This article contains information about port forwarding
Source-Connect makes a certain type of connection over the internet which requires both ends of the connection, i.e. you and the person you are connecting to, to be able to see each other directly. Think of it like line of sight: You may have a firewall or anti-virus software, which is blocking the view from your computer to your connection partners. So, what we encourage you to do is configure your network to specifically create a direct line-of-sight to Source-Connect on your computer.
Here's an example of what how Source-Connect traffic works when port forwarding is properly configured:
The Source-Connect traffic gets to the router, where it is redirected to the computer running Source-Connect. Below is what is happening when Source-Connect can't make a connection:
Why can't I make a connection with Source-Connect?
When you try to make a connection, the internet needs to know what computer to send the data to. With most networks, we implement methods to try and make this work automatically, however it's not always guaranteed.
Why does port forwarding guarantee a connection?
Port forwarding is a way of guaranteeing that Source-Connect can make a connection. Think about your network: you have a Cable or DSL modem/router which connects to the internet, and one or more computers connected to that modem/router. The router gives has a PUBLIC IP address which any computer on the internet can see. Your computers connect internally to that router and have a PRIVATE IP address. Your internal network is protected and hidden from the public internet, which means that other computers usually can't find you. So, port forwarding is a way of specifically letting the internet find certain services on your computer, for example Source-Connect, while protecting your computer from the internet in general.
How does port forwarding work?
On your router you can specify what happens when traffic comes in directed to a specific port and type of protocol. Source-Connect uses the UDP protocol and by default is listening on ports 6000 and 6001. So we tell your router that whenever traffic comes in on these ports, send the data directly to the IP address of your Source-Connect computer.
Why do I need a static IP?
Most DSL and Cable connections are through a single router. You probably connect to this router via Ethernet cable, and you don't have to worry about making any network settings manually. Your router is automatically giving you an IP address every time you restart your computer or disconnect the network. What generally happens is that the IP address your computer gives you will change, so one day you have an IP of 192.168.1.100, and the next it might be 192.68.1.101. Any port forwarding configuration you make on your router needs to be fixed to a certain IP address, so it's important that it doesn't change. That's why we walk you through the steps of configuring a Static IP address.
Is port forwarding different if the user has VPN?
Yes, port forwarding is different if the user has VPN and will not work. To resolve this:
- Source-Connect Pro - if you are using VPN, you do not need to use port forwarding because, in VPN mode, the two computers to ping each other over the VPN addresses.
- Source-Connect Standard - does not support VPNs so this will not be an issue.
Step-by-Step Port Forwarding Guide
For a step-by-step guide, access this article.
FAQs
What generally happens is that the IP address your computer gives you will change, so one day you have an IP of 192.168. 1.100, and the next it might be 192.68. 1.101. Any port forwarding configuration you make on your router needs to be fixed to a certain IP address, so it's important that it doesn't change.
Why is a static IP needed? ›
A static IP address gives you remote access to desktops and applications, meaning you can connect to your computer from afar. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for dynamic IP addresses as they are constantly changing and make it challenging to connect with devices remotely.
When should you use a static IP address answer? ›
In most cases, a static IP address will be used by businesses to ease operations with FTP, email and virtual private networks (VPNs) servers, database servers, network equipment as well as with web hosting services.
Why do we need port forwarding? ›
Port forwarding is an excellent way to preserve public IP addresses. It can protect servers and clients from unwanted access, “hide” the services and servers available on a network and limit access to and from a network. Port forwarding is transparent to the end-user and adds an extra layer of security to networks.
Which IP is needed for port forwarding? ›
Before initiating port forwarding, you'll need to set a static IP address for the device on the receiving end. Port forwarding only works if the final destination – your gaming computer, for example – always uses the same IP to identify itself. To set up a static IP address, head to your router's configuration page.
What should I put for a static IP address? ›
For each device you want to assign a static IP address, enter its MAC address and the fixed IP you wish it to always use, which ties back to the network adapter's configuration. Save and restart. Save your changes and restart your router. Some devices might also need a restart to recognize their new reserved spot.
How do I know if I need a static IP? ›
If you only need Internet access and don't require outside users the ability to access your internal systems then Dynamic IP may fulfill your needs. However, if others do require outside access to your systems internally hosted (i.e. web, email, FTP or VPN services) then you will need a Static IP.
What devices need static IP addresses? ›
While most network-connected devices receive their IP addresses dynamically through DHCP, it's common to reserve part of the network address space for use as static IP addresses for devices such as routers, printers, FTP servers, and DHCP servers.
What is the difference between static IP address and DHCP? ›
A: A static IP address is manually assigned to a device and does not change, while DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
Which IP is better, static or dynamic? ›
In general, a static IP address is the better option for enterprises that own websites and internet services. Dynamic IP addresses are better suited for home networks and personal internet use. Static IP addresses are particularly useful for enterprises that need to guarantee server and website uptime.
Server Hosting: Static IPs are most commonly used when hosting web servers, email servers, or any other kind of servers. This makes it easier for users to find the IP address in the Domain Name System. In fact, easier setup and DNS support is another bonus of using a static IP for any business.
Do I need static IP for port forwarding? ›
Port forwarding forwards a port to the local IP address of your hotspot. You don't want the local IP of your hotspot to change. Otherwise your port forward will be going to the wrong place. So, you want to reserve that local IP or set it to static.
What are port forwarding rules? ›
A port-forward is another term for a Destination NAT. Packets that are received by the firewall can be transparently forwarded to a new destination. Setting up a port-forwarding rule requires an originating source and new destination to be specified, with optional protocol constraints to further refine the rule.
What is the role of port forwarding? ›
It is used to let a user connect from the local computer to another server, i.e. forward data securely from another client application running on the same computer as a Secure Shell (SSH) client. By using local port forwarding, firewalls that block certain web pages, can be bypassed.
Do you need static WAN IP for port forwarding? ›
Port Forwarding usually needs the LOCAL IP to be static, NOT the WAN IP. Assign a static IP to each PC on your LAN even if only one is to receive forwarded ports.
Can I port forward with a dynamic IP? ›
It is fine if your ISP modem provides a dynamic WAN IP address to your router. You are forwarding external ports to the internal ports of an internal IP address assigned to your Tablo. You can make the internal IP address assigned to your Tablo “static” by using DHCP reservation in the router settings.
Can we do port forwarding without buying a static public IP from your ISP? ›
Can we do "port forwarding" without buying a "static public IP" from our ISP? Yes, most routers will allow this. For example, you could port forward from port 3000 on your WAN side to a static IP address (192.168. 1.14) on your LAN side and a different port (80) on that host.
Should I use a static or dynamic IP address for access point? ›
You can use either a static or dynamic IP address for an access point. Most people use a combination of both. You can assign a fixed IP address to an access point to ensure that it always has the same IP address, making it easier to manage and locate on the network.
