Cloud providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, etc. allow shell access which makes things easier for server owners.

But, what if you cannot access the server via shell?

Here comes the use of “Console Access” that allows direct access to the Droplet.

“Server disconnected code 1006” is an error that shows up when using the “Console Access“. This happens mainly due to firewall restrictions.

At Bobcares, we help server owners to resolve problems with cloud instances as part of our Dedicated Support Services for Web Hosts.

Today, we’ll see the causes for the “Server disconnected code 1006” error in DigitalOcean droplets and how we fix them.

Console Access – pros and cons

Before checking the reasons for the error “Server disconnected (code: 1006)“, let’s have a quick look on the facts about Console access.

It comes handy in situations like:

1. Remote SSH access becomes unresponsive
2. Screwed up Droplet configuration files

Here, the console works just like plugging a monitor and keyboard directly to your virtual server. Fortunately, console does not require any additional software. It usually works fine from your browser.

However, it has some demerits too. Console access will be rather slow, compared to a live ssh connection. Also, there is a limitation in the characters that can be used in commands executed via console.

What causes “Server disconnected code 1006” error?

We now know that “Console Access” often helps in unresponsive Droplets.

But, Whats the point if one can’t even access their console?

Let’s now see the reasons that can cause “Console Access” to fail in DigitalOcean panel.

1. Firewall Restrictions

Basically, Console Access option will open a VNC connection to your Droplet.

VNC is a graphical desktop sharing system, where you see the screen of the Droplet on your computer.

It normally uses a random port to connect the browser with the vnc service. Since multiple services are run on each machine that accommodates these Droplets, the port used will be a random one. Usually, it will be in the 5900-7000 range.

Therefore, if the customer’s internet service provider do not allow these port range, it results in the error

"Server disconnected (code: 1006)"

2. Bad Droplet configuration

Again, this error can happen if there are configuration problems with your Droplet.

Here, the Droplet will not be responsive to the Console Access request. And, when you try to access the Droplet, the following error shows up.

Additionally, for the Droplet to work perfectly, the physical server that hosts the droplet should be running fine.

How to fix “Server disconnected code 1006” in DigitalOcean Droplets?

We just saw the reasons for the error “Server disconnected code 1006” in DigitalOcean Droplets.

Now, let’s check how our Dedicated Support Engineers fix this error.

1. Changing Firewall Settings

From our experience in managing DigitalOcean Droplets, we see customers complaining that “Console Access” was working earlier, but not now.

Usually, this happens when customer is connecting from a new network. Therefore, it is clear that the firewall on customer’s network is the root cause.

To confirm this, our Hosting Support Engineers ask customers to check if port 5900 is open in their home network.

And, to fix the error we suggest customers to work with their Internet Service provider to modify the firewall settings. They need to allow the port range for VNC connection. Also, another workaround is to try from an alternate internet connection.

2. Fixing the Droplet

If there are no port restrictions on your network, and still you have problems with Console Access, server needs the fix.

Here, as the first step, we confirm that problem exists only with specific droplet. When other droplets works fine,  we can be sure that there are no problems in physical server.

At times, we see Droplets that are completely messed up. In such cases, our Support Engineers quickly rebuild the Droplet from the latest backup. This helps to quickly bring back the websites online.

[Are you experiencing problems connecting to your DigitalOcean Droplet? We can fix Console Access for you.]

Conclusion

In short, during ssh access failure, “Console Access” comes handy in managing DigitalOcean Droplet. But, it often shows the error “Server disconnected code 1006” due to firewall restrictions and wrong Droplet configurations. Today, we’ve seen the top causes for the error and how our Dedicated Support Engineers fix them.