Port Forwarding

Port Forwarding

What Is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is a router configuration that allows external devices on the internet to connect to a specific device inside your local network.

By default, home routers block unsolicited incoming traffic for security reasons. Port forwarding creates a rule that:

• Listens on a specific external port
• Accepts incoming traffic on that port
• 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 the server configuration.

How to Open Ports

Port forwarding is configured in your router settings.

General steps:

1. Log into your router’s admin interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). 2. Locate the section labeled:

  * Port Forwarding
  * Virtual Server
  * NAT Rules
  * Applications & Gaming

3. Create a new rule:

  * External Port: 22000
  * Internal IP: (your server PC’s local IP)
  * Internal Port: 22000
  * Protocol: TCP + UDP

4. Save changes. 5. Restart the router if required.

Because every router interface is different, consult: [1](https://portforward.com/router.htm)

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.

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 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.