Day of Defeat: Source: RCON
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(Details may vary with products from different providers but the main concepts remain the same)
Introduction
RCON (Remote Console) is a network protocol used to remotely control gameservers. It allows access to the server console without direct interaction with the server environment. This makes it possible to execute administrative commands, adjust configuration parameters, or retrieve server status information.
In Day of Defeat: Source, RCON is used to execute server-side commands, such as managing players, changing gameplay settings, or accessing diagnostic outputs. The connection is protected by a password and operates over a specified port, accessible via compatible RCON clients.
A key advantage of RCON is that it enables server management without having to be connected to the game as a player. Server administrators can monitor and control Day of Defeat: Source from external tools, command-line interfaces, or web dashboards, offering flexibility and convenience for remote operation.
Configuration
Before RCON can be used, it must be enabled and configured. This can be done directly in the gameserver administration. Under the Settings section, there is an option called RCON that must be activated. A secure password should be set, and a valid port defined.
The assigned RCON port can be found at the bottom of the settings page in the Port overview.
Before RCON can be used, it must be enabled and configured. This is done by editing the configuration file located under Configs in the gameserver management panel. In the file named server.cfg, the following entries must be added or modified:
rcon_password "define-your-password"
Connecting via RCON
To connect to the Day of Defeat: Source server via RCON, the command-line tool rcon-cli is used. It can be downloaded from the official GitHub repository. After downloading and installing the tool on your computer, a connection can be established using the server’s IP address, RCON port, and RCON password.
The assigned port can be found in the Port overview at the bottom of the settings page in the gameserver administration. The password and port must match the values configured in the panel or configuration file. Use the following command to connect and directly execute a command:
rcon-cli -a <IP>:<PORT> -p <PASSWORD> command
RCON Commands
Once connected via RCON, various administrative and diagnostic commands can be executed on the Day of Defeat: Source server. The available commands depend on the game engine but typically include actions for player management, status queries, and server control.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
rcon_password <password> | Authenticates for RCON access |
status | Displays server and player information |
changelevel <mapname> | Changes to the specified map |
mp_timelimit <min> | Sets the time limit per map |
mp_roundtime <min> | Sets round duration |
sv_cheats 0/1 | Enables/disables cheat commands (admin only) |
kick <playername> | Kicks a player from the server |
banid <duration> <SteamID> | Bans a player for a given duration |
exec <file.cfg> | Executes a configuration file |
say <message> | Broadcasts a message to all players |
Conclusion
RCON is a core tool for remote administration of Day of Defeat: Source game servers. It enables fast and direct access to administrative functionality while offering access control through password authentication. Proper and secure configuration is critical to ensure server stability and to protect against unauthorized access.
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