5 Best Port Forwarding Software Apps You Should Use

Introduction

Port forwarding redirects external connection requests to the local network to a particular device connected to that network. The majority of people don’t require port forwarding, and ports on your home network should be closed. However, there are a variety of reasons to establish port forwarding, too. If you’re in the process of setting port forwarding for your network router locally, Here’s a list of the top software available and the best ways to utilize these.

What Is Port Forwarding?

Tunneling or port forwarding is the process behind-the-scenes of intercepting data traffic that is headed for a specific computer’s IP/port combinations as well as redirecting that traffic to another port and IP. A program running on the computer that is being used as the destination (host) is usually the cause of redirection. However, it may also occur as an intermediary component of hardware, like a router, proxy server, or firewall.

However, even if anyone who sends the data through a system doesn’t know the process, the request will be sent to the correct destination.

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Why Do You Need Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is an effective method to protect available IP addresses. It is a great way to protect servers and clients from unwanted accessibility, “hide” the services and servers accessible in a network, and limit access to and from networks. Port forwarding is transparent for the user and can add additional protection to the network.

Port forwarding, in short, is used to block unneeded traffic from networks. It lets network administrators use one IP address to handle all external communications over the internet while directing servers with different ports and IP addresses to this task internally. Port forwarding benefits homeowners looking to run a Web game server on the same network.

The administrator of the network is able to create one public IP address in the router that will forward requests to the appropriate server within an internal network. Utilizing just an IP address to complete various tasks–and removing any traffic that is not related to the functions offered at the firewall–the administrator is able to hide from outside observers what services are operating within the network.

Is Port Forwarding Easy or Hard?

If setting up manual port forwarding for your network isn’t your cup of tea (or you don’t have the time or energy to master the process), do not fret! The software we’ve provided within this post will take care of all the work for you. However, it would help if you remembered security issues in port forwarding, which you should stay clear of to prevent attackers from harming your network.

Does Port Forward Slow Down the Internet?

No, port forwarding does not slow down the speed of other users who are connected to the network. Use these tips to improve LAN speeds in Windows 10 PCs if you’re experiencing problems.

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The Best Port Forwarding Software Applications

1. Simple Port Forwarding

UPnP PortMapper is a simple-to-use application that controls port forwarding (port mapping) of a UPnP-supported Internet gateway device similar to your router within your local network. UPnP PortMapper lets you see how to add, modify, and remove port mappings with ease. Using the software, you can connect to the servers (SSH, Web, Game Server, and many more) that are running on a private network via the internet.

You can set port forwarding through the web page of the router. The difference is that UPnP PortMapper removes the difficulties of the conventional forwarding method making the procedure easier to use.

UPnP PortMapper lets you create either a brand new or choose an existing one and connect a port mapping to your PC with just one click.

It is obtained by itself, so entering it manually is unnecessary.

Features of Simple Port Forwarding

• Easily accessible SSH, Web, Game server, and more server.
• allows you to add a port mapping
• It is easy to use and supportive for Windows.

Price: Free

Website: http://www.simpleportforwarding.com/

2. UPnP PortMapper

UPnP PortMapper is a straightforward software that handles the forwarding of ports (port mapping) of a UPnP-equipped Internet gateway device, similar to your router on your local network. UPnP PortMapper allows you to see how to add, modify, and remove port mappings quickly. With the help of this tool, you are able to connect to a server (SSH, Web, Game server, and many more) operating on a secure network over the internet.

You can control port forwarding using the web administration page of the router. But, UPnP PortMapper removes the difficulties of the conventional forwarding method, which makes this process more efficient. UPnP PortMapper allows you to make the new or use an existing preset and then create a port mapping for your device in a single click. It is found by itself, so you don’t need to add it manually.

Features of UPnP PortMapper 

• UPnP Portmapper similar to the local network.
• You can easily connect with SSH, Web, and Game server.
• 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

If you’re a Mac user, We’ve also got you covered. Port Forwarding Wizard for Mac is, as its name implies, a port forwarding software that works with macOS. It’s a basic program that is compatible with Snow Leopard, Lion, and the previous versions of macOS. The Port Forwarding Wizard communicates with your router using the UPnP standard once you’ve enabled the UPnP option on your router.

To set up your router, open Port Forwarding Wizard and wait until it recognizes your router. After it has detected the router, the tool will pull the most recent port forwarding entries on your router and display them to you. To add a port, press the button to add and fill in the required information with the port you wish to forward as well as the IP address of your internal network.

Features of Port Forwarding Wizard

• It connects with your router using the UPnP standard.
• You can easily implement it with simple steps.
• It supports snow leopard, lion, and the previous versions of macOS.

Price: Free trial

Website: http://www.port-forwarding.net/port-forwarding-mac/port-forwarding-mac.html

4. AUTAP

AUTAPF is a port forwarding program created by NetworkActiv. It allows for simple UDP and TCP port forwarding, with support for up the version of Windows 10, including 64-bit versions. Utilizing AUTAPF, it is easy to redirect traffic from outside to specific IP addresses or ports. It permits the forwarding of many ports as well as real-time monitoring of connection status, export logs, and many more. 

Additionally, it can be operated using a graphic user interface, an operating system service, or a browser. AUTAPF can also support IPv4, IPv6, and MAC addresses. Using AUTAPF to enable port forwarding is straightforward; however, you’ll need to create an IP address that is static before setting it up.

Features of AUTAP

• It supports the IPv4, IPv6, and MAC addresses.
• Allow simple UDP and TCP port forwarding.
• It is simple to use and implement.

Price: free & Paid

Website: https://www.autap.eu/products-s77

5. PFConfig

Port Forward Network Utilities is an application that forwards ports and has many features that make it easier to use your router. It is fully compatible with Windows 7 to Windows 10. As with the other software on this listing, Port Forward Network Utilities lets you set up an address for your static IP to check if your ports have been forwarded or set up a new port forwarding. You can even retrieve the password of your router that was lost.

Choose PFConfig to set up port forwarding. The PFConfig software includes thousands of compatible routers and operates with a simple graphical interface. Select the application you would like to forward by selecting Forward This App, select the destination and protocol and then click Update Router.

Features of PFConfig

• It is highly compatible with Windows 7 to Windows 10.
• Available multiple routers and operates with a simple graphical interface.
• It has advanced features that make it easier to use your router.

Price: Free

Website: https://portforward.com/store/pfconfig.cgi

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Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed its related port forwarding and related aspects. Also, it mentioned the detail regarding the best software. It may also occur as an intermediary component of hardware, like a router, proxy server, or firewall. Port forwarding benefits homeowners looking to run a Web game server on the same network.