The base host port in port forwarding is essentially the main port for the hosting application. It is usually the lowest port in any given port range.
The basics of port forwarding
Port forwarding is basically a strategy of instructing your router always to use a given set of ports for a specific task. It is generally used for online gaming as gamers place a high value on response time. They are therefore prepared to put in the effort to optimize their router’s settings for maximum efficiency.
How port forwarding works
All internet-connected devices are identified by an IP address. For practical purposes, IP addresses work much like phone numbers or home addresses. They are a way to make sure that the right internet traffic gets to the right device.
Unlike phone numbers or home addresses, however, IP addresses are made up of ports. Ports are essentially places where data can go into or out of a network. Different ports handle different types of traffic. For example, VoIP phone calls may be handled by one port and streaming video by another.
When you implement port forwarding, you decide what ports are to be used for what services. In principle, you can choose whatever ports you like. In practice, many applications work on the assumption that people will be following standard practices. It’s therefore generally advisable to stick with these unless you have a really compelling reason to change them.
Port Forward NOW!Implementing port forwarding
You implement port forwarding through your router. This means that the exact steps to apply port forwarding will depend on your router’s settings. Your router may require you to implement port forwarding on a port-by-port basis or it may allow you to use a global range.
Even if a router only presents you with the option of using a global range, you can still implement port forwarding on a port-by-port basis. You would simply enter the same value for the beginning and end of the range and the base host port.
If you actually did want to enter a global range, then the global host port would be the first port in the range i.e. the same as the value in the beginning port in the port range. Some routers may add the base host port automatically when you implement port forwarding.
The advantage of implementing port forwarding on a port-by-port basis is that it allows for more flexibility. The advantage of implementing port-forwarding using global ranges is that it can be (a lot) easier to manage.
