How to Setup Port Forwarding | Complete Guide

how to setup port forwarding

Today we’re diving into the realm of ports numbers and network. That is because the topic for today is how to setup Port forwarding. Some of you might know about it. While, to others, it might be completely alien.

Port Forwarding

But no worries, I got you. Before proceeding with how to set up port forwarding, let me brief you on why we need it. Also, what we understand by the term “port forwarding.” All of that, in the coming section.

See Also: How To Perform Belkin Router Login [Complete Guide]

What Is Router Port Forwarding?

You must have seen a router at your office or home. These routers provide internet access to the area in which they are placed. 

Every router comes with a preconfigured security blanket or ports that prevent any outside internet world from entering the network. 

port forward
port forward

However, for bigger areas like offices and mail servers, you need to have extra reach for your router. To do this, you have to open more doors or ports of your router, allowing outside traffic to get inside. This is called Port Forwarding. 

See Also: Everything About Netgear Router Login [Updated 2023]

What Is The Need For Port Forwarding?

Has it ever happened that you had to download a movie or a game or something else? But you always get a “can’t connect” message? Or does it ask for specific permissions? That is because the people on the other side have blocked your access. It is so for the sake of their security.

 port forwarding in router
port forwarding in router

By doing it, you can limit the number of connections that get through to your network. Which, consequently minimizes the threat of interception.

I know, all these measures are essential. Especially with the security scenarios nowadays. But sometimes you need access to the blocked resources. So you need to provide specific permissions. That is where port forwarding comes in.

It takes place on the host computer bypassing whatever firewalls are in place. By opening specific ports, you can access the otherwise inaccessible resources. Doesn’t it make learning how to set up port forwarding even more important? We’ll get to that shortly.

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The Basics of Port Forwarding 

So we’ve seen briefly why we need port forwarding. The question that arises now is what it is. And how is it internally achieved? Understanding it becomes essential before we proceed toward the next step. That is, to learn how to setup port forwarding, practically!!

It is the curtain process that involves reading the information that comes along your data packets. Then the router or intermediator reads where the packages are going. After that, it reads your header info and modifies it. Thus, it sends the packets to somewhere other than the original path.

Thus by executing the little trick, people can keep unnecessary traffic off their networks. Also, it ensures less fraudulent activities and network exploitations. So why not learn how to set up port forwarding! Here we go!

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How To Setup Port Forwarding With Minimal Effort?

Herein, to get to the depth of how to set up port forwarding, I’m listing some steps.

If you follow these mindfully, I don’t see why you should have any trouble. First, we will get into the router’s page that hosts all the settings. Then find the apt ones to conclude our task.

On Windows

Let us now get into the simplest way on how to port forward easily.

Step 1: Connect with the Internet

While starting with the process, make sure that you have active internet. This will help you show both the proper address and allow you to connect to the router. 

Step 2: Open the network details

On your desktop, go to the start icon and click the settings, then click on Network and Internet. 

Step 3: Get the network details

Go to the network property, which is found in “View Your network Property” and click the Wi-Fi section and note the default gateway number.

Step 4: Note down the default gateway number

The number beside the default gateway will be in the form of an IP address and will start with 192. 168. 

Step 5: Open Your Router’s page

Open the Preferred web browser, enter the default gateway number into your address bar and then enter. 

Step 6: Enter the username and password

As soon as you press enter on your web browser, you will be asked to enter the user name and password that is provided to you. If you have already set up the security settings for your router, then you can easily log in by entering the details. If not, then you could simply enter the default login credentials.

login

In case you do not remember the login information, you could check the router’s manual to confirm the password and username. In case you have already changed your password and do not remember it, you can reset the router. You can also check the sticker on the router, which has your username and password.

Step 7: Finalize your forwarding

Once your router page opens, you can proceed further with forwarding a port.

See also: How to Find Default Router Gateway in Mac, Windows, Android & Chrome

On Mac

Step 1. Connect with the Internet

The very first step in the process is to make sure that you have active internet. This will help you show both the proper address and allow you to connect to the router. 

Step 2. Open the network details

Click on the apple icon on the top left corner of the screen and select system preferences from the drop-down menu. 

Step 3. Get the network details

Go to the network icon, which is found in the form of a globe icon. Next, click the advanced section on the lower right side of the window.

Step 4. Note down the default gateway number

Click the TCP/IP tab at the top of the pop-up window. Review the number next to the router heading. The number to the right of the router is your router address. This number is in the form of an IP address and will start with 192. 168.

Mac port forwarding
Mac port forwarding

Step 5. Open Your Router’s page

Open the Preferred web browser, enter the default gateway number into your address bar and then enter. 

Step 6. Enter the username and password.

As soon as you press enter on your web browser, you will be asked to enter the user name and password that is provided to you. If you have already set up the security settings for your router, then you can easily login by entering the details. If not, then you can simply follow the steps mentioned above to find the username and password of your router. 

Step 7. Finalize your forwarding

Once your router page opens, you can proceed further with forwarding a port. 

See also: What Is PathPing | How to Use PathPing

The Primary Steps To Setup

Now, below are the primary steps of how to setup port forwarding. So hear me out carefully.

  1. Find the options that have port forwarding in them. You may find it in the advanced settings by the same name. Or headings may vary with browser versions/router versions. Generally, look for anything like Virtual servers, gaming, etc. Just look thoroughly.
  2. Once you find the option, you can choose for which service you’d like port forwarding. If not, you can have options customized to your needs.IP
  3. You can choose between TCP or IP protocol. If you’re in a dilemma, choose both. You can also specify port numbers. If you want to specify a port range, then mention both opening and closing numbers.
  4. In the last step of how to setup port forwarding, save the changes you just made. You may have to restart the router, to finalize the changes.

See Also: Everything About Time Warner Router Login [Updated 2023]

Conclusion 

That was a guide on how to setup port forwarding. So read on, try it out and take your security game up a notch. You can try out as many options and variations as you may like. Just be a tad careful. Also, if you are an Asus router owner, we have specially created an article on ASUS router port forwarding. Happy Reading!

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