How to open the router's ports step by step in an easy way
If we configure our router correctly, we will be able to know how to open the ports correctly.
Often, we cannot take full advantage of our Internet connection for a particular software.
In this case, the problem does not lie so much in the speed of the connection as in the opening of the ports of the router so we will explain below in a basic steps guide, how to open the ports of the router easily and correctly.
When you search the web for information to configure your router or also the computer will surely hear the expression "open the ports of the router".
However, the correct definition would be to forward the ports of the router to the PC, if we take into account that in English the process is known as port forwarding.
The purpose is very simple, i.e. to allow access to a computer connected to the Internet with a router from outside.
Useful for a variety of programs and applications, as well as browsing a browser or reading email, opening router ports allows you to get the best results with file sharing programs.
What are router ports?
When a computer is connected to the Internet, a continuous flow of data arrives from the outside. This flow must necessarily be directed to one application rather than another.
From this point of view, ports do not only represent the means by which it is possible to transmit data correctly. They ensure that the computer can use multiple services simultaneously without problems.
You should also know that the different programs do not use the ports chosen by the router randomly, but certain ports that have a precise name.
When you purchase a modem/router to connect your PC to the Internet, some of the ports are opened by default to allow you to access the network.
However, for some more specific uses, you may need to open specific ports.
Steps to open the router ports
Although the steps are always the same, some may vary depending on the modem/router you are using. Next we will try to explain which is the general method.
Find out which port you want to open: That is to say, you will have to know what is the identifier, the name of the port to open.
For example, ports 20 and 21 are used to configure an FTP server. Port 80 allows normal Internet browsing via the HTTP protocol, while port 110 allows downloading emails from a dedicated client.
If you want to open the ports of your router, to view your home cameras from the outside, you must identify the correct port of your DVR / NVR.
However, there are many ports: if you want to know the others, you can consult the list of standard ports present in Wikipedia.
Configure the router via the web administration interface: This is perhaps the least intuitive but most correct method. To log in, you must find out the local IP address of the router and enter it in the address bar of your browser.
In most cases, by entering the default values http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1, you should already be able to access the interface. Once logged in, you will find a screen with username and password. The default is usually the word admin for login and password.
Find the port forwarding section: The interface varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and sometimes even for routers produced by the same company.
If the section related to the opening of the router ports is not immediately visible, you should identify it by looking for references to port forwarding, the virtual server or NAT.
Add a new rule: By pressing the "Add port" button, you can finally add a rule that will open a specific port on your router.
The opening will allow the forwarding of the traffic destined to the port to your PC. Note: On some interfaces you may find the "Add Service" button or a shorter "Add" button. The fields that must be filled in to add a new rule are:
- Service port and internal port: the port identification number
- IP address: the IP address of your computer
- Protocol: the protocol associated with the port you want to open; select "All" or, if not available, "TCP and UDP".
After saving the changes, you should make sure that the new rule is in the table that summarizes the open ports on your router.
How to perform open port checks
- There are many online services that allow us to verify that the open ports on the router through the web interface are really functional.
- Among these, the most reliable is, without a doubt, Shields Up! which you can easily access at grc.com/shieldsup .
- Once on the site, click the "Continue" button and enter the number of ports to be tested. If the doors are open, the word "OPEN" will appear. In other cases, the writing will be instead "STEALTH".
Now you know the main and general steps to open your router's ports, but remember that the administration interfaces often change depending on the model and manufacturer.
Therefore, you may encounter apparent obstacles which, however, are easy to overcome if you take this guide into account.
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