How to Set up Port Forwarding for a Network

Port forwarding offers the convenience of allowing remote computers access to specific ports within a local area network (LAN). In other words, a remote computer can have access to a specific computer within a private LAN. To do that, routers need to know where to redirect the information that it receives from the remote computer and vice versa. Port forwarding is akin to adding those final touches of paint to your home office. In this case, instead of detailing your walls, you're simply fine tuning your network.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a list of ports you need to forward. Most programs require their ports to be forwarded; if this is not done, information from these programs will not be seen by your local computer. If you know a program for which ports need to be forwarded, write it down. Afterwards, check the software manufacturer's website to find the port or series of ports along with the protocol type associated with your program/application of interest. Write this down as well.

2. Set up a static IP address on the computer for which ports will be forwarded. To set up a static IP address on a Mac OS X, simply click the apple icon on the top left corner of the screen, select "System Preferences" and under "Internet and Network," select "Network." Select the network connection you are currently using and click "Configure." Click "Configure IPv4" and select "Manually." The IP address you select should be similar to your router's IP address with the last number ranging range from 1-254. Typically, you can add 10 or more to the your router's last number. This should work in most cases as a static IP address. For instance, if your router's address is 192.168.1.1, you can choose 192.168.1.11 as your static IP address.

3. Start forwarding your ports by accessing your router's website. Open a web browser (Explorer, Safari or Firefox) and enter your router's IP address after the http://. This should lead you to your router's website. Locate the links which will lead you to Port Forwarding or Port Redirection. Once there, simply indicate the Program/Application Name, protocol type (TCP or IP) and port number(s) on both the public and private ports. You might need to check off a box to indicate that you would like to activate this port. Click "OK" or "Save" to save your settings.

4. Reconfigure your firewall so that you are able to open ports that are being blocked by your firewall. Alternatively, you can disable your firewalls and turn them on manually one at a time to see which firewall is blocking ports from entering your LAN.