Port forwarding is the process of allowing external devices to connect to a specific computer or device within a private network. It involves configuring a router or firewall to redirect incoming traffic from a specific port on the public-facing side of the network to a specific IP address and port combination on the private side.
Checking if your ports are forwarded is crucial for various reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you can access services running on your private network from the internet. Secondly, it helps troubleshoot connectivity issues and identify any potential security risks or unauthorized access attempts.