FAQ: What is port forwarding and why do I need a static IP?
This article contains information about port forwardingSource-Connect makes a certain type of connection over the internet which requires both ends of the connection, i.e. you and the person you are connecting to, to be able to see each other directly. Think of it like line of sight: You may have a firewall or anti-virus software, which is blocking the view from your computer to your connection partners. So, what we encourage you to do is configure your network to specifically create a direct line-of-sight to Source-Connect on your computer.
Here's an example of what how Source-Connect traffic works when port forwarding is properly configured:
The Source-Connect traffic gets to the router, where it is redirected to the computer running Source-Connect. Below is what is happening when Source-Connect can't make a connection:
Why can't I make a connection with Source-Connect?
When you try to make a connection, the internet needs to know what computer to send the data to. With most networks, we implement methods to try and make this work automatically, however it's not always guaranteed.
Why does port forwarding guarantee a connection?
Port forwarding is a way of guaranteeing that Source-Connect can make a connection. Think about your network: you have a Cable or DSL modem/router which connects to the internet, and one or more computers connected to that modem/router. The router gives has a PUBLIC IP address which any computer on the internet can see. Your computers connect internally to that router and have a PRIVATE IP address. Your internal network is protected and hidden from the public internet, which means that other computers usually can't find you. So, port forwarding is a way of specifically letting the internet find certain services on your computer, for example Source-Connect, while protecting your computer from the internet in general.
How does port forwarding work?
On your router you can specify what happens when traffic comes in directed to a specific port and type of protocol. Source-Connect uses the UDP protocol and by default is listening on ports 6000 and 6001. So we tell your router that whenever traffic comes in on these ports, send the data directly to the IP address of your Source-Connect computer.
Why do I need a static IP?
Most DSL and Cable connections are through a single router. You probably connect to this router via Ethernet cable, and you don't have to worry about making any network settings manually. Your router is automatically giving you an IP address every time you restart your computer or disconnect the network. What generally happens is that the IP address your computer gives you will change, so one day you have an IP of 192.168.1.100, and the next it might be 192.68.1.101. Any port forwarding configuration you make on your router needs to be fixed to a certain IP address, so it's important that it doesn't change. That's why we walk you through the steps of configuring a Static IP address.
Is port forwarding different if the user has VPN?
Yes, port forwarding is different if the user has VPN and will not work. To resolve this:
- Source-Connect Pro - if you are using VPN, you do not need to use port forwarding because, in VPN mode, the two computers to ping each other over the VPN addresses.
- Source-Connect Standard - does not support VPNs so this will not be an issue.
Step-by-Step Port Forwarding Guide
For a step-by-step guide, access this article.