Netcom NB5 - Manual (Page 62)

Advanced
NetComm NB5 Ethernet/USB Modem Router YML717 Rev1
62 www.netcomm.com.au
Port Forwarding
Port Forwarding is necessary because NAT [=Network Address Translation] only forwards traffic
from the Internet to the LAN if a specific port mapping exists in the NAT translation table. Because
of this, the NAT provides a level of protection for computers that are connected to your LAN.
However, this also creates a connectivity problem when you want to make LAN resources available
to Internet clients, which you may want to do to play network games or host network applications.
Thus Port Forwarding is necessary to run certain games, chat clients, video-conferencing and other
kinds of application. You might also need to configure port-forwarding if you intend to host a web
server or mail server that is to be visible outside your LAN.
TIP: In situations where you are hosting a Web Site or, for example, setting up a
regular NetMeeting link, it is advisable to consider implementing a Fixed IP
address, otherwise the dynamic IP address allocated by DHCP will need to
be communicated prior to every user session.
To access Port Forwarding, click on Advanced>Firewall>Port Forwarding