Can someone explain UPnP and port forwarding in plain language for my dad?

While UPnP is useful, it's important to be aware that if a bad app gains access, it can misuse this feature. That's why your dad might be cautious. However, many online gamers safely use UPnP without issues, especially if their routers are up to date and properly secured. It's a good compromise for gaming, but if he’s really uncomfortable, manually setting up port forwarding could be an option.

UPnP lets your devices inside your home network automatically request permission from your router to open specific ports when they're needed, like while you're gaming. It's generally safe today because modern routers only accept requests from devices already on your network, not from the outside world. Think of it as a temporary pass that closes again when you're done playing, reducing risks compared to static port forwarding that leaves doors open all the time.

If you’re worried about security, consider that enabling UPnP is a less permanent change. It only opens ports while the game is running and closes them afterward. On the other hand, manually port forwarding leaves those ports open all the time, which can be riskier. Reassure your dad that you’ll make sure to keep your devices secure and regularly updated. Most games don’t expose huge risks, especially if you’re just playing something like MW2.