> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs-freessh.vercel.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Port Forwarding

> Create SSH tunnels for local, remote, and dynamic forwarding.

Use port forwarding to route traffic securely through SSH.

## Before You Start

* Create or select an SSH connection first
* Pick the correct forwarding mode for your use case
* Choose ports that are not already in use

## Local Forwarding (Most Common)

Use this when you want your local machine to access a service reachable from the remote server.

Flow:

* Local port -> Remote host:remote port (through SSH)

What to enter:

* `Name`: Friendly label (example: `Prod DB`)
* `Connection`: SSH host this tunnel should use
* `Binding Address`: `localhost` (safe default) or `0.0.0.0`
* `Local Port`: port on your machine (example: `5433`)
* `Remote Host`: target host seen from the server (example: `127.0.0.1` or internal host)
* `Remote Port`: service port on that host (example: `5432`)
* `Auto-start with connection`: starts tunnel automatically after SSH connect

Example:

* To access a remote Postgres on `127.0.0.1:5432`, create:
  * Local Port: `5433`
  * Remote Host: `127.0.0.1`
  * Remote Port: `5432`
    Then connect to `localhost:5433` from your local app.

## Remote Forwarding

Use this when you want the remote server/network to reach a service running on your local machine.

Flow:

* Remote port -> Local host:local port (through SSH)

What to enter:

* `Name`
* `Connection`
* `Remote Port`: exposed on remote side
* `Local Host`: usually `127.0.0.1` on your machine
* `Local Port`: local service port
* `Auto-start with connection`

## Dynamic Forwarding (SOCKS5)

Use this to create a local SOCKS proxy for browser/tools traffic.

What to enter:

* `Name`
* `Connection`
* `Binding Address`: `localhost` (recommended)
* `Local Port (SOCKS Proxy)`: example `1080`
* `Auto-start with connection`

Then configure your app/browser SOCKS proxy to:

* Host: `localhost`
* Port: your chosen local port

## Troubleshooting

See [Port Forwarding Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/port-forwarding-troubleshooting).