what is ip passthrough

New Era

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12-10-2024

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What is IP Passthrough and Why Should You Care?

Have you ever struggled to host a game server or connect to a specific device on your home network? IP Passthrough, also known as IP Forwarding or DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Host, might be the solution you're looking for.

Here's the gist: IP Passthrough allows a specific device on your local network to bypass your router's NAT (Network Address Translation) and directly communicate with the internet. This is useful in situations where your router's NAT is interfering with the device's functionality, like:

• Hosting online games: Certain games require your device to have a public IP address for players to connect. NAT can block these connections, but IP Passthrough lets your gaming PC directly interact with the internet, allowing you to host a seamless gaming experience.
• Running a web server: If you want to host a personal website or a small business website from home, IP Passthrough allows your web server to receive incoming connections directly.
• Connecting to specific applications: Certain specialized applications, such as surveillance cameras or remote desktop software, might require a direct connection to the internet. IP Passthrough ensures those applications work without interference.

How does IP Passthrough work?

Imagine your router as a security guard. It checks every outgoing and incoming connection and modifies the address information to protect your internal network. With IP Passthrough, you tell the security guard to let one specific person (your device) go through without checking their ID.

What are the risks?

By bypassing the NAT protection, you expose the chosen device directly to the internet, potentially making it more vulnerable to attacks. It's crucial to only enable IP Passthrough for devices you trust and have strong security measures in place.

How do I enable IP Passthrough?

The process varies depending on your router brand and model. Generally, you can find the setting within the router's configuration interface.

Here's a breakdown of the process using examples from popular routers:

• TP-Link: Log in to your router's interface, navigate to "Advanced" -> "Firewall" -> "DMZ". Then, select the device you want to enable IP Passthrough for.
• Netgear: Find "Advanced Setup" -> "Port Forwarding/DMZ" -> "DMZ Host". Choose the device you want to enable IP Passthrough for.
• Asus: Navigate to "WAN" -> "DMZ", select "Enable DMZ Host" and choose the device you want to expose.

Conclusion:

IP Passthrough is a powerful tool that can be beneficial for specific use cases. However, it comes with security risks that need to be carefully considered. Always weigh the pros and cons and ensure you have adequate security measures in place before enabling it.

Important note: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your router's documentation for specific instructions and security recommendations.