Finally got my portforwarding to work after setting a static IP address.

[caddy]

Hi guys. After a few weeks of frustration finally success & i tested my multiplayer host with a friend & it is working

I am posting this in order to help others.

Here is my method:

Tried to insert the settings manually after reading many posts but don't bother. There is an easy way - just download/install the free trial program 'Port Forward Network Utilities'.
Guys & gals - this makes the procedure so very much more easier & friendlier.

1. In the program use 'Static IP Address' to set a static IP address - the program will do it for you automatically. Much more easier than trying to do it yourself manually.

2. Exit the program then go into your modem/router settings: eg. in a web browser type in the IP address ie. 192.168.1.1 user name & password usually admin, admin, go to the portforwarding section. Mine was in advanced settings - NAT.
set the port to 27015 (start & finish in my router). But most importantly when it asks for the IP address make this the static IP address that you just setup in part 1. For me it is 192.168.1.50 & not my real IP address of 192.168.1.1 Also select TCP/UDP.
Previously i had left it at 192.169.1.1 & i just could not get the router to portforward to 27015
Also after saving these settings make sure you reboot the modem/router.

3. Now use 'Port Checker' in the Port Forward Network Utilities program.
When i checked the port 27015 it was portforwarding successfully to port 27015 on both TCP & UDP.

4. Then i tested it by hosting a game on the steam server & a friend of mine joined the game & it worked fine.

Windows firewall or my Avast antivirus did not block the portforwarding.

If any questions please ask & i will do my best to help.
UPDATE 9Nov2017
I got a new MSI gaming laptop. So my old Dell gaming laptop can host subsistence multiplay using the method described above but the MSI laptop will not host it but i found out why...
Windows defender firewall was the culprit.
Go to windows defender firewall, turn windows defender firewall on or off
UNTICK Block all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed apps
Only saw this by accident when i was searching windows defender firewall.
Now i can portforward 27015

[caddy]

@Sasha. I have gotten exactly the same thing, port forward port checker of Port Forward Network Utilities program said the port was open but other online port checkers said it was closed. The truth was that the port 27015 was open & i could host co-op games. I trust Port Forward Network Utilities.

[Sasha]

Thanks, I'll try tonight.

[Rudeus Greyrat]

Hey. I'd like a fresh pair of eyes on this.
I have the Portforward network utilities.
I have set the ip to static on that program.
I login to my TP link (POS) router
I then added 27015 as the service port and the ipv4 ip (found in ipconfig) as that ip
when I check it against the PFNU program it says the ports are closed.
What am I doing wrong?

[caddy]

@Riku818. What is your normal IP address & what did the program set the static IP address to?

[Rudeus Greyrat]

I appreciate the help. I was able to get mine working. I think my issue is that I am currently in Afghanistan (Army) and I have to go through two routers and they both need to be forwarding that port. I just had someone in the States do it for me and had them host. A lot easier.

[caddy]

@Riku818. Very good, enjoy the multiplay.

[Rudeus Greyrat]

Thanks brother. See you on there.