Port Forwarding

While most users will most likely be running their servers on a machine that is dedicated and designed to doing exactly that, some users may wish to run their server directly on one of their local PCs instead to be able to host a quick session for a couple of their friends. If that's the case, this tutorial is for you.

This tutorial will guide you through the simple steps of using Beacon, a simple program which can configure your router to accept connections from the outside to enable your friends to connect to your sever without the need of reading long cryptic manuals.

Prerequisites(top)

Before we can start, your computer will need to meet some requirements:

• Install Java 8 (or newer)
  If you are unsure whether you do, just grab an installer from Oracle and install it regardless to ensure you are on the correct versions.
• Download the latest version of Beacon
  You will most likely want the .exe version if you are on Windows (or the jar if you are on Mac OS or Linux). Also make sure to place it somewhere, where you can find it later. You can download Beacon here

Attention Windows XP Users: Your system is outdated and thus unsupported. If you wish to use this utility, do so at your own risk. There is no guarantee that Java or Beacon itself will work properly on your computer!

Running Beacon(top)

The program is designed to be a one-click solution and as such we will use it that way.

1. Double-Click the Beacon.exe (or Beacon.jar if you aren't on Windows)
2. (Optional) Choose your Network device
   This step is rarely required as the default value will almost always be correct. Just make sure that this value is set to a Wireless adapter if you are using WiFi or Ethernet if you are using a cable based connection!
3. Choose the Service you want to open up (in your case probably Minecraft)
4. Click "Start"

If everything went well, you will now be able to connect to your server from the outside. If not: Read the Troubleshooting section down below.

Note: Beacon needs to stay open until you wish to make the server unavailable again!

Finding your external Address(top)

Before your friends can join your server, you will have to find out your external IP address. You can easily find it using services like WhatsMyIpAddress.net, WhatIsMyIpAddress, WieIstMeineIp.

Make sure to always use the IPv4 address!

Note: In some countries (specifically European countries), your IP address may change on a daily or weekly basis. In these cases we recommend using a Dynamic DNS service such as DynDNS or NoIP (Don't worry, they provide simple step-by-step guides to guide you through the setup process).

Troubleshooting(top)

In some (very rare) cases, the program might not instantly work for you. In these cases please make sure that:

• You selected the correct network adapter
  There is no harm in testing out all of them in case it doesn't work. Just click "Stop" and select a new one if you are encountering issues.
• Somebody from the outside Tests your connection
  Some routers do not properly support routing traffic from the inside of your network to your external IP address. Always ask a friend to test it for you.
• Your router's UPnP Support is enabled
  Some routers may allow you to disable UPnP. In that case, please refer to your Router's manual in order to enable it.
• Your router supports UPnP
  In some (rare) cases, your router might not properly support UPnP. In these cases you will have to use its built-in interface to configure port forwarding (Please refer to your Router's Manual in these cases).