Let’s find out. Port Forwarding can be defined as a configuration that enables the local IP address of a device to be revealed to everyone.
A local IP address is assigned to each device connected to an internet router. The Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall hides the IP address from others. Thus every device connected to that router has the same public IP address.
The router utilizes NAT to decide the data that must be sent and the local devices to which it would be sent. Thus, Port Forwarding passes through the NAT firewall, allowing the device to accept any coming data directly.
It is essential to access the router for setting up Port Forwarding.
It is important to select the specific ports for utilization. It’s also vital to select the device’s local IP address. Note that the IP address needs to be static and not dynamic.
Setup Port Forwarding for NetgearNighthawk R7000
NetgearNighthawk R7000 is a smart WiFi router that enables users to use smooth bandwidth for heavy surfing and gaming, with excellent performance and speed.
The Netgear Nightwalk router’s firewall prevents every incoming connection attempt from any device available across the internet to the local network devices by default.
However, the users may use the router’s Port Forwarding rules to allow the public devices to connect with the local devices easily.
Any incoming traffic with specific protocols is forwarded to devices available on the local network using the Port Forwarding rules.
For instance, one could wish to make an FTP server, local web server, or gaming server accessible to the public. Users can also define application servers and a default DMZ server, for which the router will be forwarding other inbound protocols.
For setting up Port Forwarding NetgearNighthawk R7000 router, follow the steps below:
- Select the application or service that must be set up for Port Forwarding.
- Locate the local IP address of your server device. Allocate a selected IP address to this device.
- Open the web browser from any device that is connected to the network.
- Enter the router’s IP address which will direct you to a login window.
- Enter the username and password.
- The homepage appears.
- Click “Advanced,” then “Advanced Setup,” and “Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.”
- Select the service type as “Port Forwarding.”
- Choose the desired service from the “Service Name” or add a custom service.
- Enter the IP address of the server device.
- Click “Add.”
Port Forwarding Netgear Nighthawk R7000 through a VPN
A person potentially provides attackers direct access to their device after opening a port. Thus, Port Forwarding is a dangerous technique, especially if one doesn’t know the exact risks and precautions.
A VPN, on the other hand, is intended to protect the device from internet attacks. It works by protecting data transfer through encryption and routing it via secure servers. A VPN default disables Port Forwarding on a device after being connected to it.
Furthermore, it would immediately shut every open port. Still, a person can perform Port Forwarding while using a VPN, thus keeping the ports open. This would enable one to choose the connection port that should stay open.
There is a common misconception that port forwarding through VPN is secure. However, this isn’t the case. Regardless of using a VPN or a standard router, the practice makes the connected device exposed to internet risks.
The VPN, in no manner, would be protecting the data delivered across the port, and the IP address of that device would still be visible to any watching attackers. This is because any open port is similar to a hole in the VPN’s armor that cannot be penetrated under normal circumstances. But still Port Forwarding is very much an option with the help of a VPN.