NETGEAR RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N Router WNDR3300 Reference Manual

How Port Forwarding Changes the Communication Process

In both of the preceding examples, your computer initiates an application session with a server computer on the Internet. However, you might need to allow a client computer on the Internet to initiate a connection to a server computer on your network. Usually, your router ignores any inbound traffic that is not a response to your own outbound traffic. You can configure exceptions to this default rule by using the port forwarding feature.

A typical application of port forwarding can be shown by reversing the client-server relationship from our previous Web server example. In this case, a remote computer’s browser needs to access a Web server running on a computer in your local network. Using port forwarding, you can tell the router, “When you receive incoming traffic on port 80 (the standard port number for a Web server process), forward it to the local computer at 192.168.1.123.” The following sequence shows the effects of the port forwarding rule that you have defined:

1.The user of a remote computer opens Internet Explorer and requests a Web page from www.example.com, which resolves to the public IP address of your router. The remote computer composes a Web page request message with the following destination information:

•The destination address is the IP address of www.example.com, which is the address of your router.

•The destination port number is 80, the standard port number for a Web server process. The remote computer then sends this request message through the Internet to your router.

2.Your router receives the request message and looks in its rules table for any rules covering the disposition of incoming port 80 traffic. Your port forwarding rule specifies that incoming port 80 traffic should be forwarded to local IP address 192.168.1.123. Therefore, your router modifies the destination information in the request message:

The destination address is replaced with 192.168.1.123.

Your router then sends this request message to your local network.

3.Your Web server at 192.168.1.123 receives the request and composes a return message with the requested Web page data. Your Web server then sends this reply message to your router.

4.Your router performs Network Address Translation (NAT) on the source IP address, and sends this request message through the Internet to the remote computer, which displays the Web page from www.example.com.

To configure port forwarding, you need to know which inbound ports the application needs.You can usually determine this information by contacting the publisher of the application or user groups or newsgroups.

Fine-Tuning Your Network

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v1.0, February 2008

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NETGEAR WNDR3300 manual How Port Forwarding Changes the Communication Process
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WNDR3300 specifications

The NETGEAR WNDR3300 is a versatile and powerful wireless router designed to deliver reliable network performance for homes and small offices. Launched as part of NETGEAR's popular RangeMax series, the WNDR3300 encompasses several advanced technologies to ensure robust connectivity and seamless internet access for multiple devices.

One of the standout features of the WNDR3300 is its dual-band capability. Supporting both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, the router enables users to connect multiple devices without interference. The 2.4 GHz band offers broader coverage and is ideal for basic web browsing and email, while the 5 GHz band is designed for high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming and online gaming. This dual-band operation helps to alleviate congestion, improve performance, and enhance the overall user experience.

With its 802.11n wireless technology, the WNDR3300 boasts impressive speeds of up to 300 Mbps. The router utilizes MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which employs multiple antennas for both transmitting and receiving signals, resulting in improved range and coverage. This technology is particularly beneficial in larger homes where traditional single-antenna routers might struggle to provide strong signals in distant rooms.

Another significant aspect of the WNDR3300 is its built-in firewall and security features. The router offers WPA/WPA2 encryption, which protects users from unauthorized access and secures personal data while browsing. Additionally, the router includes parental control features, enabling users to manage their family's internet usage effectively. These controls allow for the restriction of specific websites, scheduling of internet access times, and monitoring of online activity.

The WNDR3300 also includes several Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to desktops, gaming consoles, and other devices. With four LAN ports, users can easily connect multiple devices for stable and high-speed internet access. Moreover, the router supports dynamic DNS and VLAN support, making it a suitable option for advanced users looking to customize their network setup.

Installing and configuring the WNDR3300 is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly web interface. NETGEAR also provides a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button, allowing users to connect devices securely with just a push of a button, simplifying the connection process.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR WNDR3300 is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and fast wireless networking solution. With its dual-band capabilities, advanced security features, and user-friendly setup, it effectively meets the demands of modern internet usage, making it a valuable addition to any home or small office network.
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