What's port forwarding/port mapping?
How does SlingPlayer connect with your Slingbox when you're out and about and you want to watch your TV? It uses a technique called port forwarding.
Port Forwarding (sometimes referred to as
Port Mapping) allows a you to reach your home network privately and securely ... without letting the whole world in on the action! Think of it like this: Your router is sitting at home, aggressively screening its calls, waiting for that special call from you - all so that it can connect you to your Slingbox and your home theater.
Most routers these days can be configured automatically by Setup on Slingbox.com. It uses a technology known as Universal Plug and Play, or UPnP. However, some routers need manual configuration, and that's where our handy Slingbox Network Setup Assistant comes in. It takes you by the hand and walks you through the process of configuring your router for port forwarding.
Take a look at the articles below for more information.