How to Configure port Forwarding on your router for Accessing Devices from the internet

Configuring port forwarding on your router allows external devices to access services on your local network. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up port forwarding on your router:

1. Determine the Internal IP Address of the Device

Before you begin, find the internal IP address of the device you want to access from the internet:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the IPv4 address.
• Mac/Linux: Open Terminal and type ifconfig or ip addr. Look for the device's IP address.
• Check Router's Device List: Log in to your router’s admin panel and find the device in the connected devices list.

2. Access Your Router’s Admin Panel

• Open a Web Browser: Enter your router's IP address in the address bar (common addresses are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• Log In: Enter your router’s username and password (usually found on a label on the router or in the manual).

3. Navigate to Port Forwarding Section

The location of port forwarding settings varies by router model. Look for sections labeled:

• Port Forwarding
• Virtual Server
• NAT/QoS

4. Create a New Port Forwarding Rule

1. Add a New Rule: Click the button to add a new port forwarding rule.
2. Enter Rule Details:
   • Service Name: Enter a name for the rule (e.g., "Web Server", "Game Server").
   • Port Range: Specify the external port range that will be forwarded (e.g., 80-80 for HTTP, 3389-3389 for RDP).
   • Local IP Address: Enter the internal IP address of the device.
   • Local Port: Specify the internal port to which the traffic should be forwarded (usually the same as the external port).
   • Protocol: Choose the protocol (TCP, UDP, or both) as required by the service.
3. Save/Apply: Save or apply the changes to create the rule.

5. Enable the Rule

• Ensure that the new port forwarding rule is enabled. Some routers may require you to toggle a switch or checkbox.

6. Test the Port Forwarding

• Check Open Ports: Use an external tool to check if the port is open (e.g., canyouseeme.org).
• Access the Service: Try accessing the service using your public IP address and the specified port from an external network.

By following these steps, you can set up port forwarding on your router to access your local devices from the internet securely.