButton.
Selecting and Preparing the VPS
Choosing a VPS Provider: The most crucial step is selecting a reliable VPS provider. Look for a provider with a good reputation, high availability, and support, offering adequate resources (CPU, RAM, and disk space) for your needs.
VPS Configuration: After selecting a provider and purchasing the service, it's time to perform basic server setup. We recommend configuring secure SSH communication, updating the system, and securing the server using a firewall and fail2ban.
Setting Up DNS: To access your conferencing services under an easily memorable domain, it's necessary to set up DNS records in your domain management to point to your VPS's IP address.
Installing and Configuring Jitsi Meet
Prerequisites: Installing Jitsi Meet requires a Debian or Ubuntu server. Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for Jitsi Meet, including sufficient RAM and CPU resources.
Installation: Jitsi Meet can be easily installed using prepared packages. Simply add the official Jitsi repository to your system and then install the jitsi-meet package.
Configuration: During installation, you will be prompted to enter the domain name you previously set up in DNS. After installation, further configuration of Jitsi Meet is possible, such as setting up user authentication or integrating with external services.
Installing and Configuring BigBlueButton
Prerequisites: BigBlueButton requires an Ubuntu 16.04 or 18.04 server with at least 4 GB of RAM and 4 CPU cores. It also recommends a high-speed internet connection for hosting video conferences.
Installation: Installing BigBlueButton is more complex than installing Jitsi Meet. The official documentation offers a script for automated installation, which takes care of all the necessary steps.
Configuration: After installation, BigBlueButton can be further configured. This includes setting up security, integrating with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Moodle), and customizing the user interface.
Security
Securing your VPS and conferencing services should be a priority. This includes regular software updates, using strong passwords and SSL certificates for encrypting communication, and setting up a firewall and other security measures.
Setting up a VPS for hosting Jitsi Meet or BigBlueButton requires careful preparation and configuration, but the result is a robust and flexible solution for video conferencing. With proper security care and regular maintenance, you can provide a reliable platform for your teams or clients.