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

  • How to open or forward a port on a router.
  • Network and network card help and support.