How to install ejabberd on OpenBSD

ejabberd is a popular open source XMPP server that allows you to host your own instant messaging (IM) services. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to install ejabberd on OpenBSD.

Prerequisites

Before we start, ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

• You have a working OpenBSD installation.
• You have root access to your OpenBSD system.
• You have an internet connection.

Step 1: Install ejabberd package

To install ejabberd on OpenBSD, we will use the package manager pkg_add.

1. Open a terminal and login as root.

   $ su -
   

2. Update the package list by running:

   # pkg_add -Uu
   

3. Install ejabberd using pkg_add.

   # pkg_add ejabberd
   

4. Once the installation is complete, check if the ejabberd service is running with the following command:

   # rcctl check ejabberd
   

   If the ejabberd service is not running, start it with the following command:

   # rcctl start ejabberd
   

   You can also enable the ejabberd service to start automatically at boot time with the following command:

   # rcctl enable ejabberd
   

Step 2: Configure ejabberd for XMPP service

By default, ejabberd listens on the loopback address 127.0.0.1 on port 5222. If you want to change the configuration or enable other modules, you can edit the ejabberd configuration file /etc/ejabberd/ejabberd.yml.

Here is an example configuration for ejabberd service:

hosts:
  - "xmpp.example.com"

loglevel: 4

certfiles:
  - "/etc/ssl/example.crt"
  - "/etc/ssl/example.key"

listen:
  -
    port: 5222
    ip: "::"
    module: ejabberd_c2s
    max_stanza_size: 65536
    shaper: c2s_shaper
    access: c2s

  -
    port: 5280
    ip: "::"
    module: ejabberd_http
    request_handlers:
      "/websocket": ejabberd_http_ws
    web_admin: true
    http_bind: true
    captcha: true
    tls: true

modules:
  mod_adhoc: {}

  mod_ping: {}

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured ejabberd on OpenBSD. You can now use your ejabberd XMPP server to host your own instant messaging services for you and your friends, family, or colleagues.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!