First of all, what is UPnP?UPnP (Universal Plug n Play) is a protocol that enables programs running on a host to automatically configure port forwarding on your router. Sadly, this may not work 100% of the time and you sometimes wonder why your friends cannot connect to your server anymore. They report that the server's ping is "---" and you are 100% sure that it had a ping the last time you were hosting. By default, your server tries to connect to your router and attempt to port forward for you.
Manual port forwarding is usually the best way for people to connect to your servers.
Any Windows user from Windows 7 and above is capable of following this tutorial. If you are on a Mac, I am sorry.
Step 1: Find out what your IPv4 and your gateway address isFind command prompt, ways to find it:
+ Search though the start menu and find "command prompt" under windows accessories/system
+ Combo of
Windows key + R, type in
cmd, press OK
Once you are on command prompt, type
ipconfig, a bunch of stuff should show up (no worries).
On the right side, you'll see 2 things that I am showing to you, and they are the most important to port forward.
(I blocked most of the stuff out for privacy and because it's useless information to know) Your IPv4 is your local address to the router which is needed for port forwarding
Your gateway address is what you need to port forward
Your subnet mask is used for port forwarding if you want to port forward on your computer
Most routers require a user name and a password. They can be on your router's details. If you cannot find your router user name and password details you can find them on websites using the manufacturer and the model number. I would personally recommend:
http://www.routerpasswords.com/[/size]
Be sure to remember (write them down somewhere):
IPv4
Gateway address
User name and password for your router
Subnet mask
Step 2: Decide what port you want to useIf you have no idea on what port you want to use, you can always check what your server is currently using. To do this:
1. Open Windows Explorer, go to your Blockland directory (
SteamApps/Common/Blockland or
Documents/Blockland)
2. Make sure your Blockland is closed completely so the game does not try to overwrite the prefs
3. Open
config/server/prefs.cs - If you cannot open it, notepad is fine
4. Find
$Pref::Server::Port, you can change the value at the end (only change the numbers, do not remove the quotes if they are there) if you want but remember what the value is
Step 3: Port forwardAfter finding the port you need to go to your gateway address into your favorite browser. Make sure you enter the same user name and password you got from the router details.
If this worked, find out where your port forwarding page is.
Of course, each manufacturer is different to find the port forwarding page:
1. Add a 'service' and name it whatever you want
2. Make sure it's UDP (UDP/TCP selection is OK but make sure UDP is involved)
3. Use the same port that you gave your server, some routers might have a "range", most likely just put the same port for the min and max range.
a. If you are confused on this please share what your port forwarding page looks like!
4. Add the internal IP address (some routers only have the last box editable), use the IPv4.
5. Make sure the service is added and enabled.
5. Some routers might have settings to "always port forward", if you have issues with the router not port forwarding this can be your problem. Make sure your ports are forwarding.
If you have tried port forwarding and you believe you did everything you can, try port forwarding your adapter. Although, you need administrator access:
1. First find and open control panel. Then click
Network and Internet2. Go to
Network and Sharing Center3. Go to
Change adapter settings4. Select how you are using the internet (WiFi or Ethernet?), right-click and go to properties (need administrator)
5. Find
IPv4, select it and go to properties
6. Check
Use the following IP address which will also auto-check
Use the following DNS server addresses a. Use the following
IPv4,
subnet mask, and
default gateway that you have remembered/written down and put them where they belong
b. DNS servers, some people recommend just putting
8.8.8.8 c. Press OK to save changes
Step 4: Host a serverStart your server, and people should be able to connect!
If you have issues with this, find out what you did wrong. If you cannot find out why, it would be helpful if you post what your router manufacturer is, and its model number.
I would like to have some comments on how to make this tutorial better. Please share.