What Active Mode Means
A DC++ client in active mode can accept incoming peer connections. That matters because Direct Connect is not only a hub chat system. Searches, file lists, and downloads often depend on one client reaching another client directly. Passive mode still lets you join hubs and chat, but it can limit who can connect to you.
Why Passive Mode Feels Broken
Two passive users usually cannot connect directly to each other. If many people on a hub are passive, searches can look smaller and downloads can fail even when the hub itself is online. Active mode fixes that by giving other clients a public port they can reach.
Fields On The Active Mode Check
- Host Or Address: Enter the public hostname or IP that other DC++ users should reach. A private address such as 192.168.x.x is blocked because nobody outside your home network can use it.
- Active TCP Port: Enter the TCP port from the active-mode settings in your client. This is the main port the tool can test from the website.
- UDP Port: Enter the UDP search port if your client uses one. The page records it and explains the manual check, because UDP needs a real client reply.
- TLS Port: Enter a separate secure transfer port only when your client is configured to expose one.
Router And Firewall Checklist
Set the same port numbers in three places: your DC++ client, your router port-forwarding page, and your computer firewall. Forward TCP for incoming transfers. Forward UDP for search replies when your client uses a separate UDP port. If you have two routers, a modem/router plus your own router, both devices may need rules.
Reading The Result
- Active mode looks reachable: The TCP listener answered from outside. Keep the same settings and test searches in your client.
- Partly reachable: The main TCP port opened, but an optional TLS port did not. Fix that port or leave TLS blank if you do not use it.
- Passive-only from outside: The public TCP port did not answer. Check the client port, router rule, firewall, VPN, and ISP restrictions.
Common Problems
CGNAT from an ISP can make port forwarding impossible without a public IP address. VPNs often need provider-assigned forwarded ports. Hotel, campus, mobile, and office networks may block inbound connections. Security software can also block DC++ even after the router rule is correct.
Icon Reference
| Icon | Label | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Active Mode | Marks the tool that checks whether your public DC++ client port appears reachable. | |
| Check Active Mode | Submits the public host, TCP port, optional UDP port, and optional TLS port for validation. | |
| Open | Open | The tested TCP listener accepted a connection from the hublist server. |
| Closed | Closed Or Filtered | The port did not answer before the bounded timeout. Router, firewall, VPN, or ISP rules may be blocking it. |
| Manual | Manual UDP Check | UDP active search needs a real client reply, so match the UDP port in the client, router, and firewall. |
| Help | Opens this help article from the active-mode tool page. |