You connect your router to your modem and use its settings to direct traffic to a specific device or network.
You connect your router to your modem and use its settings to direct traffic to a specific device or network.
They are attempting to link to the WAN IP address instead of the LAN address.
No, they're not the same. The WAN IP address connects to the wide area network, while the LAN IP address connects within a local network.
LAN IP address refers to the local network setting assigned to your server. WAN IP is the public address provided by your ISP, which external connections use.
LAN refers to your local network where devices communicate directly with each other. WAN connects you to the broader Internet. Separating them helps prevent unauthorized access, so port-forwarding is used to safely route traffic between the two networks without exposing everything. You can verify your WAN IP address via https://www.whatsmyip.org/ and share it with someone who needs to connect.
Your network IP address might shift sometimes. If your friend can't reach you, ask the service for the updated address. Otherwise, enjoy yourself!
Joining a free Dynamic IP service from sites like Noip.Com removes your worry about changing your WAN address. It becomes automatic over time. You register and download the "duc" tool, choose your subdomain—like mygameserver.ddns.net—and everyone connects through that domain instead of your direct IP. The only drawback is you must click a monthly link sent by email to keep the domain active, though it’s completely free.