Whats 'Port Forward' mean?

Question

What does Port Forward mean, and any other information about it, thanks.
PLUS, Is it risky?

Answer 1

Port forward is a technical term that is used when you are configuring a firewall. For each internet protocol, you are using a known port (25 for SMTP, 80 for HTTP etc ...).



When you set up a firewall you define rules on incoming and outgoing traffic. What you allow some protocols to do etc ...



Usually when you have an internet router at home (most of the time it's the broadband modem these days), only the router get's a routable IP - this means that the only machine that is really visible from the rest of the internet is the router, and that your PC/mac/xbox etc .... aren't visible. When traffic is initiated from the internal machine , the firewall will keep a map of which machine is doing what with which other internet server. The firewall also keeps all machines from outside to peek into your network making your machine a bit more secured.



When you enable port forwarding you are telling the firewall to let machine outside using a certain protocol access one of your internal machine. So only one port will be directed to one machine.



It's not really risky as only one port gets opened - but one thing open is less secure that 0.

Answer 2

Assuming you know what a network port actually is, it means to accept connections on one port and forward them to another computer using a different port. Nothing risky about it. As a matter of fact, it's commonly used to increase security through obfuscation.

Answer 3

it can be risky



as u r allowing others a dedicated port on your pc to have access



u dont need it even for downloading torrents....



but u need it for uploading or sharing torrent content



also port forwarding can increase the speed of your torrents



use at your own risk



bye

choose my answer as best

Answer 4

I don't knwo much about it, but I did this for my Xbox 360 to connect to games better. I haven't had anything happen to me... as for the risk, EVERYthing in life is risky.

Answer 5

go forward