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tutorials:ports_forwarding [2025/09/27 21:28] – [I’m serious: start by looking for a guide for your router model on GOOGLE and YOUTUBE.] ravagetutorials:ports_forwarding [2025/09/28 18:50] (current) – ravage
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-===== General Port Forwarding Guide for People Who Want to Host NFS Underground =====+===== NFS Underground Port Forwarding - Easy Guide ===== 
 +# 🎮 NFS Underground Port Forwarding - Easy Guide
  
-==== Before using this, look for a guide made for YOUR ROUTER MODEL, because it is usually better than a general guide!!! ==== +⏱️ **How long does it take?**  \\ 
-==== I’m serious: start by looking for a guide for your router model on GOOGLE and YOUTUBE. ====+- If you know a bit about PCs: about 20-30 minutes  \\ 
 +- If you are a complete beginner: about 45-90 minutes  
  
-This is a **general guide** explaining the principle of port forwarding.\\ +💡 Don’t worry: It looks harder than it is.  \\ 
-Every router is a little different, so you might need to check your router manual to find the exact menus for Port Forwarding, NAT, or Virtual Server.\\ +Just follow the steps one by one. Even if you are new, you can do it.
-Follow these steps carefully and you will be able to host NFS Underground.+
  
-**Estimated Setup Time:** 15–30 minutes+⚠️ Important: Every router looks a bit different!  \\ 
 +If something does not look the same on your screen, search Google or YouTube for a guide with your router model.  
  
 +---
  
-=== ### Step 1 - Know the Game Ports === +## 🛠 Step 1 - The Ports You Need \\ 
-- NFS Underground uses **UDP 3658 and 3659**.\\  +- Open these ports in your router:  \\ 
-- UDP is a type of connection used for games; it is faster than TCP but less strict. \\ +  - **UDP 3658-3659**  
-- Think of these ports as “doors” that allow other players to connect to your game.+
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Step 2 – Make Sure Your PC Has a Fixed Local IP === +## 💻 Step 2 - Give Your PC a Fixed IP (Safe Method) \\
-- Your PC needs a **fixed LAN IP**, so the router always knows where to send game data. \\ +
-- If the IP changes, port forwarding will fail.  +
  
-**Windows example:** +Your PC needs a "fixed address" so your router knows where to send game data.
-1. Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings\\ +
-2. Right-click your network → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties \\ +
-3. Select “Use the following IP address” and enter:\\ +
-   - IP: `192.168.1.100` (example)\\  +
-   - Subnet mask: `255.255.255.0`\\ +
-   - Default gateway: your router’s IP (usually `192.168.1.1`)\\+
  
-**Linux example:** +### Step 2a - Find your network information \\ 
-1. Network Settings → Wired/Wi-Fi → IPv4 → Manual\\ +1. On Windows: press **Windows key + R**, type cmd and press Enter or (Linux) open Terminal \\ 
-2. Enter: IP `192.168.1.100`, Netmask `255.255.255.0`, Gateway `192.168.1.1`\\+2. Type ipconfig (Windows) or ip a (Linux) and press Enter  \\ 
 +3. Look for your network adapter (usually "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet")  \\ 
 +4. Note:  \\ 
 +   - **IPv4 Address:** something like 192.168.178.15  \\ 
 +   - **Default Gateway:** something like 192.168.178.1  \\
  
-**Tip:** Pick an IP in the common range of your network (192.168.x.x) and avoid conflicts with other devices.\\+This tells you the **network range** (first three numbers) and your router’s IP.
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Step 3 - Log Into Your Router === +### Step 2b - Pick a safe IP for your PC \\ 
-- Open a browser and type your router’s IP (usually `192.168.0.1` or `192.168.1.1`) \\ +- Pick a number at the end of your IP that is **higher than normal** to avoid conflicts.  \\ 
-- Log in with the username/password from the router label or manual \\ +- Example: if your IP is 192.168.178.15, pick 192.168.178.200  \\ 
-- If you can’t find it, search online for your router model + “default login”\\+- This will be your PC’s fixed IP. 
 + 
 +💡 Tip: Always keep the first three numbers the same as your current IP. Only change the last number.
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Step 4 - Find Port Forwarding === +### Step 2c - Set the IP on Windows \\ 
-- Look for **Port Forwarding**, **Virtual Server**, or **NAT** in the router menus \\ +1. Open **Control Panel**  \\ 
-- This tells the router which ports should go to your PC \\ +2. Go to: Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings  \\ 
-- If your router uses a special “Gaming” or “DMZ” menu, you can also check there+3. Right-click your connection → Properties → Internet Protocol v4 → Properties  \\ 
 +4. Select "Use the following IP" and type:  \\ 
 +   - IP: your chosen IP, e.g., 192.168.178.200  \\ 
 +   - Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0  \\ 
 +   - Default gateway: your router IP, e.g., 192.168.178.1  
 + 
 +💡 Optional: Some routers allow **DHCP Reservation**. This automatically gives your PC the same IP and is easier.
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Step 5 - Add the Game Ports === +## 🌐 Step 3 - Login to Your Router \\ 
-- Add a new rule for NFS Underground:\\  +1. Open your web browser  \\ 
-  - Name: NFS Underground\\  +2. Type your **default gateway** IP (from Step 2a) into the address bar and press Enter \\  
-  - Protocol: UDP \\ +3. Login with username + password (usually on the router sticker or manual)  
-  - External port / Internal port: 3658–3659\\ +
-  - Internal IP: your PC’s fixed LAN IP (e.g., `192.168.1.100`) \\ +
-  - Save and apply the rule\\  +
  
-**Tip:** Some routers require both “Start” and “End” ports; use 3658–3659 for both fields.+--- 
 + 
 +## 🚪 Step 4 - Add Port Forwarding \\ 
 +1. Look for **Port Forwarding**, **Virtual Server**, **NAT**, or **Gaming** in the router menu  \\ 
 +2. Create a new rule:  \\ 
 +   - Name: NFS Underground  \\ 
 +   - Protocol: **UDP**  \\ 
 +   - Ports: Start 3658, End 3659  \\ 
 +   - Internal IP: your fixed PC IP (from Step 2b)  \\ 
 +3. Save and apply  
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Step 6 - Check Your PC Firewall === +## 🔥 Step 5 - Firewall Check \\ 
-  - Your firewall must allow NFS Underground to receive connections: \\ +- **Windows:** Open Firewall → Allow a program or port → Add UDP 3658-3659  \\ 
-  - **Windows:** Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app → Add NFS Underground → Make sure UDP 3658–3659 is allowed \\ +- **Linux:** Use your firewall tool to allow the same ports  \\ 
-  - **Linux:** Use your firewall tool to allow UDP 3658–3659\\ +💡 If nothing works, reset your firewall to default settings (in Windows Defender Firewall): \\ 
 +{{:tutorials:2025-09-28_20_06_20-window.png?nolink|}} \\ 
 +Then add the firewall rules with kickStart again (in options): \\ 
 +{{:tutorials:2025-09-28_20_07_24-window.png?nolink|}}
  
-**Tip:** Temporarily disable the firewall for testing if nothing works. Turn it back on afterward.+--- 
 + 
 +## ✅ Step 6 - Test Your Game \\ 
 +1. Start NFS Underground → Create a multiplayer game  \\ 
 +2. Ask a friend to join   
 +3. Or open the NFS.onl launcher and go to Open options → Main config → UPnP Port Forwarding and Testing. \\ 
 +When the new window opens, click on “Test UDP” to check if your port forwarding is set up correctly. 
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Step 7 - Test Hosting === +## 🚫 If It Still Doesn’t Work \\ 
-- Start NFS Underground and create a multiplayer game\\  +- Make sure your PC IP matches the rule in the router  \\ 
-- Ask a friend to join via the lobby\\ +- Make sure ports 3658-3659 UDP are forwarded  \\ 
-- If it doesn’t work:\\ +- Check firewall again  \\ 
-- Double-check your LAN IP matches the one in the router \\ +- If your ISP uses **CGNAT**, normal port forwarding will not work. Then you need a VPS server [[http://wiki.nfs.onl/doku.php?id=tutorials:vps_server|see Redhair’s VPS Guide]]
-- Make sure ports 3658–3659 UDP are forwarded \\ +
-- Check firewall settings\\ +
-- If your ISP uses **CGNAT** (carrier NAT), normal port forwarding might not work. A VPS relay would be needed in that case which is easy to set up with [[https://youtu.be/BJJQ4vUWtjc|Redhair's YouTube guide]].\\+
  
 --- ---
  
-=== ### Extra Tips for Beginners === +## 📋 Extra Tips \\ 
-- Always use a **fixed LAN IP**; changing IP breaks port forwarding\\ +- Always keep your PC on the same IP  \\ 
-- Only forward the ports you need\\ +- Only open the ports you need  \\ 
-- Test with 1-2 friends first before inviting many players\\ +- Test with 1 friend first before a big game  \\ 
-- Keep a note of your router login and port forwarding rules for future reference\\  +- Write down your router login and rules for later   
-- If unsure, take screenshots of each step to remember your settings\\ + 
 +--- 
 + 
 +# 📖 Word Explanations (Simple) 
 + 
 +- **Port** = A "door" number on your router that lets game data in or out.  \\ 
 +- **UDP** = A fast type of connection for games.  \\ 
 +- **IP Address** = Your PC’s "house number" inside your network. \\  
 +- **Gateway** = The "main door" to your router.  \\ 
 +- **Router Login** = The page where you change your router settings.  \\ 
 +- **Firewall** = A security wall on your PC that can block connections.  \\ 
 +- **Port Forwarding** = Telling the router: "Send all game data on this port to my PC."  \\ 
 +- **DHCP Reservation** = A router option that gives your PC the same IP automatically.  \\ 
 +- **CGNAT** = Your internet provider puts many people behind one big router. Then port forwarding will not work.  \\ 
 +- **VPS** = A rented server on the internet that can act as your host.   
 + 
 +--- 
 + 
 +# ❓ Extra Explanations 
 + 
 +- **Why pick a high number at the end?**   
 +  Routers usually give IPs automatically starting from low numbers. Picking `.200` or higher avoids conflicts with phones, laptops, or smart TVs.  
  
-=== If you notice any mistakes in the guide, please correct them. ===+- **What if my network uses a different range?**   
 +  Check your current IP. Use the same first three numbers and pick a high number at the end outside the DHCP range.  
  
 +- **What happens if two devices have the same IP?**  
 +  Both devices will lose internet or get strange problems.  
  
 +- **Why only UDP?**  
 +  NFS Underground only needs UDP for online play. TCP is not used.