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 {{DISPLAYTITLE:Port Forwarding}}
-==What is Port Forwarding?==
-Most routers block incoming connections for security reasons, which means players won't be able to connect to your server. Port-forwarding is the term used to describe the process of allowing connections through specific ports, and forwarding those connections to your PC that the server is running on.
-==Why do I need it?==
+= Port Forwarding =
-Servers hosted from PC's at home need to allow incoming connections via the ports the server uses, and forwarded to the PC that the server is running on. If incoming connections are blocked by closed ports, players won't be able connect to your server, and the server listing won't be able to show your server since it can't communicate with it either.
-==How do I open ports?==
+== What Is Port Forwarding? ==
-This is usually done within the router's configuration. The instructions for port forwarding vary per router so they won't be listed here, but here's a webpage with plenty of information: [https://portforward.com/router.htm portforward.com] ... Choose your router from the list. When selecting a router, the website will give you instructions on how to open ports for your router. You'll need to open UDP and TCP ports for the server and HTTP connections. The default ports are 22000 for both, but these can be different depending on server configuration.
-==Troubleshooting==
+Port forwarding is a router configuration that allows external devices on the internet to connect to a specific device inside your local network.
-A few things to remember:
-* If you do not have access to your router, you will not be able to port forward
+By default, home routers block unsolicited incoming traffic for security reasons. Port forwarding creates a rule that:
-* Some routers may require a restart or complete disconnect to apply the changes to the firewall for opening ports. Depending on the router, it could take a few seconds up to several minutes.
-* Some [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_service_provider ISPs] may block certain ports (or all of them). Unfortunately there's not much we can do about that. In this case, you may need to use a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network VPN] or contact your ISP to see if they'll open the needed ports.
+* Listens on a specific external port
-* Hosting companies that provide services like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_server VPS] or [https://gtaconnected.com/hosting/ game servers] don't usually need to be port-forwarded, but usually cost money.
+* Accepts incoming traffic on that port
-* If your ISP uses [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrier-grade_NAT carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT)] then you will not be able to portforward.
+* Forwards the traffic to a designated internal IP address and port
+This is required when hosting a server from a home network.
+== Why Is It Required? ==
+If you are running a server from a PC on your home network:
+* Your router blocks incoming connections by default.
+* External players cannot reach your server.
+* Server listing services cannot communicate with your server.
+Without port forwarding, your server will only be accessible from inside your local network.
+== Before You Begin ==
+Ensure the following:
+* You have access to your router’s admin panel.
+* Your server PC has a static local IP address (or a DHCP reservation).
+* You know the ports your server uses.
+Default server ports:
+* '''22000 UDP'''
+* '''22000 TCP'''
+* '''HTTP port (if applicable)'''
+Ports can be changed in your [[ServerConfiguration|server configuration]].
+== How to Open Ports ==
+Port forwarding is configured in your router settings.
+General steps:
+# Log into your router’s admin interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
+# Locate the section labeled:
+#* Port Forwarding
+#* Virtual Server
+#* NAT Rules
+#* Applications & Gaming
+# Create a new rule:
+#* External Port: 22000
+#* Internal IP: (your server PC’s local IP)
+#* Internal Port: 22000
+#* Protocol: TCP + UDP
+# Save changes.
+# Restart the router if required.
+Because every router interface is different, consult:
+[https://portforward.com/router.htm portforward.com router guide]
+Select your router model for step-by-step instructions.
+== Verifying Port Forwarding ==
+After configuring:
+* Ensure the server is running.
+* Use an external port checking tool.
+* Ask someone outside your network to attempt connection.
+You can check whether your port is open using:
+[https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/ YouGetSignal Open Port Checker]
+Enter your public IP address and the port number (e.g., 22000) to test accessibility.
+Important: Port checks will fail if the server is not running.
+== Troubleshooting ==
+=== No Router Access ===
+If you do not control the router (e.g., apartment, campus, shared housing), you cannot configure port forwarding yourself.
+=== Router Restart Required ===
+Some routers require:
+* A reboot
+* A full power cycle
+Changes may take seconds to several minutes to apply.
+=== ISP Port Blocking ===
+Some Internet Service Providers block:
+* Specific ports
+* All inbound ports
+Possible solutions:
+* Contact your ISP
+* Use a VPN with port forwarding support
+* Use a VPS or dedicated hosting provider
+=== Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT) ===
+If your ISP uses [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrier-grade_NAT carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT)]:
+* You do not have a public IPv4 address.
+* Port forwarding will not work.
+Solutions:
+* Request a public IP from your ISP
+* Use IPv6 (if supported)
+* Use a VPS or external hosting
+* Use a VPN that provides port forwarding
+=== Firewall Conflicts ===
+Ensure:
+* Your operating system firewall allows the server.
+* Security software is not blocking the ports.
+* The internal IP in the router rule matches your server machine.
+== Alternatives to Port Forwarding ==
+If port forwarding is not possible:
+* Rent a VPS
+* Use dedicated game server hosting
+* Use a VPN with port forwarding
+* Use a reverse proxy or tunneling solution
+These options typically involve cost but avoid router configuration.
+== Summary ==
+Port forwarding allows external players to connect to a server hosted on your home network. It requires:
+* Router access
+* Correct port configuration
+* A public IP address
+* Proper firewall rules
+Without it, your server will not be reachable from the internet.