Introduction
This is a continuation of Preliminary Setup Information : Networking.
Port Forwarding
To provide a basic explanation of the term, Port Forwarding is when you configure your network router to proactively identify and redirect every packet to travel on specific electronic lanes. Instead of having every packet stop at each port in turn until it finds an open port, a router can be programmed to expedite the process by identifying and redirecting packets without having them stop at each port, quickening the data send and receive process. Your router then acts like a type of hyper-fast traffic policeman who directs traffic in front of the tollbooths (ports).
Before you can begin to configure ports you will first need to determine your connection type, login information, and how to properly configure your router, modem, or firewall. Because there are literally hundreds of different routers or modems that could be in use, it is not possible to provide an all-inclusive walk-through for each type and model within the scope of this manual. For any specific access or configuration questions, please contact your network administrator, your device manufacturer, and/or browse to www.PortForward.com, which contains an excellent database of router specific instructions for port forwarding
Common Connection Types
- DSL Connection with Only a Modem
- DSL connections typically utilize a DSL modem and a router. However, there are also modem models that can be configured as a modem and router all-in-one combo. This configuration is known as ‘route mode’.
- Log into your DSL Modem
- Browse to the port forwarding section of the modem o Configure forwarding on a port with the following information:
- Port: 80
- Points to _____._____._____._____ (Internal Static IP)
- Set Protocol to TCP and UDPDSL connections typically utilize a DSL modem and a router. However, there are also modem models that can be configured as a modem and router all-in-one combo. This configuration is known as ‘route mode’.
- Bridged Mode Connection
- When a modem is in ‘bridge mode’, it acts as a ‘pass-through’ device; the first device attached to the modem will receive the public IP or static IP. When this happens, there will typically be a router in place that holds your static IP. There are many types of routers in use. The following is an example of a common router configuration for a Linksys router.
- Log into your Linksys router by browsing to the IP address of the router (typically 192.168.1.1)
- Click on ‘Applications and Gaming’
- In the first column, ‘Application’, enter a name for the application. This name can be anything you wish. ‘Server’ is a good name for the purpose of this configuration.
- For the Start port, type in the number 80
- For the End port, type in the number 80
- Set the Protocol to Both (for protocols TCP and UDP)
- In the IP Address fields, enter in your server’s internal IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.252)
- Check the Enable checkbox
- Repeat steps 3 – 8 to configure a second entry for port number 443
- Save your changes
