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Networking Fundamentals · Foundational

Port Forwarding

A NAT rule that maps a public IP and port to an internal host and port so outside clients can reach an internal service.

Definition

Port forwarding, also called destination NAT or static PAT, lets a device with a private address offer a service through a shared public IP. Each public port can be forwarded to only one internal destination. It is common on SOHO routers for game servers, cameras and remote access, but exposes the internal service to the Internet.

Example

Forwarding TCP 8443 on the router's public IP to 192.168.1.50:443 publishes an internal web interface.

Exam tip

Port forwarding is the answer when an outside user needs to reach a single internal service behind PAT.

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