Hi All, I am getting confused between NAT and Port forwarding so needs some one help. Here is the scenario. All the machines are connected to a LINKSYS AG241 ADSL modem/router. Router is assigned a static public ip address from ISP say 202.63.X.X. I have a Win2003 Machine (Let's call it AMBSRV01) which is a domain controller and exchange 2003 is installed in it. . It's configured as a DNS server and DHCP server as well. Domain name is AMB. IP Address is 192.168.1.2 I am installing another Win 2003 machine(Let's call it AMBSRV02). This machine is connected to Domain AMB as a member server. Under TCP/IP setting, the internet gateway and DNS server is assigned the ipaddress of AMBSRV01. IP Address is 192.168.1.3. This machine can access internet as well. Now in this scenario, let's say I want to port forward 80, so any incoming request of port 80 should go to AMBSRV02(192.168.1.3). Below are the setting on the router. Application External Port Internal Port Protocol IP Address Enabled HTTP 80 80 TCP 192.168.1.3 YES This doesn't seems to work in this scenario. I can't seem to port forward 80 to 192.168.1.3. Also, I have tried port forwarding to the domain controller which is port 25 and it works fine. Ports can only be mapped to the domain controller but not to other machines. Another Scenario Let's say, if I have another machine which is AMBCLIENT01 not connected to domain and configured to obtain IP address automatically. I can successfully do port forwarding and everything works. Question is what do I need to do get this working in a Windows Domain based environment ? Especially, if I need external network to see open ports on internal machines which are not domain controller. I hope I am making sense. Cheers Abhi

" internet gateway and DNS server is assigned the ipaddress of AMBSRV01. " that would be wrong for gateway. gateway entry should be your router. You have no reason for doing port forwarding that I can see ie. no web hosting. You need to open ports not forward them. 'tis the season to be of good cheer. Wishing one and all happy times with family and friends.

Message: Hi, you are telling us that port 25(SMTP) works well, so i assume that you are able to access your mailserver(AMBSRV01) from OUTSIDE your ADSL connection. Try these steps: From one of your friend's computer, try to "telnet your-public-ip 80" . If you can't get access, its most problably the ADSL firmware which is blocking incoming port 80 request. I had a similiar problem for one week ago, but with a Thomson ADSL modem though. I had to change the firmware, but it was time consuming work.

"telnet your-public-ip 80" wouldn't that command be... telnet yourpublicip:80 'tis the season to be of good cheer. Wishing one and all happy times with family and friends.

Thanks Guys, This issue is solved now. I appreciate you help. Enjoy the new year !!