How to Enable Port Forwarding on a Router

Port forwarding is most commonly used to host online games. When a person with a router attempts to host a game and other players try to transfer information to the host computer, the router will block the information and mark it as a security risk. To fix this problem, you will need to open a port in your router for the information to come through. Most programs and applications have specific ports that need to be opened for them to work. This article will walk you through the process of setting up port forwarding on your router.

Step #1
Open your web browser and navigate to your router's web page. Given that the web page will obviously differ from router to router, you may need to check your router's documentation to find the manufacturer's web page. You will need to make sure your computer is hardwired to your router rather than using a wireless connection. This is called a local area network, or LAN, connection.

Step #2
Launch Internet Explorer and enter the standard IP address for your router. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. (Click here to learn how to find your IP address.)

Step #3
Now you need to look for a link similar to Port Forwarding or Applications and Gaming. This may vary, depending on the type of router you have.

Step #4
Now you need to enter the desired ports. If you are prompted to indicate whether you want to open ports for TCP or UDP, select both options. Some routers ask you to enter a range of ports you want to be forwarded. If you only want one port forwarded, simply enter the same value in both fields.

Step #5
The next thing you need to do is enter the IP address of the computer to which you would like the data from that port to be forwarded to. (If you haven't already, find out what your computer's IP address is).

Step #6
Click on the Save Settings button to apply your changes and ensure that the changes take effect.

You should have successfully enabled port forwarding on your router.

Quick Tip

Follow these steps to look up your IP address:

Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Click Run in the Start menu and then type cmd into the text box
Type in ipconfig and then click OK. You should be able to see your IP address.