Port Bridge
by did4510
Port Bridge opens a Minecraft server to the internet by requesting a port forward on the home router when the server starts, so friends can join without manual router setup.
What it does
When the server starts, Port Bridge detects the local server port, asks the router for a temporary port mapping using UPnP or NAT-PMP style logic, and then verifies that the mapping works. The join address is printed to the server console, where it can be shared with friends. An operator broadcast message can announce the address to players once it is live.
When the server stops, Port Bridge removes the mapping it created, so no forwards are left behind on the router. The mod is built for self-hosted servers on home networks, where creators want a simple way for friends to connect without dealing with UPnP confusion or manual router configuration. It runs on the server only, so players join without installing anything.
Port Bridge is published for Forge and NeoForge across 11 release versions. Both latest files, 1.0.0 for 1.21.11, date from 2025-12-19. The code is open source under the MIT License.
Key features
Automatic port forwarding
The server requests a temporary port mapping from the router each time it starts.
Mapping verification
After requesting the mapping, the mod checks that it is reachable before reporting the join address.
Join address on the console
The address to share is written to the server console once the forward is active.
Configurable operator broadcast
Operators can set a message that announces the join address to players.
Cleanup on shutdown
When the server stops, the mapping it created is removed so nothing stays open on the router.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x11 of 11 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Hosting for friends at home
A creator running a server on a home network can let friends join by sharing the address the server prints at startup.
Who it’s for: Server owners who host self-hosted Minecraft servers on home networks and want to avoid manual router configuration. Players only need the address and do not install the mod.
How it compares
OpenToPublic is a server-required, client-optional mod for 1.16.5 – 1.21.8, open source under the MIT License, and it works on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt. Port Bridge is server-side only and is also open source under the MIT License. nekorelay is published under the MIT License for NeoForge, Forge and Fabric across 1.7.2 – 26.2 but is not open source.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Bridge | Forge and NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 1.21.11 | Server-side only | 2025-12-19 |
| OpenToPublic | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.16.5 – 1.21.8 | Server required, client optional | 2025-12-18 |
| nekorelay | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.7.2 – 26.2 | Not published | 2026-08-08 |
Questions
Does Port Bridge need to be installed on player computers?
Which loaders does Port Bridge support?
What happens to the port mapping when the server stops?
In the catalog
Port Bridge is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,441 Optimization mods for Forge. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
Similar mods
What the author says
Automatic Port Forwarding for Minecraft Servers (Forge / NeoForge) Port Bridge is a server-side Minecraft mod that automatically opens your server to the internet using router port forwarding logic. No manual router configuration. No UPnP confusion. Just start the server and share the join address.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/port-bridge
- Owner
- did4510
- Published
- 2025-12-14
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-12-19
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15