Introduction
Port forwarding is a process of redirecting incoming connection requests from the outside to the internal gateway, which is connected to your local network. This allows the external connection requests to be serviced by the specific device you have chosen. Port forwarding software is essential for setting up a secure local network. Here are the top software options and best ways to use them.
What Is Port Forwarding?
Tunneling and port forwarding are used to direct data traffic to a specific computer’s IP/port combinations and redirect that traffic to another port. This process runs in the background without your knowledge. Redirection can be caused by programs running on the host computer or from hardware components like routers, proxy servers, and firewalls.
Why Do You Need Port Forwarding?
Port forwarding is an effective way to protect IP addresses, hide services in a network, and limit access to and from networks. The Port forwarding provides both convenience and security for a network.
Port forwarding is a useful tool for keeping networks secure by restricting unnecessary traffic from entering them. Port forwarding allows a single IP address to handle external communication while routing different ports and IP addresses internally. It is particularly useful for running web-based games on a secure network.
An administrator can create a public IP address on a router which will direct requests to the relevant server within an internal network. Firewall administrators can use IP addresses to hide the services being operated within their networks, blocking any irrelevant traffic.
Is Port Forwarding Easy or Hard?
If you’re not quite up to the challenge of manual port forwarding, don’t worry! Our software will handle everything for you, so no need to stress. You’ll be able to spend your time and energy on other tasks. Stay aware of port forwarding security risks to protect your network from malicious attacks.
Does Port Forward Slow Down the Internet?
Port forwarding does not affect network speeds; use these tips to improve LAN speeds in Windows 10 for better performance.
The Best Port Forwarding Software Applications
1. Simple Port Forwarding
UPnP PortMapper is an easy-to-use tool for controlling the port forwarding of UPnP-compatible internet gateway devices like routers within your local area network. It makes the process simpler and more efficient. UPnP PortMapper simplifies the process of adding, modifying and removing port mappings. It allows easy connection to servers running on a private network over the internet.
UPnP PortMapper makes port forwarding easier and more accessible, eliminating the difficulty of the traditional method.
UPnP PortMapper makes it easy to create port mappings for your PC, with just one click.
AI eliminates the need for manual entry.
Simple Port Forwarding has a range of features that help to make online port forwarding effortless. These include support for multiple routers, automated port configuration, a built-in firewall and compatibility with different operating systems.
Servers that provide SSH, Web, Games and other services are easily accessible and convenient to use. They offer an efficient way to access the different services you need.
Windows users can easily & efficiently utilize this product as it offers great support.
Price: Free
Website: http://www.simpleportforwarding.com/
2. UPnP PortMapper
UPnP PortMapper is a useful software for managing port forwarding on UPnP-equipped devices, making it easy to add, modify, and remove port mappings. This tool lets you securely connect to a server on the internet, allowing access to SSH, Web and Game servers.
UPnP PortMapper simplifies setting up port forwarding, making the process more efficient and easier to manage. UPnP PortMapper makes setting up a port mapping for your device easy, eliminating the need for manual setup. With one click, you can use an existing preset or create a new one.
Features:
UPnP Portmapper allows users to easily access local networks.
SSH, Web and Game servers can be easily connected to.
It is multi-supportive Windows and macOS as well as Linux.
Price: Free
Website: https://github.com/kaklakariada/portmapper
3. The Port Forwarding Wizard is available for Mac
Mac users can now easily port forward with the Port Forwarding Wizard for Mac. IThis program is compatible with Snow Leopard, Lion, and earlier macOS versions. Port Forwarding Wizard requires UPnP to be enabled on your router in order to communicate.
Port Forwarding Wizard makes router set-up easy by quickly detecting and displaying the most recent port forwarding entries on your router. To add a port, press the button and enter the port number and IP address of your internal network.
Features
This technology allows it to easily connect to your router, taking advantage of the UPnP standard.
Implementing it is a breeze and requires only a few simple steps.
This product offers compatibility with macOS Snow Leopard, Lion and the versions prior to them.
Price: Free trial
Website: http://www.port-forwarding.net/port-forwarding-mac/port-forwarding-mac.html
4. AUTAP
NetworkActiv’s AUTAPF is a great program for forwarding both UDP and TCP ports. It is compatible with all versions of Windows 10, including 64-bit systems. This allows you to easily and quickly forward ports with minimal effort. AUTAPF provides an efficient way to redirect traffic, monitor connections, and export logs.
AUTAPF supports IPv4, IPv6 and MAC addresses and can be operated using a GUI, OS service or browser. Setting up port forwarding with AUTAPF is easy, but you must first create a static IP address.
Features
This system is capable of handling both IPv4, IPv6, and MAC addresses – offering comprehensive functionality to its users.
Setting up simple UDP and TCP port forwarding is a great way to ensure that traffic is directed to the right applications quickly and easily.
Incorporating and utilizing it is quite straightforward and uncomplicated.
Price: free & Paid
Website: https://www.autap.eu/products-s77
5. PFConfig
Port Forward Network Utilities is a must-have for anyone trying to make the most of their router. It works seamlessly on Windows 7 up to Windows 10 and includes multiple features that help you get the job done quickly & easily. It can even help you to recover the lost password of your router, making it a great addition.
PFConfig is an easy-to-use port forwarding software with thousands of compatible routers. To forward an application, select it, choose the destination and protocol, then click Update Router.
Features
It is able to work well with operating systems ranging from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
There are various routers available that come with a simple graphical interface for easy operation.
Your router’s advanced features make it easier to use, offering simplicity and convenience.
Price: Free
Website: https://portforward.com/store/pfconfig.cgi
Conclusion
This article covers port forwarding and the best software to use for it in detail. Port forwarding is used in routers, proxies, and firewalls to benefit homeowners running Web game servers on their home networks.
