Port forwarding can sometimes be a rather big pain in the butt. Depending on which router the person has (Some routers are easier than others at setting up port forwarding rules) it can be easy to setup, but not easy to get working. On this page I will go over the most common problems I find when helping people get their port forwarding working and how to fix them.
If the hosting computer is behind a hardware- or software-based firewall, the host may need to take steps to ensure that the remote user is able to get a connection. The Windows Defender Firewall generally correctly configures itself with a simple prompt, but other 3rd-party firewall software and routers will require additional steps. In most cases, it will be necessary to configure your router's port forwarding settings to allow incoming connections on the port Action PC Football DMB uses port #32019.
Once you have your modem and/or router correctly configured, you will need to determine your external IP address (WAN IP) before you can host a game. You can check your external IP address by going to a website such as www.whatsmyip.org. The IP address that is reported there is the one that you need to provide to your opponent so that they may connect to you when you are hosting a game.
Keep in mind that it is not necessary for both teams to host. Though the Home team is the default game host, either the home team or the away team may host a game to accommodate situations where one of the participants is unable to host or accept incoming connections.
Whether you are able to host or not you should have no trouble connecting to someone else who does have their computer and home network correctly configured for hosting games. Most routers and the Windows Defender Firewall don't usually prevent you from making an outgoing connection such as is required to connect to a host to play a game. However, third-party firewall software and so-called system security software may be another story.
If you are unable to connect to others for a game, and assuming your opponent's system is correctly configured to accept incoming connections, it could mean that outgoing connections are being blocked. Unfortunately, if this is the case, it could take some trial and error on your part to determine what is blocking these connections. It could be a software firewall on your computer, your router's firewall settings, or it could be that your Internet Service Provider has chosen to block outgoing connections on some ports. Satellite and mobile internet providers will often block all but the most commonly used ports.
This is not a definitive test, but if you enter the following URL into your web browser's address bar, it will try to take you to a webpage that tests whether or not an outgoing connection on the port Action PC Football (32019) can be made. http://portquiz.net:32019/
Thanks for that, Mark. Great info to have on hand for when stuff refuses to cooperate. I'm a big fan of Hamachi (I only use it for the KRFL) because it takes care of so many issues behind the scenes.
In addition, if Comcast is your internet provider and you rent your router from Comcast, you probably need to follow this to set up the Port Forwarding on the router:
1. Visit xfinity.com/myxFi or open the Xfinity app and sign in with your Xfinity ID and password. 2. Select the Connect tab. 3. Select See Network under your WiFi name. 4. Select Advanced Settings under More Options. 5. Select Port Forwarding from the menu. 6. Select Add Port Forward. Note: If you've previously set up a port forward from your Gateway's Admin Tool (http://10.0.0.1), you should see it listed in the Port Forwarding Settings. 7. Choose the household device for the port forward you are setting up from the drop-down list of connected devices. Note: If you don't see the device listed, it may not be connected to your home network. 8. Choose from the list of common applications to use a recommended, preset configuration (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation) or select Manual Setup to enter specific port numbers, ranges and/or protocols. 9. Select Apply Changes to complete the setup of the port forward. The device you set up for this port forward can now use these settings. Note: If you are unsure what port settings to choose, reference the device manual or the application you are trying to use. Opening unnecessary ports is not recommended, as it may pose a security risk.
You use port forwarding to access devices on your home network from outside your home. Learn more about port forwarding and how to set it up for your gateway.
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INSTRUCTIONS & INFO Learn about port forwarding Use port forwarding to route incoming and outgoing data on your home network from a remote location.
Each device connected to the internet has an IP address divided into various ports that send and receive data. Your Wi-Fi® gateway routes this data to where it needs to go. When you set up port forwarding, you set up rules to tell the gateway to route data sent or received on a port to a specific IP address on your home network.
Most people won’t use port forwarding, but you might if you:
Use SlingSM or another streaming media device Host a web or gaming server Access a home surveillance camera or device remotely Use Remote Access or VPN to access a computer in the home Host photo-sharing hard drives
Use port forwarding with caution. It may allow others to access devices in your home without your knowledge. Set up port forwarding To open a port for user-defined applications:
Go to your gateway settings. Select Firewall. Enter the Device Access Code found on the side of your gateway. Select NAT/Gaming. If you get a warning message, restart your Wi-Fi gateway. Then, continue with these steps. Select the application for port forwarding from the Service drop-down. If you don’t see your application, or you’re setting up port forwarding for a device: Select Custom Services. Enter the name for the application or device in Service Name. Enter the port(s) you wish to open for Global Port Range. It's recommended to create a separate service entry for each port as opposed to using a port range. In this case the port number should be the same in the Global Port Range fields. In Base Host Port, enter the port number used for the first Global Port Range section. Select the appropriate Protocol from the drop-down for the application or device you are adding. Select Add. Repeat as needed for additional applications and devices. When all applications or devices have been added, select Return to NAT/Gaming. Your new applications or devices will display in the Applications list. Select the device name or IP address of the device from the Needed by Device drop-down, to open the port. Select Add. When your selections display in Hosted Applications, select Save.