Share ports - how does it work?

You can enable ports on the router. This is necessary, for example, if one of your games offers a server function. We explain how this works for the common router models.

Unlock ports in the router - this is how you proceed

The process is basically the same: you have one or more ports and protocols. Usually only TCP or UDP are important for you, these must be entered in the router. We show you this using the example of a Fritzbox:

1. First you need to access the router's interface. Simply type "fritz.box" in the address bar of your browser. You may have to enter the router password now.
2. If you have a different router model, another way almost always works: Press the [Windows] key + [R], write "cmd" in the new window and confirm with "OK". Now the command line appears: Type in "ipconfig" and then search for the item "Standard gateway". Write the IP address after this point in the browser address line and press "Enter".
3. As soon as the interface has loaded, click on "Internet" on the left and then on "Shares". For other routers, the heading may differ slightly, eg "port release".
4. Next to "Port sharing active for" set "Other applications" in the drop-down menu. Under "Description" you can set any name for your release (see picture).
5. There is always a protocol in the information on port releases, usually UDP or TCP. Just click on the menu next to "Protocol" and choose the right one.
6. Now you can enter individual ports or a whole range of ports. For individual ports you have to enter the same for the end and destination port.
7. Now you have the choice: either you enter your internal IP address manually or you select your PC name from the list. The latter is self-explanatory. If you use static IP addresses in your network, you have to enter them manually. We have already summarized how you can find out your internal IP under Mac or Windows in other articles.
8. Under "to port", simply insert the port you want to release instead of "80". If you have previously entered a range of ports, simply use the first port in the range. Now only confirm with "OK".

Open ports on other routers

The FritzBox is one of the most popular router models, but many users still have a router from another brand. That is why we also have instructions for you:

• Easybox
• Speedport (Telekom)
• Unity Media Router
• There is also another manual that explains in general how you can activate ports on a router and which ports take on which task.

Next, we'll show you how to enable ports in the Windows firewall.