If you’re an IRC enthusiast looking to replicate the classic Unix shell account experience, a VPS from Hosteons gives you everything you need — and more.

With support for ZNC bouncers, IRC bots, custom vHosts using IPv6, and Identd (for network compliance), you can build a full-featured, personalized IRC setup in minutes.

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🚀 Why Use Hosteons for IRC?

• 🧠 Full root access on all VPS plans
• 🌍 Global server locations with great latency
• 🧾 rDNS support for both IPv4 and IPv6
• 🧮 Up to 20 IPv6 IPs per VPS — perfect for vHosts
• 💳 Crypto and global/local payment options supported
• ⚡ Instant setup via https://hosteons.com

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🛠️ Step 1: Choose Your OS & Access Your VPS

We recommend Debian or Ubuntu for IRC-related software.

After provisioning, connect to your VPS:

ssh root@your_vps_ip

Update packages:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

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👤 Step 2: Create a Non-root IRC User

For security and shell access:

adduser ircuser
usermod -aG sudo ircuser

Switch to your new user:

su - ircuser

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🔄 Step 3: Install and Configure ZNC (IRC Bouncer)

ZNC keeps you connected to IRC even when you’re offline.

Install ZNC:

sudo apt install znc -y

Create configuration:

znc --makeconf

Follow prompts to:

• Set admin user/password
• Choose a port
• (Optional) Bind to a specific IPv6 for vHost use

Start ZNC:

znc

Access via web panel:

http://your_vps_ip:port

Edit config later at:

~/.znc/configs/znc.conf

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🤖 Step 4: Install an IRC Bot (Optional)

🐍 Option 1: Sopel (Python)

pip install sopel
sopel configure
sopel start

🥚 Option 2: Eggdrop

sudo apt install eggdrop -y
eggdrop -m eggdrop.conf

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🧭 Step 5: Assign IPv6 for vHost (Up to 20 Per VPS!)

1. List your available IPv6 IPs:

ip -6 addr

2. Bind ZNC to an IPv6:

Edit ~/.znc/configs/znc.conf:

<Listener listener0>
    Port = 6697
    IPv6 = true
    BindHost = your_ipv6_here
</Listener>

3. Restart ZNC:

znc --reload

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🔁 Step 6: Set Reverse DNS (rDNS) for IPv4 and IPv6

1. Go to https://vps.hosteons.com
2. Select your VPS → Network tab
3. Set rDNS records for both your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
4. This helps your vHost appear clean and improves IRC acceptance

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🧾 Step 7: Install and Configure Identd (Required by Some IRC Networks)

IRC networks often require an Identd response on port 113.

🔧 Install oidentd:

sudo apt install oidentd -y

Edit config:

sudo nano /etc/oidentd.conf

Example:

global {
    default {
        deny spoof
        deny spoof_all
        allow random
    }
}

user "ircuser" {
    default {
        force "ircuser"
    }
}

Enable and start:

sudo systemctl enable oidentd
sudo systemctl start oidentd

🔓 Open Port 113 in Firewall (if applicable)

sudo ufw allow 113/tcp

Or:

sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 113 -j ACCEPT

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🧪 Step 8: Test Your Setup

• Connect to IRC from your local client using your VPS
• Ensure your vHost and ident show up correctly
• Use services like mxtoolbox.com to verify RDNS

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🧠 Extra Tips

• You can install screen or tmux to keep sessions running in the background.
• Use crontab -e to auto-start ZNC or bots on boot.
• Set up fail2ban or a firewall like ufw to secure your VPS.
• Always use strong passwords and keep software updated.

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✅ Ready to Get Started?

Choose a VPS plan and start building your IRC shell-like environment today:

👉 https://hosteons.com

Need help? Contact us via https://my.hosteons.com