Some programs such as FTP servers, or P2P programs like BitTorrent, require that the ports be opened for their proper operation. However, if we use streaming platforms such as Netflix or Disney + they can work without having to open ports. However, if I open the ports that use Netflix or Disney +, will it improve the video streaming and the display quality?
The first thing we are going to do is explain how Netflix streaming works, since it works in the same way as Disney + and many others. In this way, we will be able to know if opening ports is beneficial for streaming on Netflix or Disney + among others.
How streaming works from Netflix and other platforms
The operation of Netflix and many other platforms such as Disney + is based on the use of the Internet to stream their movies and series. The transmission of content is carried out from the servers to the screens of the clients that can be a Smart TV, tablets or smartphones.
However, this procedure cannot be done only by Netflix, Disney + or any platform. That content that is being broadcast in streaming follows a series of channels:
- The content is transmitted from the platform servers and are accessible from the Internet. Netflix usually locates its own servers within the operator’s CPD, to have the minimum latency and the best performance.
- In the event that the server is not within the operator’s network, the content will go from the Netflix CPD directly to the Internet provider’s network, going through multiple routers until it finally reaches our homes.
The process starts the moment you start playing. Then Netflix, which has servers all over the world, will send us the video from the one that is closest to us whenever possible. In this case, the shorter the route, the higher the quality with which we can play the video. This means that, depending on the distance, we can enjoy the contents of the platform in 4K, Full HD or HD.
Therefore, what Netflix does is use the most efficient way possible to move the video through from its servers to your ISP. It should also be noted that we are an important part, where our ISP and our network equipment influence. Here the two important things that usually have the most influence are the speed contracted with our provider, and the quality of the router that we have, and, of course, the peering / transit of our operator.
Why do we have streaming problems?
In order to see the multimedia content, the first thing we must do is establish communication with Netflix servers, and later, it must be transferred through the network of our operator to your home. If your network has slowdown or capacity saturation issues, your streaming experience will suffer.
Another factor that can negatively influence is that the router, together with the additional equipment we have, are not good enough to reproduce the content on our screens. From this article, a practical advice we give is if you play the router near the Smart TV, connect it by network cable.
If there is no major obstacle, we can watch the video directly on the screen without any problem. The connection of your ISP in your home, your modem or router, the number of devices connected in your home and any other activity in your Internet connection can affect the video quality you receive.
It may also be due to a poor configuration of some aspect of your network, and even the final device (Smart TV, tablet or smartphone).
Does opening ports improve Netflix or Disney + streaming?
Now we have reached the crucial part of the matter, and that is to know if opening the ports we will improve Netflix or Disney + streaming. Many of you will have used an eMule or BitTorrent P2P program on occasion. The same could also be applied if we want to set up a web or FTP server. These programs to work well require that:
- You have assigned a fixed private IP assigned, so that it does not change if we have the ports open.
- Open the necessary ports to that private IP.
In this type of program, in addition to being a client, you are also offering your files to other people. The consequence of not doing so, is that they cannot directly access them (web and FTP), or that in P2P programs we cannot download at maximum speed because peers cannot communicate with us, but we are the ones who have us what to communicate with them.
In Netflix or Disney + streaming, everything ends on the screen where we are viewing content. We are simply a mere recipient of content, but previously we are the ones who have initiated communication. When we are in a NAT environment, internal NAT (private IP range) can communicate outwards without any problem since the state of the open socket (IP and port) is saved, only in case the communication starts from outside the NAT (public IP range) is when we must open ports for communication.
Therefore, opening ports will not improve Netflix or Disney + streaming at all . Everything is related to NAT and how it works on our routers, if Streaming services malfunction, it is due to other causes and not because you have not opened the ports on your router, since it is totally useless.