Port forwarding is a powerful yet often misunderstood networking technique. It’s essential for hosting game servers, using remote access tools, or enabling internet-based applications. Whether you’re gaming, testing a server, or using a remote access tool like RAT, this comprehensive tutorial walks you through the what, why, and how of port forwarding, including single and double router setups.

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is the process of configuring your router to direct external traffic on a specific port to a device on your internal network. Think of your router as a receptionist. When data arrives at a specific port, the router (receptionist) needs to know which device (department) to forward it to.

“Port forwarding is like making your computer accessible from outside. It’s not completely risky if done properly. It’s more of a port opening procedure.” – Tigerzplace

How Port Forwarding Works (with Example)

Let’s consider this scenario:

  • Data from the internet is sent to your public IP address on port 6117.
  • Your router receives this data but doesn’t know which device it’s meant for.
  • You configure port forwarding to send this data to your local IP (e.g., 192.168.10.6), which is your laptop.

Now, your laptop must also be listening on port 6117. This can be done through any application. In the tutorial, the tool used is njRAT for demonstration purposes. Other examples include Minecraft or web servers.

Network diagram showing port forwarding from router to laptop
Network diagram showing port forwarding from router to laptop

“When I say I’m listening on port 6117, I mean I’ve set an app like njRAT to use that port.”

How to Forward Ports Using a Single Router

First Step: Find Required IP Information

  1. Press Windows + R and type cmd, then hit Enter.
  2. In the terminal, type ipconfig
  3. Look for:
    • IPv4 Address – your device’s local IP (e.g., 192.168.10.6)
    • Default Gateway – your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.10.1)

Second Step: Access Your Router Admin Panel

  • Open a browser and enter the Default Gateway IP.
  • Use default credentials (usually admin/admin) or check your router’s sticker.

Third Step: Navigate to Forwarding Settings

  • Look for NAT, Virtual Server, or Port Forwarding.
  • Add a rule:
    • Service Name: Any descriptive label
    • Internal/External Port: e.g., 6117
    • Protocol: TCP/UDP/Both
    • IP Address: Your device IP
    • Status: Enabled
  • Save the settings.

Final Step: Confirm If Port is Open

  • Visit canyouseeme.org
  • Enter your port (e.g., 6117) and click “Check Port”

“If port 6117 is not open, it means either router or firewall settings are blocking it.”

Double Router Port Forwarding (Two Routers)

In many homes, especially when using Wi-Fi extenders, you might be behind two routers. In such cases, forwarding on just one router won’t work. You need to forward the same port on both routers.

Why Forwarding on One Router Isn’t Enough

In this setup, your laptop is connected to Router 2, which is connected to Router 1 (the main router). If you only forward the port on Router 2, it won’t work because the data hasn’t yet reached that router. You must:

  • Forward the port on Router 1 ➜ Router 2’s IP
  • Forward the same port on Router 2 ➜ Your computer’s IP

Detailed Step-by-Step:

  1. Use ipconfig to get your laptop’s local IP.
  2. Use tracert tigerzplace.com in CMD to identify both routers’ IPs.
    • First hop = Router 2
    • Second hop = Router 1

Example:

  • Router 2 IP: 192.168.0.1
  • Router 1 IP: 192.168.10.1
  • Laptop IP: 192.168.10.6

  1. Log into Router 1 (main router):
    • Forward port 6117 to Router 2’s WAN IP (e.g., 192.168.0.1)
  2. Log into Router 2:
    • Forward port 6117 to Laptop IP (192.168.10.6)
Diagram showing dual-router setup
Diagram showing dual-router setup

“If port forwarding from both routers is successful, you’ll be able to receive incoming traffic properly.”

Best Practices for Port Forwarding

  • Use Static IPs: Prevent IP changes by manually assigning IPs in your router.
  • Allow in Firewall: Ensure the port is open in Windows Defender Firewall or your antivirus.
  • Check Application Settings: Ensure the software is properly configured to listen on the port.

Testing & Troubleshooting

  • Use canyouseeme.org to test port status.
  • Check router logs if traffic is not reaching your device.
  • Reboot the router after saving changes.
  • Re-verify IP addresses—local IPs can change!

“If your port isn’t open anymore, it could be because your IP changed. Set a static one to avoid this.”

Use Cases for Port Forwarding

  • Game console NAT issues
  • Hosting Minecraft servers
  • Accessing CCTV or security devices remotely
  • Remote control software (e.g., TeamViewer, RAT)

Watch the video tutorials with live testing.

For more detailed insights, check out these video tutorials:

These videos provide additional context and real-world testing scenarios to help you understand how to forward port using one or two routers easily. If you are not able to access your router, then try this method of port forwarding without router access.

Summary

Port forwarding opens a communication tunnel between the internet and your device through a specific port. Whether using one or two routers, this guide walks you through IP configuration, port assignment, and testing.

With the right setup, you’ll be able to run remote tools, host services, and solve NAT-related issues.