====== Port Forwarding =====

Configure your router to forward external traffic to your server.

> //Port forwarding opens a hole in your router's firewall. Only forward what you need.//

===== Overview =====

Port forwarding allows external traffic to reach specific devices on your home network. This is essential for hosting services that others can access from the internet.

===== Locate Port Forwarding Settings =====

Look in router admin panel for:
  * Port Forwarding
  * Port Range Forwarding
  * Virtual Servers
  * Port Mapping
  * NAT / Port Forwarding

===== Create Port Forwarding Rule =====

**Required fields:**
  * **Service name**: Label for your reference (e.g., "web server")
  * **External port**: Port internet traffic arrives on (e.g., 80, 443)
  * **Internal port**: Port on your server (usually same as external)
  * **Internal IP**: Your server's static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.50)
  * **Protocol**: TCP, UDP, or Both (web services use TCP)
  * **Enable**: Turn on the rule

**Common ports for web services:**
  * HTTP: 80
  * HTTPS: 443
  * SSH: 22 (consider changing to non-standard port)
  * DNS: 53

===== Save and Apply =====

  1. Click Save, Apply, or Enable
  2. May need to restart router
  3. Test connection after restart

===== Example Configuration =====

For a web server:
  * Service name: web server
  * External port: 80
  * Internal port: 80
  * Internal IP: 192.168.1.50
  * Protocol: TCP

===== Troubleshooting =====

**Rule not working:**
  * Verify static IP hasn't changed
  * Check firewall on server
  * Confirm service is running
  * Test with different port

**Port already in use:**
  * Another service may be using the port
  * Check router's port forwarding list
  * Use a different external port

===== References =====

  * [[https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/how-to-port-forward|How to port forward on your router (beginner's guide)]]
  * [[https://pingie.net/en/blog/port-forwarding-explained|Port Forwarding Explained: How It Works, Risks and Setup]]

===== See Also =====

  * [[hosting:networking:start|Networking Overview]]
  * [[hosting:networking:static_ip|Static IP Setup]]
  * [[hosting:networking:security|Security Considerations]]

Last updated: 2026-06-19
  * [[hosting:start|Return to hosting]]