How Do I Open My Router's Ports

[unclerayray]

I have a normal NETGEAR router, and all I have on the PC's desktop is something called NETGEARw111.v2 or something, and I open it, but nothing happens.

But anyway, I want to open up port numbers to allow me to play a particular game online with my friends, called Age of Empires 2 : Age Of Kings.

I just worked out my router's IP, so now for the port numbers, any help?

[GX44]

Age of Empires 2 uses port number 23978.

I'm not sure on how to forward the port with netgear, but I'm sure someone else on here will have a better idea for that than me.

[WillyW]

I have a normal NETGEAR router, and all I have on the PC's desktop is something called NETGEARw111.v2 or something, and I open it, but nothing happens.   ...

Check out:
http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm

Scroll down, looking for        Netgear         .
Looks like you will need the exact model number of your router.

I hope that helps.   
Let us know.

[unclerayray]

Got It, Draytek Vigor 2800. But the way I connect to it is using a little plastic memory stick looking thing, with Netgear on it, otherwise I can't connect to it. Dunno why, but that's it, Draytek Vigor 2800

[unclerayray]

If I can't open the ports, is there anyway I can at least check if they're open, somehow easier? Like from cmd, /status port 23978 or whatever you write in.

[viking]

http://www.canyouseeme.org/ - to see if the ports are open on your router. Though may I sugest you to open the web configuring console to see if there are open ports? If you know the router's IP (local IP, what IP does it has on your lan and not that sent by your ISP), administrator username and password you should be able to log on router as administrator and make any changes are necessary.

Your router's lan IP: on any computer that is connected to your lan (to your router), open a command prompt and type:

ipconfig /all

(I suppose you have windows xp on that computer. If you have another operating system the command resembles this BUT it is different).
See in the results the line with "Default gateway", where you will find your router's lan IP. Important note: you have a single router on your home network and that is the draytek, right?

http://www.draytek.co.uk/support/router_faq.html - Draytek frequently asqued questions

[unclerayray]

ok thanks, so I've found out that port 23978 is closed. Thanks viking.

Port 23978 is definately Age of Empires II: Age of Kings to play multiplayer, right?

I'll try and see if I can get this port open then, thanks.

[unclerayray]

Seems a bit long too regarding I've seen only up to port number 500.

[viking]

You posted after modified my reply, please check again my previous post.

Later edit.
Ports that must be open on your router in order to be able to host a server of Age of Empires II: Age of kings:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/895864

Quote:
Connection       Ports for Client Configuration   Ports for Host Configuration
Initial TCP Connection              47624 Outgoing   47624 Incoming
Subsequent TCP Incoming        2300-2400                 2300-2400
Subsequent TCP Outgoing        2300-2400                2300-2400
Subsequent UDP Incoming        2300-2400                2300-2400
Subsequent UDP Outgoing        2300-2400                2300-2400

[unclerayray]

Just looked on another site, it said ports needed for AOE2 are:

TCP Ports 2300-2400,47624 UDP Ports 2300-2400

[unclerayray]

yeah Viking, I will get my dad to go on that http://192.168 site place, I think he does all the router stuff from there, and tell him to open ports.

[WillyW]

Seems a bit long too regarding I've seen only up to port number 500.

You can try:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
or google       Shields Up    to find the same pages.
Last time I used it,  there were many options there.   You can scan all or a specified port.

[WillyW]

yeah Viking, I will get my dad to go on that http://192.168 site place, I think he does all the router stuff from there, and tell him to open ports.

Discussing it with your father is a good idea.


I'm curious though -  you did find this page when you went to the site I mentioned above, right?
Vigor-2800G  Age_of_Empires_II page

Where it says:
"The Vigor-2800G will not allow you to forward enough ports, to run Age of Empires II. You should try using the DMZ portion of this router if it is available. Alternatively you can try switching the router to bridged mode. You will need to contact your ISP to switch to bridged mode, so they can make the required changed on their end."

I believe bridged mode means wide open, and that is not a good idea.
Before you do something like that,  I suggest you ask others here for their opinion of it.