Port forwarding tells your router to send inbound traffic on a chosen port to one device on your LAN. Games, cameras, and some servers need it. Only forward ports you understand, and keep the target device updated.
Before you start
- Find the device’s local IP with What is my local IP? or ipconfig.
- Prefer a DHCP reservation so that IP does not change.
- Know the public IP with What is my IP? if you will test from outside.
- Log into the router (login guide).
Typical steps
- Open Advanced → NAT Forwarding, Virtual Server, or Port Forwarding.
- Add a rule: external port, internal port, protocol (TCP/UDP), and internal IP.
- Save and reboot if required.
- Test from a different network (mobile data), not only from Wi-Fi.
TP-Link note
On many TP-Link models the menu is Advanced → NAT Forwarding → Virtual Servers or Port Forwarding. Gateway is often 192.168.0.1. Brand hub: TP-Link.
CGNAT and ISP blocks
If your ISP uses CGNAT, inbound port forwards may never reach you. Check whether your public IP matches what the router WAN page shows. Learn address types in public vs local vs gateway IP.