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In today's era where the demand for online communication is higher than ever, many organizations and individuals are turning to self-hosted solutions for video conferencing services. These services offer a higher level of control, security, and customization compared to cloud-based services. Two of the most popular platforms for this purpose are BigBlueButton and Jitsi Meet. This article provides a detailed overview of how to implement these services on your own Virtual private server (VPS).

BigBlueButton

Introduction to BigBlueButton BigBlueButton is open-source software specifically designed for online education. It offers a wide range of features such as screen sharing, virtual whiteboard, public and private chats, polls, and quizzes.

Requirements for Installation

For installing BigBlueButton, it is recommended to use a dedicated VPS with a minimum of 4 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores. The system requires Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (64-bit) or newer. Additionally, you need full root access to the server and a public IP address.

Installation Process

1. Log in to the server via SSH.
2. Update the system using the commands sudo apt-get update and sudo apt-get upgrade.
3. Download and run the BigBlueButton installation script using the command sudo wget -qO- https://ubuntu.bigbluebutton.org/bbb-install.sh | bash -s -- -v xenial-220 -s your-domain.com -e This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
4. Once the installation is complete, visit the web address you provided during the installation to access the BigBlueButton interface.

Jitsi Meet

Introduction to Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is another popular open-source platform for video conferencing that allows easy creation and management of online meetings without the need for registration. It offers features like screen sharing, end-to-end encryption, and integration with external applications.

Requirements for Installation

For Jitsi Meet, a VPS with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or newer, with a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 1 CPU core, is suitable. Similar to BigBlueButton, you need root access and a public IP address.

Installation Process

1. Log in to the server via SSH.
2. Install Jitsi Meet using the commands sudo apt -y update, sudo apt -y upgrade, and sudo apt -y install jitsi-meet.
3. During the installation, you will be prompted to enter your domain. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. After installation, you can access Jitsi Meet via a web browser by entering the server's domain.

Security and Maintenance

Regardless of which platform you choose, it is crucial to ensure the security of your server. This includes setting up a firewall, regularly updating software, and configuring SSL/TLS certificates for communication encryption. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly backup the server and monitor its performance.

Implementing self-hosted video conferencing services on a VPS offers a flexible and secure solution for online meetings and webinars. Both BigBlueButton and Jitsi Meet are excellent platforms that can cater to various needs and requirements. The choice between them should be based on the specific needs of your organization and the technical specifications of your server.