7 steps on How to Set up Port Forwarding on a Router

The most common reason to use port forwarding is to host online games. Normally, when a person with a router tries to host a game, the instant others connect and try to transfer information to your computer, your router blocks them as a security risk. The solution is to open up a door, or port, in your router for the information to come through. Most applications have specific ports that need to be opened for them to work 

Steps

1. 1
   The first step is to go to your router's "web page"
   • Caution: You'll need your pc connected with a wire, this is called a LAN (Local Area Network) connection.
2. 2
   Open up your web browser, and enter the standard IP (internet protocol) for your router.
   • This is normally: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (check your computer's Default Gateway start > Run > cmd > ipconfig /all)
   • 

      Enter 192.168.1.1 Into your address bar
     If your router asks for a username and password, the default setting is no username and the password is "admin"
   • on Linksys routers its "admin" for both user and password.
   • on Netgear Routers its "admin" for username and "password" for "password"
3. 3
   

    Look for a Tab with a Name Similar to this
   Look for a tab with a name like, "Port Forwarding" or "Applications and Gaming"
4. 4
   Next, enter the desired ports.
   • If your router asks you whether to open ports for TCP or UDP select both.
   • 

      The Page Should Look Like This
     Some routers offer a from port ___ to port ___, if you only want one port open enter the same number into both blanks.
5. 5
   Next, enter the IP address of the computer you would like the data from that port to be sent to.
   • An IP address is a random number assigned to a computer by a router.
   • 

      ipconfig
     To find your IP address, open up the start menu, select "Run" and type in "cmd" This should open the command prompt. Into the command prompt, type "ipconfig" this should tell you your IP address.
   • Pay specific attention to the last three digits, most routers will only ask for these.
6. 6
   Make sure you press the "Save Settings" button, or your changes will not take effect.
7. 7
   Try everything out to make sure it all works.