Port Forwarding on Router Not Supporting It

  • Thread starter daniel_i_l
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In summary, it is possible to do port forwarding if your router doesn't support it. However, you would need to use a proxy server or add a second router to the network.
  • #1
daniel_i_l
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Is it possible to do port forwarding if my router doesn't support it? (I can't upgrade the firmware because it's not my router, and I can't switch routers because the router contains the modem from the ISP).
I was thinking that maybe it'd be possible to use NAT in order to simulate port forwarding. Is it possible to send certain requests to the router from inside the LAN so that it forwards signals from outside the LAN (on a specific port) back to that computer using NAT?
Or maybe it'd be possible from outside the LAN, to send a signal to the router that'd cause it to broadcast a message to the entire LAN on an obscure port. Then only one computer would be listening on that port.
Could any of these ideas work?
Are there other options?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Not exactly sure why your router doesn't support NAT, but if it's not configurable I would opt for setting up a proxy server. You can take an old computer as the proxy. Have that machine stand between your router and your LAN. Therefore it would act as your configurable router. You will loose some performance in the network doing it that way but you would be able to have all the functionality you are looking for vs. trying to find a workaround for the router.
 
  • #3
Ronnin said:
I would opt for setting up a proxy server. You can take an old computer as the proxy. Have that machine stand between your router and your LAN. Therefore it would act as your configurable router.
I'd like to do that but the modem is inside the router. The adsl line does straight into the router.
 
  • #4
It still can be done but you'll need some more hardware. You'll have your router/modem connected to the proxy PC though one network card, you'll have to setup another network inside that same machine to bridge the connection. Then from that you would need another switch to tie all your network machines together to the proxy.

Or...

Add a second router to the network after your phone co's router. Have it grab the IP just like your computer is now and have that act as the network's gateway. That would be the simplist solution but you could run into issues if you have zero config on the phone co's router. I would borrow one before I buy just to see if you could get it to work.
 

1. What is port forwarding and why is it important?

Port forwarding is a networking technique that allows incoming internet traffic to reach a specific device or service on a private network. It is important because it enables devices or services to be accessed remotely, making it possible to host websites, gaming servers, and other applications.

2. How do I know if my router supports port forwarding?

You can check the user manual or manufacturer's website for your router model to see if it supports port forwarding. You can also log into your router's settings page and look for a section on port forwarding or virtual servers. If you do not see this option, your router may not support port forwarding.

3. What should I do if my router does not support port forwarding?

If your router does not support port forwarding, you may need to upgrade to a newer model that does. Alternatively, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) or a third-party port forwarding service to achieve similar functionality.

4. Can I manually configure port forwarding on a router that does not support it?

No, you cannot manually configure port forwarding on a router that does not support it. Port forwarding requires specific software and hardware capabilities, so if your router does not have them, it cannot be configured for port forwarding.

5. Are there any security risks associated with port forwarding?

Yes, there are potential security risks with port forwarding. By opening a port on your router, you are essentially creating a direct connection to your device or service from the internet, making it vulnerable to cyber attacks. It is important to carefully consider the risks and take necessary precautions, such as using strong passwords and keeping your software up to date.

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