If you’re into torrenting or online multiplayer games, port forwarding can help you become even more connected. In this comprehensive guide, I walk you through everything you need to know about this incredible technology and its applications.
What is an IP address?
To better understand the idea behind port forwarding, we’ll need to start with the basics of the internet. The internet can be simply described as a massive network of devices that are all interconnected and in communication with each other via standardized protocols.
A key component of this communication process is the Internet Protocol (IP) which issues IP addresses to all of the devices on the network. The IP address is a special identifier that acts as an essential point of reference that ensures data traveling through the web is routed properly.
What’s the significance of having a unique IP address?
As you might already know, every device that’s connected to the internet needs to have an IP address that distinguishes it from other devices. This ensures data doesn’t end up in the wrong destination to maintain the accuracy and effectiveness of communications across the web.
A good illustration of the importance of having unique IP addresses is what happens when you send an email. After you hit send, your email client relies on the IP address assigned to your device to enable it to deliver the message to the recipient’s server without any mix-ups.
Types of IP addresses
There are two main categories of IP addresses: private and public.
- Private IP addresses: Used inside local networks (LANs). Smartphones, computers, printers, and other similar devices within the home or workplace use private IP addresses to communicate with each other. Such addresses are impossible to route on the World Wide Web, hence they’re vital for maintaining network security. They’re also convenient since they lower the number of public IP addresses needed.
- Public IP addresses: Issued to any device that is directly connected to the internet. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) issue them to gateways or routers and each of them can be accessed from anywhere on the planet as they are unique throughout the entire network.
The role played by gateways and routers
When devices connected to a local network need to connect to the web, they typically have to go through a gateway or router. These two devices serve as intermediaries that connect local networks to the World Wide Web. If you’re using a router, it will have both public and private IP addresses. The public IP is for communicating with the internet while the private address acts as its unique identifier within the LAN.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Network Address Translation is a vital piece of technology that routers use to handle IP addresses effectively. It enables several devices connected to a local network to use a single public IP address. The moment a device on the LAN makes a request to connect to the web, the router swaps its private IP address with a public one.
This sharing of IP addresses among several devices has two significant upsides. It helps to limit the number of IP addresses created while also acting as a crucial additional layer of security against external devices that might attempt to access local devices directly.
What is a port number?
In network studies, a port number refers to yet another distinct identifier. Unlike IP addresses, port numbers help to differentiate between the various apps and services operating on a particular device. For instance, all the apps on your phone that connect to the web listen via a unique port number, thus allowing several services to function on just one public IP address without any confusion.
Some typically used port numbers
There are a few port numbers that are linked to certain standard services and protocols. These include:
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Uses port 21 for file transfers.
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Uses port 80 for web traffic.
- SSH (Secure Shell): Uses port 22 for secure remote access.
- HTTPS (HTTP Secure): Uses port 443 for secure web traffic.
Having this knowledge of port assignments comes in handy when troubleshooting network problems or setting up services.
Why do you need port forwarding?
Port forwarding is essential as it offers a means by which devices outside your local network can locate your device without you having to contact them first. Although NAT can handle outgoing connections sufficiently, inbound connections present a unique challenge.
In a situation where an external computer tries to connect to a computer in a local network, the router won’t be able to determine where to send the inbound traffic. That’s because there’s a lack of a pre-existing path, hence the need for port forwarding.
What are some common use cases for port forwarding?
The following are the three most common applications of port forwarding:
- Remote access: It can be used to gain access to your home or work computer from a remote location. It allows you to connect to and access your desktop applications even while you’re away.
- P2P file sharing: Certain apps, for example, BitTorrent, rely heavily on port forwarding as it helps to optimize upload and download speeds by enabling peers to connect directly.
- Web hosting: Port forwarding guides traffic to your local network and allows external users to connect to your private server and access your personal website.
How port forwarding works
In a nutshell, port forwarding works by creating a path that joins a particular external port on your router with a private IP address and port number. The moment a request from outside the local network is received on the designated external port, the router directs it to the specified private IP address. This entire process has two main aspects:
- Set up: You’ll need to open the router’s settings and come up with a port forwarding rule. To do this, you must define the private IP address of the computer or device to which the traffic will be directed. You’ll also need to specify the protocol (UDP or TCP) and the external port number.
- Traffic flow: After configuration, any time an external computer makes a request on the designated external port using the public IP address associated with the router, the router will refer to the defined port forwarding rules. The router then delivers the message to the intended recipient device by transferring it to the private IP address linked to that external port.
Port forwarding in action
An excellent way of understanding the mechanics of port forwarding is by imagining that you’re hosting a game server for an online game with a huge fanbase. Let’s say you assign incoming traffic to port 25565. You then open up your router settings and come up with a port forwarding rule. This will channel traffic from the assigned port 25565 to your gaming device’s private IP address, say 192.168.1.100.
To connect to your server, players will first have to key in your router’s public IP address plus the designated port number. For this example, it might look something like this: 203.0.113.5:25565. Once your router gets the request, it will direct it to your gaming device which will allow gamers to join the game.
How to set up port forwarding
Port forwarding implementation can follow a wide range of procedures depending on your router model and brand. To help you get started, I’ve come up with the following step-by-step guide that will work for most routers:
- Open your router’s configuration page: Open a web browser and key in your router’s IP address. This is typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Next, sign in with your username and password. Unless you altered them at some point, the default login details are normally available in the user manual or on the router.
- Find the port forwarding section: Find a section labeled “Port Forwarding,” “Applications and Gaming,” or something along those lines. The particular labeling will generally depend on your router’s firmware.
- Come up with a new port forwarding rule: This is created in the following sections:
- Service name: Assign the rule a unique name so you can easily find it.
- Protocol: Based on the needs of the intended application, you may select UDP, TCP, or both.
- External port: Define the external port number that you’d like to receive inbound traffic.
- Internal IP address: Specify the internal device that will manage the traffic by specifying its IP address.
- Internal port: Depending on your setup, this may be different from the external port or the same.
- Save the changes: Once you’ve added all the necessary details, you’ll need to save your new settings. You may also have to reboot your router before the changes can take effect.
- Test your configuration: Several online tools are available for checking whether the assigned port is open. Alternatively, you can confirm that it’s all working properly by trying to connect using an external network.
The significance of static IP addresses to port forwarding
A static IP address is usually recommended when implementing port forwarding. By designating a static IP address to the recipient device, you ensure reliable connectivity by keeping the device’s IP address constant. This allows the traffic to flow consistently without any disturbances to the port forwarding setup.
How to configure a static IP address
The steps highlighted below describe how to set up a static IP address on a Windows PC:
- Open the control panel: Head to the Start menu and search “Control Panel.”
- Move to network and internet: Click on “Network and Sharing Center” followed by “Change adapter settings.”
- Open network properties: Right-click on your active network connection. This is typically Ethernet or WiFi then click on “Properties.”
- Click on Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select this followed by “Properties.”
- Designate a static IP address: Click on “Use the following IP address.” Key in your preferred IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100), Subnet Mask (typically 255.255.255.0), and Default Gateway (the router’s IP address, e.g., 192.168.1.1). Hit “OK” to save your changes.
What are the security risks of port forwarding?
Although port forwarding has a long list of uses and benefits, it also has the unintended downside of exposing your local network to cyber threats. By creating open ports, your devices fall at risk of being attacked by bad actors looking to take advantage of weak points on your LAN.
How to secure your network when using port forwarding
The following steps outline the best practices I recommend for maintaining a secure network when implementing port forwarding:
- Reduce the number of open ports: By limiting the number of open ports, you reduce the chances of unauthorized access. As a rule of thumb, forward the fewest ports necessary for each application.
- Create robust passwords: Make sure you only use very strong passwords on your network and avoid repeating the same one for multiple devices. This also applies to your router along with any services that are involved in port forwarding.
- Set up firewalls: To defend your network against unauthorized traffic, ensure all your devices (including your router) have firewalls.
- Update firmware routinely: Your router’s firmware must always remain updated to keep up with emerging threats and fix any existing weaknesses.
- Keep a close eye on network traffic: You need to leverage tools that allow you to closely track any outgoing or incoming traffic. This will help you identify and respond to any unwanted activity.
- Disable unused services: Any services that you don’t use will create unnecessary weak points in your network. Take stock of all your services to identify the ones that are least used and consider disabling them.
Network security is a major concern when it comes to port forwarding and this is only a summary. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the most common cyber risks including malware, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, and phishing attempts, among others. Knowing what to expect will help you prevent or mitigate these risks.
How to solve common port forwarding problems
In this section, I’ll walk you through some of the most common issues that come up when using port forwarding and how you can fix them:
- ISP restrictions: Some Internet Service Providers restrict port forwarding functionalities as a whole while others might just block specific ports. In case you think your ISP might be doing either, get in touch with them to be sure.
- Port not open: Confirm your port forwarding settings if your port seems closed. Make sure the specified device is properly connected to the network and that you entered the right internal and external ports.
- Firewall blocking traffic: It’s also common to find that the firewall on your device or router is also blocking wanted traffic. Confirm that the settings on your firewall allow the ports you intend to use for port forwarding. Sometimes, it may be necessary to define special rules to allow certain traffic through.
- Double NAT issues: This typically applies to those using multiple routers, for instance, a personal router as well as a modem for the ISP. In such a case, Double NAT problems could force you to configure port forwarding on each device to enable traffic to find the intended recipient device.
- Wrong IP address: Make sure you’ve accurately entered the private IP address that corresponds to the intended recipient device. A common issue that occurs here is a port forwarding failure as a result of the IP address of the device you’re forwarding to changing. This could happen if the device is configured to accept a dynamic IP from the router via DHCP. As we’ve already covered, an effective way to fix this is by using a static IP address.
Implementing DMZ for easier access
Using a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for simplified access can be a handy feature when port forwarding. Simply put, any device you place in the DMZ will be immediately connected to the World Wide Web without having to come up with complicated port forwarding rules.
To set up a DMZ, open up your router settings and navigate to the DMZ section. Key in the IP address of the device you’d like to connect to the internet. This could be your server, gaming PC, console, or any similar device.
However, this increased exposure to the internet does pose some cybersecurity risks. A DMZ makes your devices easier to access via the internet which could increase the likelihood of bad actors taking advantage of this vulnerability.
Using port triggering as an alternative
Depending on your situation, it may be more useful to implement port triggering as an alternative to traditional port forwarding. It’s a dynamic version of port forwarding in which you create temporary rules based on outbound traffic rather than permanent ones.
Any time a device on your LAN sends an outgoing request to a certain port, your router instantly opens the associated inbound port for a specified amount of time. This is especially advantageous for applications that need regular inbound traffic.
To configure port triggering you need to define the triggering port, which will be the port through which your application sends outbound connections. You’ll also need to specify the inbound port which will be the port that gets opened. The primary benefit of this setup is that ports only open when necessary thus providing a greater level of security and versatility.
What is the role of VPNs in port forwarding?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an affordable and effective tool for creating secure connections between devices that are connected via the web. Connecting to a VPN allows you to access the internet safely and anonymously. It masks your real IP address by assigning you a new one which is useful when attempting to bypass geo restrictions on platforms like Netflix. However, despite its numerous benefits, a VPN can make port forwarding extremely challenging.
For starters, any time you connect to a VPN, your actual public IP address gets immediately swapped with the VPN server’s IP address. As a result, any port forwarding rules you created with your real IP address won’t work the way you intended.
Fortunately, certain VPN services offer dedicated IP addresses, meaning you’ll have a single, constant IP address for inbound traffic. I recommend reputable services like NordVPN and Surfshark as they facilitate port forwarding by offering consistent IP addresses.
How to set up port forwarding with a VPN
To configure port forwarding while maintaining a VPN connection, follow these simple steps:
- Select a VPN Provider: Start by identifying a VPN service that facilitates port forwarding. Read through its online documentation to find out what you’ll need and the steps you’ll have to follow. I strongly recommend NordVPN.
- Set up port forwarding: Once you’ve settled on a VPN provider, check their website for tutorials on how to configure port forwarding with their service. You’ll most likely need to specify the port number along with the private IP address of the port you’d like to forward.
- Testing: Once you’ve set everything up, confirm whether the port you’ve chosen is open and accepts traffic. Make use of any software or tools that are widely available on the web.
How to set up port forwarding on a home server
For many people, setting up and operating a home server can be a fun and fulfilling project. That’s because home servers have a broad range of potential uses such as gaming, web hosting, and file sharing, among others. However, to connect your home server to the web and make it accessible to other internet users, you’ll need to leverage port forwarding.
You can accomplish this by following these simple steps:
- Select a server type: Start by picking the type of server you want to operate. This could be a gaming server, a web server such as Apache or Nginx, or a media server such as Plex.
- Install the server software: Once you’ve identified a suitable server type for your intended use, install the software on a chosen device. You can use NAS, Raspberry Pi, or even an old PC.
- Set up port forwarding: You need to set up port forwarding on your router to channel traffic to your server’s port and private IP address.
- Dynamic DNS services: In case you prefer accessing your home server via a domain name as opposed to using an IP address, leveraging Dynamic DNS or DDNS services is an excellent option. It will enable you to have a domain name that is linked to your dynamic IP address and instantly updates each time your IP switches.
Port forwarding FAQs
Is port forwarding legal?
In most jurisdictions, port forwarding is completely legal by itself. It is a typical approach employed by organizations and individuals for online gaming and remote access. Having said that, all the information being shared using port forwarding must lie within the bounds of the law.
A common area of concern when it comes to port forwarding is copyrighted content. Whenever you’re torrenting or file sharing using port forwarding, distributing content without the necessary permissions from the copyright holder could have legal repercussions.
Furthermore, you need to double-check to confirm that port forwarding doesn’t go against your Internet Service Provider’s Terms of Service. It’s not unusual to come across ISPs with stringent rules around certain kinds of traffic or high bandwidth consumption.
What are some practical applications of port forwarding?
As we’ve mentioned, port forwarding is incredibly versatile and lends itself to a wide range of applications. Let’s take a quick at the most common uses:
- Online gaming
This is one of the most widespread applications of port forwarding. It’s commonly used to facilitate online multiplayer games for which certain ports must be opened so that game servers and players can communicate. Some of the most popular games like Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Fortnite can experience massive benefits from port forwarding. Standout improvements can be observed through improved connection stability and reduced lag resulting in a much better overall gaming experience.
By configuring port forwarding for online gaming, you enable your gaming device (PC or console) to connect to the game server directly. This direct communication will reduce latency and improve the game’s performance substantially. Often you’ll find that a particular game has a specific set of ports that have to be forwarded. This information is typically available on online forums or in the game’s official documentation.
2. Hosting game servers
If you’re interested in setting up a gaming server on your own, port forwarding can be incredibly useful. Certain games, such as Minecraft, allow users to operate dedicated servers using their personal devices at home. Gamers who aren’t connected to your LAN will be able to join your server once you’ve forwarded the necessary ports. You’ll then be able to share the designated port together with your public IP address with your fellow gamers and friends to enable them to join.
3. Remote desktop access
You can also leverage port forwarding to gain access to your work or home computer from a remote location. This application is particularly useful to remote or hybrid workers who often need to open files that are stored on their office PCs. One way of safely connecting to your workspace from anywhere via the web is by implementing port forwarding for Remote Desktop Protocol.
To mitigate the cyber risks associated with using RDP through port forwarding, I recommend using robust, unique passwords along with extra security tools like VPNs to avoid unwanted access.
4. Home surveillance cameras
With the growing popularity of smart home technologies, using port forwarding to remotely access home security cameras is becoming increasingly common. Forwarding the right ports will allow you to keep an eye on the safety of your home by watching live camera feeds from wherever you are.
What is the future of port forwarding?
As it becomes more mainstream, port forwarding is finding applications in new and exciting technologies. Let’s look at a couple:
- IPv6 adoption
The internet is shifting from IPv6 to IPv4 and port forwarding will have to adapt. Simply put, IPv6 is an improvement on IPv4 that offers a greater number of IP addresses. By offering more IP addresses, IPv6 could enable each of your devices to have a unique IP address which might lower and eventually eliminate the need for Network Address Translation. It could also make current port forwarding techniques obsolete but this change will not happen overnight. For now and in the foreseeable future, most setups will still work with IPv4.
2. Cloud gaming
Platforms like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and other cloud gaming services are rapidly changing the gaming scene. They are capable of managing all the computation involved in gaming via the cloud. As a result, gamers will no longer have to configure port forwarding for their personal devices, and home servers will lose most of their significance.
However, traditional port forwarding will still be around, although limited to niche applications like home hosting for personal games. The major downside of this change would be pronounced latency issues unless a robust internet connection was maintained.
Why should I use a VPN with port forwarding?
Using port forwarding alongside a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an effective way of maintaining secure connections when accessing your desktop remotely or performing similar tasks.
A reputable VPN provider will hide your real IP address, encrypt your internet connection, and safeguard your sensitive data against snoops and bad actors. By combining a VPN with port forwarding, you’ll be able to confidently access your devices at home or in the workplace without having to worry about cyber attacks.
Many VPN providers offer apps for various devices as well as router support. Depending on your needs and level of technical expertise, you could either set up a specialized VPN server on a device connected to your LAN or operate a VPN server on your router.
Once everything is up and running, outside users will be free to connect to the VPN and secure their devices as though they were connected to your local network.
Contents [hide]
- What is an IP address?
- What’s the significance of having a unique IP address?
- Types of IP addresses
- The role played by gateways and routers
- What is a port number?
- Why do you need port forwarding?
- How port forwarding works
- How to set up port forwarding
- The significance of static IP addresses to port forwarding
- What are the security risks of port forwarding?
- How to solve common port forwarding problems
- Implementing DMZ for easier access
- Using port triggering as an alternative
- What is the role of VPNs in port forwarding?
- How to set up port forwarding on a home server
- Port forwarding FAQs
- Is port forwarding legal?
- What are some practical applications of port forwarding?
- What is the future of port forwarding?
- Why should I use a VPN with port forwarding?