The OnPatrol Server needs to have a port forwarding rule set up in your network's router to allow inbound connections from remote devices (in-car laptops, a home computer, etc.) so that you can connect to and access Informant remotely.


Starting with Informant 3.30.13, the Informant Configuration Manager will try to set up a port forwarding rule automatically using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) when the OnPatrol server role is installed, and whenever it's reconfigured in the Informant Configuration Manager. However, if UPnP is disabled in your router or is not supported by your router, you will need to manually set up a port forwarding rule. Use this guide to assist with this task.


Note: If you have an IT staff or network administrator, we recommend you have them perform this task. Otherwise, consult your router's documentation or contact your ISP for how to set up a port forwarding rule. Due to the vast number of routers on the market, Informant cannot provide customer support for setting up port forwarding for specific router models.


Before you begin


  • The OnPatrol Server must be installed and running on your server or primary computer. See Install OnPatrol Server for more information.
  • The server where you install the OnPatrol Server should be assigned a static internal (LAN) IP address, which can usually be done by configuring your router or network's DHCP server to assign a fixed IP address to the server machine. Check your router's documentation for how to do this with your router or ask your IT provider.
  • You should have a static public (WAN) IP address assigned to your router or modem, which you can request from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).


Create a port forwarding rule in your router


  1. Log into your router or gateway's administration interface.
  2. Create an inbound port forwarding rule with the following settings (note that the terminology your router uses may be slightly different):
    • Source Port: 11000
    • Destination Port: 11000
    • Destination Host: <The name or internal LAN IP address of the machine where OnPatrol Server is installed>
    • Protocol: TCP/IP

      Note: If you changed the port number setting when installing OnPatrol Server, use that port number in place of 11000.

  3. Save the changes.


If you are running OnPatrol in a virtual machine...


If you are running the OnPatrol server in a virtual machine, you may also need to open TCP 11000 in the virtual machine's configuration settings. Consult the documentation for your virtual machine platform for guidance on opening ports for a virtual machine.


Test the connection


  1. Go to https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/
  2. Your external (public) IP address will be filled in automatically in the Remote Address field. Enter your OnPatrol server port number (11000) in the Port field.
  3. Click Check.
  4. If you get a message saying the port is "Open," port forwarding is set up correctly.
  5. If you get a message saying the port is "Closed," port forwarding is either not set up correctly or the OnPatrol server is not running.