#Port forward utility windows how to
#Port forward utility windows software
#Port forward utility windows code
#Port forward utility windows download

But since UPnP allows any program, even malicious programs, to create a port mapping through the router, this added layer of insulation disappears. Most users rely on this added layer of insulation to protect machines on their local network, and the average user relies on it without even being aware of it.

#Port forward utility windows software

This insulation is at the hardware level, and as such, it is often more effective than software such as software firewalls. Opponents argue that there's a significant security risk: Routers insulate local networks from the wilds of the Internet, by blocking incoming connections that are almost always malicious. There are different methods for each different router, and even if you can find the correct method, understanding it requires the user to learn confusing network terminology. Proponents argue based on convenience: It's hard to configure a router for port forwarding, and average users are not able to do it easily. Securityīefore going on, it's worthwhile to point out the current debate over whether it makes any sense to include UPnP capability on a router. Go back to top The debate: Convenience vs. Specifically, it must be configured to pass TCP port 2869 and UDP port 1900. In addition, if there is a firewall on the local machine, it must be configured to allow the underlying TCP and UDP communications on which UPnP relies. Again, it might be necessary to enable UPnP on the router, since it might not be turned on by default. UPnP on your router: Most routers manufactured since 2002 will have UPnP capability.It might also be necessary to enable UPnP, since a UPnP-capable OS does not necessarily have it turned on by default. Older versions of Windows, including the very-popular Windows® 2000, will not work, as they do not have UPnP capability. UPnP on the local machine: Basically, you must have Windows® XP, any service pack.To be able to remotely configure a router over a network from a local machine, you need the following: This way, it should be possible for you to re-use the engine for your own purposes.

The utility is conceptually broken into two pieces: an engine that performs the actual work, and the UI that uses the engine. This article describes a utility that discovers current port mappings on a UPnP-enabled router, and allows you to add/edit/delete mappings. With it, you can map a port-forwarding programmatically without user interaction.

#Port forward utility windows how to

Moreover, it's often not easy to explain how to configure a router for port forwarding, for the reason that the method differs for each different type of router by each different manufacturer. This process is called 'port forwarding' or 'NAT traversal' ('Network Address Translation').įor the ordinary user, this process can be daunting. To allow others on the Internet to connect to these programs, it is necessary to configure the router to accept incoming connections and to route the connection to a local machine on the LAN behind the router. Examples of these programs include P2P file sharing programs, interactive games and gaming, video conferencing, and web or proxy servers. This allows you to solve one of the more vexing problems for users of network programs that must accept an incoming connection from the Internet. Since 2002, most routers have UPnP capability.

UPnP envisions a future where all devices are networkable and controllable over the network, such as light switches, thermostats, toasters, automobiles, etc. The idea is that a device can dynamically join a wired or wireless network, obtain an IP address, convey its capabilities, and learn about the presence and capabilities of other devices all over the network. UPnP extends this idea to the network: when a new network device is connected to the network, it can be automatically discovered over the network, and configured remotely from your machine over the network. For example, with ordinary plug-n-play, when a new peripheral is connected to your machine, it is automatically discovered and configured from your machine without access to the peripheral itself. Universal Plug-n-Play ('UPnP') is an attempt to extend the concept of ordinary plug-n-play, so that it applies to more than just your own machine: it applies to the whole network.

#Port forward utility windows code

Source code for the PortForward engine only - 11.5 Kb.

#Port forward utility windows download

Download an installation package (installs the PortForward utility, together with a user-oriented 'Help' file) - 462 Kb.

Download the PortForward demo project (includes a release-build executable that you can run without the need to compile) - 131 Kb.