Python: Open a Listening Port Behind a Router (upnp?)

python upnp ftplib
Boona picture Boona · Dec 8, 2010 · Viewed 13.2k times · Source

I've developed an application that is essentially just a little ftp server with the ability to specify which directory you wish to share on startup. I'm using ftplib for the server because it's sick easy. The only issue I'm having is that if you are behind a router you have to manually forward the ports on your router and I'm finding that it's a little too complicated for my users (aka co-workers/clients).

So I've been looking for a simple solution to open ports but I'm finding that most APIs are too broad and way over my head. Does someone know of a solution that would be relatively simple to implement?

Note: It will really only be used on windows although cross-platform compatibility would be welcomed. If there is a windows only solution that is simpler then I would opt for that.

Thanks!

Answer

GregD picture GregD · May 4, 2012

The protocol you want is called IGD (for Internet Gateway Device) and is based on UPNP. It allows a client program (yours) to discover the router on the network (using UPNP) and then ask it to forward a specific port.

This is supported by most home routers, and the technique is used by a lot of services like BitTorrent or multiPlayer games, bit it's a bit complicated to use or implement. There are several open source libraries that support IGD and one of the simplest one (which is also cross-platform) is "miniupnp": see http://miniupnp.free.fr/

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