In most situations, a computer that is connected to a network accesses the internet through a router. A router connected to the internet has both an internal IP address and an external IP address. The internal IP address is what your computer and other computers on the local network use to communicate with the router. The external IP address is what computers on the internet, like the SleepyEngineers servers, use to communicate with your local router. Port forwarding is the path between external communication and internal communication, allowing computers on the internet to communicate with computers on your local network.
Port forwarding involves reserving a port number for one specific computer on your network. Computers outside your local network will use the external IP address of your router and an internal port number to communicate with your computer. The address looks like this – http://IPAddress:Port (example – http://66.232.122.92:8080)
How do I configure port forwarding?
To configure port forwarding, you’ll need administrative access on your network router. Each router has different administrative tools. To find instructions on port forwarding for your router, read the documentation that came with your router or visit www.portforward.com and look for your specific router model.
Keep track of the port number you assign for your computer. You will need to know this number when setting up Windows Media Encoder or Real Producer. If you don’t know which port number to choose, try 3690 or 8080.
I’ve set up my network. Now what?
Once your network router is set up, you'll need to configure any firewall software that is installed on your computer. For instructions on how to create an "open door" in your Windows Firewall, go to the Knowledgebase article titled "How Do I: Configure my Windows Firewall software." If you don't have firewall protection software, jump ahead to "How Do I: Configure a Dynamic DNS."
