IBKR TWS Headless Timeout Fix

Looking for an experienced DevOps / Python / Next.js engineer to fix the connection between Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation (TWS) and a Next.js backend running on the same Ubuntu 22.04 VPS.

TWS is already installed and accessible via VNC, but the API (port 7496) is not communicating properly with the Next.js backend using ib_insync.
The goal is to make TWS run reliably in the background (headless mode), start automatically on system boot, and be reachable locally at 127.0.0.1:7496 for the backend app.

Scope of Work

Diagnose existing TWS / IB Gateway / IBC setup and configuration (jts.ini, tws.vmoptions, etc.)

Configure proper TWS headless startup (Xvfb / systemd / auto-start service)

Verify API connection through ib_insync and ensure stable local access on port 7496

Fix any misconfiguration or reinstall TWS if required

Provide a short documentation on how to start, stop, and check TWS status

Requirements

Proven experience with Interactive Brokers API (ib_insync)

Strong Linux / Next.js troubleshooting skills

Understanding of headless GUI environments (Xvfb / VNC)

Deliverable

TWS should start automatically, run in headless mode, and successfully respond to local API tests:

python ib_connect_probe.py --host 127.0.0.1 --port 7496


→ Result: "connected": true