Alternatively called port mapping, port forwarding is a method of directing network traffic over a network router to another computer or piece of networking equipment. For example, if a home user wanted to access their home computer remotely or an application needed access to their network they could use port forwarding.
With port forwarding you specify a unique network port number, for example, port 20 for FTP traffic and tell the router to direct that traffic to an alternate location if it’s encountered.
Network terms, Port
Related information
- How to open or forward a port on a router.
- Network and network card help and support.