An Easy Guide to Port Forward your Router with DMZ Server for Better Gaming

This guide will show you how to port forward your router with the DMZ server so that you can play games uninterruptedly. Port forwarding allows external devices to connect to specific services on a private network by forwarding ports through the router. Enabling the DMZ server with a forward port helps your gaming traffic to flow easily.

Let’s discuss the process step-by-step.

Requirements to port forward with DMZ server

You will need the following things:

• Network router that supports DMZ
• DMZ server IP address
• Your router’s IP address.
• Your gaming machine’s IP address.

What Is a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)?

A DMZ in home networking acts as a compromise between full internet exposure and private network isolation. Unlike enterprise DMZs (where public servers sit between two firewalls) , most consumer routers provide a “DMZ host” feature: one internal device receives all incoming traffic, rather than routing specific ports.

DMZ vs. Port Forwarding

Feature	Port Forwarding	DMZ Host
Ports affected	Specific ports (e.g., 80, 443, 25565)	All incoming ports
Security exposure	Limited to chosen service	Entire device exposed to the internet
Complexity	Requires careful rule management	One-step, but all‑or‑nothing approach
Use‑case	Public services, games, cameras	Testing, complex port needs, fallback

Port forwarding directs only the needed services; DMZ host gives the device full exposure.

Simple steps to configure port forwarding with the DMZ server

Here are the general steps to configure port forwarding with a DMZ server:

1. Assign a static IP address to your DMZ server
2. Log in to your router’s settings and find the DMZ option under the Firewall or Security section of your router’s settings.
3. Enable DMZ and specify the static IP address of your DMZ server.
4. Save your settings and exit the router’s settings.
5. Determine the port number that you want to forward to your DMZ server.
6. Log in to your router’s settings and find the port forwarding option. This may be located under your router’s settings’ Firewall or Advanced Settings section.
7. Create a new port forwarding rule and specify the port number and protocol (TCP or UDP) you want to forward.
8. In the destination IP address field, specify the static IP address of your DMZ server. Save your settings and exit the router’s settings.

The actual steps might vary depending on the router you are using. You can check whether your port forwarding is working by attempting to connect to the port number.

Port Forwarding vs DMZ vs Both: Comparison Table

Scenario	Port Forwarding Only	DMZ Only	Hybrid (DMZ + Forwarding)
Hosting 1 service	✅ Ideal	❌ Too broad	✅ But DMZ not needed
Complex/multi-port apps	⚠️ Tedious	✅ Quick & easy	✅ Flexible & secure
ISP Double NAT/CGNAT issues	❌ Might not work	✅ Bypasses restrictions	✅ Most reliable temporary fix
Security risk	Low	High	Medium (if managed correctly)

Ports needed with DMZ server

Some of the commonly used ports are:

• HTTP web traffic: Port 80 (TCP)
• HTTPS secure web traffic: Port 443 (TCP)
• FTP file transfer: Port 20 (TCP) and port 21 (TCP)
• SSH remote access: Port 22 (TCP)
• SMTP email: Port 25 (TCP)
• DNS domain name resolution: Port 53 (TCP and UDP)
• POP3 email: Port 110 (TCP)
• IMAP email: Port 143 (TCP)
• RDP remote desktop access: Port 3389 (TCP)

Why Use Port Forwarding Alongside DMZ?

While DMZ allows all inbound traffic to one device, port forwarding remains superior for most use-cases:

• It minimizes attack surface
• Allows different devices to handle different services
• Offers granular control over which ports are exposed
• Ensures no collision between services

Still, DMZ can help in special situations:

• Fallback testing: If port forwarding fails, DMZ helps identify network vs. device issues with all traffic directed to the host.
• Complex needs: Some applications require multiple ports or dynamic ports that are too cumbersome to forward individually.
• Troubleshooting CGNAT or double NAT: When you can’t assign static NAT ports due to ISP restrictions, DMZ ensures connectivity while you work on a more secure setup.

How to access ports behind CGNAT

It is essential to know that DMZ is a zone that gives access to specific ports through port forwarding, a process for opening ports efficiently. But DMZ can get you exposed to some potential harm.

Accessing ports behind Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) is tiring and can get you stuck. Most ISPs (internet service providers) perform CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) to allow multiple customers to use a single IP address.

If you are a victim of CGNAT, you are experiencing limited connectivity, security concerns, reduced speed, and inaccessible ports.

There’s a solution just a step away. You can surpass CGNAT by using PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on with added security and built-in safety features. Explore how to use PureVPN’s Port Forwarding add-on to bypass CGNAT.

1. Sign up for PureVPN, include the Port Forwarding add-on, and complete your payment.
2. Download and install the PureVPN app for your router and log in with your account details.
3. Open the Member Area, click Subscriptions and then Configure next to Port Forwarding.
4. Connect to a port forwarding-supported server to activate your settings and bypass CGNAT limitations!
5. Select Enable specific ports, enter the ports you wish to forward, and click Apply Settings.

PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on: A safe solution for unblocking ports

Port forwarding works with DMZ servers without trouble. As a dual firewall protects the DMZ, it becomes difficult for users to access it freely. PureVPN’s port forwarding will get you through this with ease.

Opening ports is a hassle until you get PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on. If you try opening ports behind CGNAT, your IP can be blacklisted. Opening ports also exposes you to potential threats. With PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on, you can open desired ports easily and securely.

Concluding thoughts

Port forwarding helps to improve the user experience while on the internet. This comes with extra cost if the process is full of struggle. To provide you with excellent services for better gaming, PureVPN’s reps are available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions