Some ports are commonly used to allow access to specific services like websites, file servers, gaming, or remote access. If you're setting up port forwarding, it's important to know which ports are standard and why they matter.

Which ports are commonly used and should be forwarded?

Some ports are commonly used to allow access to specific services like websites, file servers, gaming, or remote access. If you're setting up port forwarding, it's important to know which ports are standard and why they matter.

🔢 Commonly Forwarded Ports and Their Uses:

PortProtocolPurpose80 | TCP | HTTP (websites)
443 | TCP | HTTPS (secure websites)
21 | TCP | FTP (file transfer)
22 | TCP | SSH (remote terminal access)
3389 | TCP | RDP (Remote Desktop)
25565 | TCP | Minecraft server
1194 | UDP | OpenVPN
32400 | TCP | Plex Media Server
5900 | TCP | VNC (remote desktop sharing)
53 | TCP/UDP | DNS (used for hosting custom DNS)

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Only forward ports for services you fully understand.
• Use non-standard ports (e.g., 2222 for SSH) if you want to reduce scan attempts.
• Always secure services with strong credentials and updates.

🧪 Want to check if a port is open on your network?

👉 Use our Free Online Port Scanner Tool

🔐 Recommended Safety Measures:

• Forward ports only when absolutely necessary.
• Use a firewall to restrict unwanted access.
• For sensitive services (SSH, RDP), consider VPN first, then forward.

🔗 Related Articles You Should Read Next:

1. How do I know which ports are open on my router?
2. What are the dangers of forwarding port 3389?
3. Should I use a VPN instead of port forwarding?
4. How to forward ports for gaming without getting hacked
5. What’s the difference between TCP and UDP ports?
6. How to run multiple services behind one public IP
7. How to forward ports for Plex, Synology, and other home servers
8. Can port forwarding cause internet slowdowns?
9. How to use dynamic DNS with port forwarding
10. What happens if I forward the wrong port?