But seriously, if you have never heard of port forwarding, then you are just a beginner, not a real gamer. This is because many Internet users or even professional gamers use port forwarding. Port forwarding solves most network related problems, thus improving the gaming experience.
So if you want to know about the various free port forwarders available for Windows, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will learn about port forwarding. How port forwarding helps secure your network and improve your gaming experience.
What is port forwarding?
The following paragraphs of the form will help you get a simplistic understanding of the concept of port forwarding.
- Computers on private networks can connect to other public or personal computers or services over the Internet with port forwarding. Port forwarding is also known as port mapping.
- You can think of your home, office, or even a public hotspot like Starbucks as a “router”or “private LAN”.
- Once connected, a procedure known as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) assigns your device an IP address on that network.
- The assigned IP address is unique to your device. The router will identify your device with this IP address.
- When you want to access the Internet, a connection request is sent to the router with your device details (IP address and port number).
- After reading the prompt, provide the router’s IP address and a suitable port to mask (match) the IP address and port of your device.
- The connection request is redirected to its destination after being masked by the router’s public IP address.
- When a request reaches its target, that target should provide data packets to your device so you can view it. The destination sends a connection request to the router using the router’s IP address and assigned port.
- The router looks in the NAT database for a specific IP address/port combination to see if there is an open connection.
- If so, the router forwards data packets through the port. The connection entry in the table is deleted after it is completed.
Top 5 Port Forwarding Software
- Simple Port Forwarding
- UPnP PortMapper
- PortMapper
- AUTAPF
- PFConfig
1. Simple Port Forwarding
Simple Port Forwarding uses web pages to work, not your router. This ensures the security of the user’s device. This is the same as setting up port forwarding yourself in Firefox, Internet Explorer or any other browser.
For you, the process is automated by the app. Therefore, this tool is for you if you are looking for an easier approach to port forwarding or don’t understand how to do it.
This simplifies port forwarding.
The main interface of the program is simple and compact. Simple port forwarding allows users to choose how many entries and ports the router will use when forwarding data.
Functions:
- Simple and easy to use even if you are not tech savvy.
- Automatic program updates.
- “Quiet Mode”to prevent “Web Page Script Errors”pop-ups.
- Built-in debug mode.
- Access to router manuals.
- Save your port list and share it with family and friends.
- Switching the default DNS server.
- Add/Remove/View the ports you have forwarded to Windows Firewall.
2.UPnP PortMapper
UPnP PortMapper is an easy to use tool. It controls the mapping of LAN router ports (port forwarding) that conform to the UPnP standard. With UPnP, you can easily view, add or remove port mappings.
Using port forwarding, you can connect to servers (SSH, web server, game server, FTP server, etc.) on a private network from the Internet. You can use the router’s web administration page to set up port mapping.
However, UPnP PortMapper is much more practical. To add port mapping for your machine, you can create a new preset or select an existing preset.
3.PortMapper
PortMapper is a useful program for users who want to manage their port mapping. It is suitable for all types of users and does not adversely affect the performance of the computer.
Functions:
- Installation is not required. Unlike other port forwarding tools, PortMapper does not require installation.
- Portability. Save the PortMapper tool to an external USB flash drive. Portability allows you to run PortMapper on other devices.
- Simple and clean user interface. The PortMaper interface contains the buttons and other functions required for port forwarding.
- Restrict access to the web server on this PC based on the IP address of the incoming communication request.
4.AUTAPF
NetworkActiv AUTAPF is a reliable and free TCP and UDP port forwarding solution for Windows. With AUTAPF, your network can easily keep the data flowing and efficiently forward it to multiple ports at the same time.
AUTAPF provides real-time IP address filtering using scripts. It displays the latest baud rate for each forwarding port. It can hide in the system tray, log connection events, and send data to specific files. The status page feature allows you to monitor active flows and sessions on the network gateway.
If you are looking for a port forwarding tool with add-ons, then AUTAPF is your best bet. You can access AUTAPF through a web interface or control the application through a graphical user interface (GUI).
5.PFConfig
Using PFConfig, you can forward network ports from one host to another. This is an easy to use app. The average person has a hard time configuring their router, but with PFConfig you can say goodbye to all thankless and obscure configuration settings.
Download and install the PFConfig software, then select your router from the list of PFConfig routers. PFConfig may not support some routers, but you can ask for help if yours is not listed.
Select the manufacturer and model of the router; you must provide the username and password of the router to log in. You can choose which applications will be redirected after you select a router.
Functions:
- Forward your ports automatically.
- Recover lost router passwords.
- PFConfig helps convert dynamic IP addresses to static IP addresses.
- Quick and easy setup.
Conclusion
Port forwarding is essential if you want a smooth and complete network experience. However, when choosing a good port forwarding software, there are many tools available on the Internet, both free and paid.
This article lists five free port forwarding software, ranging from simple (with port forwarding only) to complex (with various add-ons).
You can solve most network-related problems with compatible port forwarding software, improving overall network efficiency and security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a port forwarding program?
Using port forwarding, you can force your router to use a specific port to communicate with specific gadgets. Your router will always accept requests on specific ports and forward data to the device’s private IP address if you assign a specific port to each device. Port Forwarding software automates this process for users who find it difficult to set up their router.
Can you redirect for free?
Yes, port forwarding is free. It is a network protocol for sending and receiving data from the Internet. You can manually configure the router for a specific Port Forwsrading protocol. So, port forwarding software comes into play. Various free port forwarding programs are available on the Internet.
How to program port forwarding?
First, log in to the router’s web interface. Now log in with your router credentials. Go to Advance-> Port Forwarding. Click the Add button. Enter a name for your device. Select your network protocol (TCP/UDP connections, or both if you’re unsure). Enter the internal IP address of the device you want to redirect. Save your changes.
Do hackers use port forwarding?
Yes it is. Port forwarding is like a temporary gateway. When you connect to a service through a router, it is usually done through a specific port. The port will close after your device receives data if it is a one-time connection. While in cases where you need to keep the port open, hackers can use this opening to launch vulnerable attacks.