What if the automatic router setup doesn't work?

With the Slingbox M1/M2, Slingbox 350, and Slingbox 500, we've simplified Internet viewing setup. But if you have problems connecting to your Slingbox outside of your home, here are some things to try.

1. First try rebooting your router. If that doesn't help, proceed with the other suggestions in this article.
   
   
2. Be sure to enable UPnP or NAT-PMP on your router. UPnP is typically the easiest to set up and provides the best connection. Note that it must remain enabled on your router. You can't get the router and Slingbox all set up, and then turn UPnP off. Disabling UPnP typically disables any ports UPnP has configured on the router.
   
   After you enable UPnP or NAT-PMP, reboot your router, and try connecting to your Slingbox again. For more information, see the article on UPnP below. NAT-PMP is an alternative to the UPnP protocol developed by Apple.
   
   
3. If you are still unable to access your Slingbox from outside of your home, verify that your router has the latest firmware installed. Improvements to UPnP and NAT-PMP are often included in router updates, so it’s a good idea to apply them before troubleshooting any further.
   
   
4. If you still can't connect, you should configure your router for Port Forwarding (also referred to as Port Mapping). Because Slingplayer for Desktop and Watch on Slingbox.com don’t currently support manually setting an IP address and port number, you should first set up a DHCP reservation on your router so that it always uses the same IP address for your Slingbox.       

   You can get the details you need to create the DHCP reservation (MAC address, IP address, and port that your Slingbox is using) from the network details section of Watch on Slingbox.com or the Network Settings section of Slingplayer for Desktop. To find the network details in Watch on Slingbox.com, select your Slingbox, and go to Settings. In the lower right corner under your Slingbox name, select NETWORK DETAILS.
   
   
   
   In Slingplayer for Desktop, select your Slingbox, click Standard View, and select Network Settings.
   
   For help setting up a DHCP reservation, see the link below.

5. After you have your DHCP reservation working, try to connect from a remote location with Watch on Slingbox.com or SlingPlayer.

You should now be good to go!