[Robert_Crawford]

The Concept Of Ports
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What is a port?

a port is an access / communication endpoint for a certain application running on a system, or more-so you could look at it as a "link" to a application running on a certain IP address.

What is the difference between UDP and TCP?

UDP- Used for quick transmission. (Teamspeak Gaming VOIP etc.)

TCP- Used for slower but more reliable transmission. (Websites FTP)

How many ports are there?

Ports go from 0-65536.

Do dedicated servers have to be portforwarded?

Dedicated Servers Have To Be Forwarded As Well.

Why is portforwarding more secure than just entering DMZ mode (Firewall Completely Off).

Because it provides a way for a server to manage connections and security seamlessly.

How do i portforward?

It depends on you router and how it is set up by your ISP. Your best bet is to look up your router model here and look at the guides.

How do i tell if the port is open?

You can use a tool on a website such as the one here or a local tool like the one here. I typically use the local tool cause it has a less chance off giving a wrong reading.

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Some Common Problems If You Configured Your Router To Port Forward But Does Not Work.
1. You did not configure your router correctly (Look Here And Double Check Yourself http://portforward.com)
2. Your ISP has blocked the port you are trying to operate off of.
3. Your windows firewall is on or antivirus firewall is not configured correctly.
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Why would your isp (internet service provider) block these ports?
Because they do not want home servers hosted with them.
Why would my antivirus / windows firewall block ports?
To prevent hacking and viruses.
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Tools
Check If It Is Open-http://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/
Also you have http://portforward.com/help/portcheck.htm Which checks the port as a local application not remote.
Application-https://secure.portforward.com/store/pfconfig.cgi (This apparently will do the portforwarding automatically for you with no user intervention. I do not have any reviews on it)
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What Do I Think?
You should go with a server host or vps host? Why?
-For one your isp cannot handle the speeds to host a server more than likely.
-You cannot keep your computer on 24/7
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Runedog48 For anyone who has troubles with it not working and its set up correctly: 1. Goto Start 2. Goto Settings --> Control Panel 3. Goto Windows Firewall 4. Goto Exceptions 5. Press Add Port... 6. Name your port and type your ports number in, then press add ok 7. Goto Advanced 8. Add your port to the local area connection/wireless & anything else thats there 9. Restart your computer 10. Profit

Credits

Runedog48

linuxthefish

Robert Crawford

Ilinx

[Vince]

Might add that ports up to 1024 are reserved for services (http, ssl, ftp, smtp, telnet, ssh, ...) only. You can theoretically use these ports if they're not in use, but it is discouraged.