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5.4 Virtual Ports
A port number represents a "channel" or entryway for network communications. Port numbers allow
different computers to utilize network resources without interfering with each other. Port numbers most
commonly appear in network programming, particularly socket programming. Sometimes, though, port
numbers are made visible to the casual user. For example, some websites on the Internet use a URL like
the following:
http://www.sitename.com:8100/
In this example, the number 8100 refers to the port number used by the browser to connect to the web
server. The standard port number used by web sites is 80, so this number does not need to be included
with the URL (although it can be). In IP networking, port numbers can theoretically range from 0 to 65535.
Most popular network applications, though, use port numbers at the lower end of the range (such as 80 for
HTTP). Ports are similar to doors and windows of your house, with port 80 acting as the front door. If these
are not open you could not enter the house. This is the same case with ports on a network. If the ports for a
specific IP address are not open then you could not gain access to that IP address.
Note: The term port also refers to several other aspects of network technology. A port can refer to
Ethernet connection points, such as those on a hub, switch, or router. The term port is also used to
refer to a physical connection point for peripheral devices such as serial, parallel, and USB ports.
Another analogy would be: if a WAN IP address is similar to the phone number identify a site, IP ports are
similar to telephone extensions, in that they allow communication with specific devices within a site that all
share the same external (WAN) IP address. A router is a device which allows multiple computers and other
IP enabled equipment to share that single WAN IP address. It functions like a “switchboard operator” –
opening ports creates an association between those port numbers and the LAN IP address of specific
equipment on the LAN behind the router. When the router sees a ‘call’ for a specific ‘extension’ (port), it
directs that data stream to the (LAN IP address of the) equipment associated with that ‘extension’ (port).
5.5 Pre-Installation
Before beginning the installation, please answer the following questions:
Do you have Hi-speed Internet? ______________
There are many types of high speed Internet available. The most common ones are T1, Cable, and
DSL (in order of speed). The DVR is not compatible with a dial-up connection.
Note: EverFocus suggests having a minimum upload speed of 256KBps. This can be
addressed by your Internet Service Provider.
What type of modem/router do you have? ______________
Modem/router model name/ #