Hobbies And Interests
Port Forwarding
Your router not only connects multiple devices to your modem, but also acts as a physical firewall by keeping out unauthorized traffic. However, the result is that sometimes your devices run slower due to this security. By opening a port, you allow that traffic to bypass the firewall function and communicate directly with the PlayStation Network servers. How you open ports depends on your router; for a tutorial list of routers by manufacturer and model, go to PortForward.com and find your particular model.
PS3 Services That Benefit
The only services that improve when you open a port on your router are the network services; offline services and functions are not affected by opening router ports. The online services that benefit include the PlayStation Store with the download speeds of purchases and the loading time of store sections. Any voice and video function used via the PlayStation Network, either via a game or the PS3's built-in chatting service, also run faster when certain ports are opened.
Which Ports to Open
The basic ports required for better communication with the PlayStation Network servers are the TCP ports 80, 443 and 5223 and the UDP ports 3478 and 3479. If you will be chatting with other users via a game or the PS3 chat feature, you'll also want to open UDP port 3658. Data sent over this port doesn't communicate with the PSN servers, but contacts the other PS3 systems in the game or chat system directly.
Other Speed Tips
The best way to increase speed to your PS3 is to connect it via Ethernet; wireless signals tend to deliver slower speeds than a directly wired connection. If you must connect wirelessly remove as many physical obstructions between your router and your console as possible. Keep the two devices as close together as possible and avoid running any other bandwidth-heavy activities while connected to the PlayStation Network. The more active devices connected to your wireless connection, the slower your overall connection becomes.