Letting users outside the LAN log in to a HelpChat Server on the LAN
Use a DMZ host or port forwarding so that users outside the LAN can log in to a HelpChat server on the LAN.
Method 1: Set up a DMZ host
The quickest method is to set the computer running HelpChat Server as the DMZ host on the LAN's gateway router. Log in to the router's settings page, find the "Port forwarding / DMZ host" setting, and enter the LAN IP address of the computer running HelpChat Server.
Info
When DMZ (demilitarized zone) is enabled, users on the internet can reach the LAN computer set as the DMZ host directly. It is easy to set up, but it exposes all ports on that computer.
Method 2: Port forwarding (recommended)
If you do not want to expose every port on the computer, set up port forwarding on the router for only the ports HelpChat Server uses:
| Port | Purpose | Required |
|---|---|---|
| 6800 | Login: user registration and login authentication | Yes |
| 6866 | Kernel: core messaging and persistent connections | Yes |
| 6888 | Storage: file upload and download, sending and receiving images | Yes |
| 6816 | HelpPost: forum / knowledge base | Optional |
| 6898 | Repeater: VNC remote desktop assistance relay | Optional |
| 6980 | Manager: web admin console | Optional |
Tip
The three core ports (6800, 6866, 6888) are required for clients outside the LAN to log in. Open the other ports only if the forum, remote assistance or the admin console needs to be used from outside the LAN.