Screenshot 1 of 1. MinecraftHub-generated editorial cover for Modern Networking, a voxel diorama around the lime MinecraftHub block
What Modern Networking works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Fabric, NeoForge, Forge |
| Minecraft versions | 1.18, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.6, 1.21.11, 26.1.2, 26.2, 26.3 |
| Environment | Client, Server |
Modern Networking is a network packet library for Fabric, NeoForge and Forge, with plugin builds for Bukkit-family servers and Velocity. It gives mod authors one packet API across many Minecraft releases, modelled on the packet method introduced in 1.20.6. Modrinth lists both client and server as optional sides, so you install it where the mod that needs it runs.
Loaders and versions
- Fabric: Minecraft 1.18 to 26.3. The newest build requires Fabric Language Kotlin and Fabric API; some builds for 1.18 to 1.21.5 need no dependencies.
- NeoForge: Minecraft 1.20.2 to 26.3. The newest build requires KotlinLangForge; some builds for 1.20.2 to 1.21.8 require Kotlin for Forge; some builds for 1.20.2 to 1.21.5 need no dependencies.
- Forge: Minecraft 1.18 to 1.21.7. The newest build requires KotlinLangForge; some builds for 1.18 to 1.21.7 require Kotlin for Forge; some builds for 1.18 to 1.21.5 need no dependencies.
What it does
- Provides one multiversioned, multiloader packet API, split into library builds for each Minecraft range from 1.18.2 up to 26.1.2 and newer.
- Is written mainly in Kotlin but designed to be Java-friendly.
- Is heavily built around Netty. Adapting it beyond Netty means forking the code.
- Version 2 adds support for the login and configuration phases.
Installing Modern Networking
- 1.Pick the file that matches your loader and your Minecraft release. Builds are split by release range, so check that yours is covered.
- 2.Install the dependencies listed for that file, since they differ by loader and release range.
- 3.Put the file and its dependencies in the mods folder. Follow the mod installation guide if you are new to loaders.
- 4.Add it on every side that runs the mod requiring it, then launch with the matching loader profile.
For developers
The README on GitHub covers using the API in your own project. The code is MIT licensed, so forking it for a non-Netty backend is permitted. On its own it adds nothing you can see in play, since it is plumbing for other mods.
Questions about Modern Networking.
4 questions
What is Modern Networking used for?
It is a library that lets mod developers register and send network packets through one API across many Minecraft releases and loaders. Players normally install it only because another mod lists it as a requirement, since it adds no content of its own.
Does Modern Networking work on Fabric, Forge and NeoForge?
Yes, it ships builds for all three, plus plugin builds for Bukkit, Paper, Spigot, Folia, Purpur and Velocity. Each build is made for one loader, so download the file that matches your loader and Minecraft release.
Do I need to install Modern Networking on the server and the client?
Modrinth lists both client and server as optional. Install it wherever the mod that depends on it runs, and check that mod's own requirements to see which sides need it. The library adds nothing visible in play, so the choice follows the mod that asks for it.
Does Modern Networking need Kotlin?
It depends on the file. The newest Fabric build requires Fabric Language Kotlin and Fabric API. The newest NeoForge and Forge builds require KotlinLangForge, and some older builds of those two require Kotlin for Forge. Some older builds on all three loaders need no dependencies, and the plugin builds need nothing.
