Topic: WiiU Nintendo Network Router Ports.

I like to ensure for my console systems I've got the correct port forwarding rules set-up on my router. Just to help ensure a smooth connection. Where as Sony and Microsoft readily provide router port information Nintendo doesn't, the best I could find was tcp/udp 1-65535... and that was for the Wii.
I emailed customer support asking for router port information and got the details for which router ports are used by WiiU's Nintendo Network and 1st party games.
TCP: 80, 443, 6667, 12400, 28910, 29900, 29901, 29920 UDP: (Range) 1-65535
These rules should be as standard on most 3rd party WiiU games aswell, but as is the case on other platforms some games will also use additional ports aswell from time to time.

What's the purpose of these ports?

Great info - thanks! The only way I could get an internet connection to stick with my Wii U was to add it to the DMZ for our router. Having these ports available would've been useful. Someone should sticky this post... although the majority of users probably wouldn't know what to do with the information (and if their Wii is working online without problem they wouldn't need to know anyway).

Helps ensure you have an open NAT, lets Online games, especially important for peer-to-peer online gaming. In the simpliest terms. If for some reason a service want to send data via a router port and router wont allow it then that service wont be provided. From voice comms.. usually a sign of a Moderate NAT to connecting to games which could be a sign of a Strict NAT.

I don't have any specific Nintendo ports forwarded, I just use UPnP and it works great. I also have an open NAT.

My router is at factory settings. I get the maximum download and upload speeds we pay for, and NAT is moderate.
I don't mess with this stuff at all and it works fine.

Its true for most people Port Forwarding or placing the WiiU into a dmz won't be required. I've had no problems but there are occasions when different routers and router firmware can effect connectivity. My old router for example was moderate NAT by defult on PSN nothing wrong with it but PSN used a couple of ports which by default that router blocks. even with UPnD enabled. (which should be on for online gaming) Where as The one I currently use has no such problem.
I personally always like to set up port forwarding anyway, it can have other side effects like slightly lowering Ping as the router pre-opens the ports rather than waits for the port to recieve data before opening.
Basically if you have a Strict NAT your going have a ton of problems online, If you have a Moderate NAT, assuming the person your connecting to has an open NAT then you'll usually connect up ok, but may find you can't use chat functions and could cause yourself and others drop-outs and connection failures for others trying to join you.

@GiftedGimp
I just find this information rather pointless, but that's because my internet works fine without specific settings.
I understand what it does, but I've been told before that port forwarding and DMZ are ideal settings by "run of the mill internet junkies", which is not always the case.
I've had worse outcomes from port forwarding, so I just wanted to bring this up.

If your router is old with maxed out firmware and isn't working as well anymore, or you live in an area with limited internet(resulting in lag), that's usually the only time info like this is relevant to make use of.

EDIT: BTW, I'm not bashing your post. I just wanted to make it clear these settings aren't ideal or necessary for everyone.

@SCAR392 The 'Point' of it is because like I say the router ports Nintendo Network uses are not redily available and to save others from having to email customer support themselves I thought I would relay the information on here.
I'm not suggesting that everyone needs to port forward thier WiiU, but some would like to and maybe even need to.

edited- due to you adding the not bashing line to above post.

I'm not criticising. I've been told that settings like this were ideal before and it didn't turn out with spectacular results, so I just wanted to make it clear to anyone that might think these settings are necessary, that they aren't always.

You should have put more info in the OP saying not to mess with stuff if it's already working well.

Kids go on these these types of topics all the time, and they might think these settings are a better way to get internet, when that's not always the case.

Disclaimer: Kids- The port forwarding wont speed up your internet speed, improve your broadband stability or stop in-game lag. If you are having problems playing online always speak to your parents about it and only an adult who knows how to access and change router settings should do so. If router setting are incorrectly set you may stop you WiiU and/or other devices connect to your router and the internet. Anyone changing router settings do so at thier own risk. Always consult your routers manual.

this is actually a good thread

Anytime we are lucky enough for you to grace us with your presence this is my thought.

what are you doing saturday night?

Thanks a bunch. I'm trying to connect the Wii U to slightly more protected router than my home setup, so this info is much appreciated.

I noticed that certain brands of routers work better too. Linksys/Cisco is the best, while Belkin is the worst.

I think I need this thread, because my online gaming on wii u should work better. I'll have a look at it. Thanks!

I still need to find out what harm Nintendo using the 5ghz band for the Gamepad is going to do to my network.

Ubiquiti Stuff is the best for the money though (Under £1000).

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite 3-Port EdgeMAX Router - £85

and either

Ubiquiti UniFi UAP 300 Mbps AP/Hotspot (£56).

or

Ubiquiti UniFi UAP PRO 450 Mbps AP/Hotspot 2.4/5Ghz MiMo (£170 - This is what I have - dunno about the Gamepad and what it does at 5Ghz - I can get about 15MB/s over 2.4Ghz or 20MB/s over 5ghz currently full signal anywhere in the house or garden excluding junk hardware).

(Ubiquiti UniFi UAP AC 1300Mbps 802.11ac 2.4Ghz/5Ghz Access Point - £270 - just come out - not tried it but I have nothing that supports it either with the willingness to spend I can imagine it is the best).

Consumer routers are deliberately sold broken so as to not affect sales of the small business ones.

Next best would be something half decent supported by Openwrt followed by Mikrotik.

(No point in having expensive devices with a rubbish network. I don't understand the logic of lots of people I know with the latest ipad but a network that disconnects every minute or so. Same money they could have one generation older and good router and access point.)

@unrandomsam
My advice to anyone who's looking at spending big on wireless is always twofold:
1. Have you thought of running Ethernet
2. Have you thought of moving your router/access point to a better location

Especially when most of the improvements that have happened with access points is on the 5Ghz band. The same band that has the most trouble with walls. The same band that will cut out before you're starting to get disconnects because the range is shoddy. As for the GamePad, it's smart enough to pick a non-conflicting channel. I wouldn't worry about it unless you were living in a house needlessly packed full of 5Ghz access points.

I don't even get why anyone would spend so much. I use the modem/router my ISP provided with the latest firmware, default settings, that has a speed of 9mbs(according to speed tests, my Wii U gets 7-8mbs), and it works fine.