Although it may be redundant, given the protection provided by my router, I have Windows Firewall enabled on my server platform. This prevents unwanted incoming packets from reaching the host computer, but unless I tell the firewall otherwise, it will reject incoming KOB packets and web server requests also. Here's how I configure my firewall:
Depending on your firewall, you may have to enable outgoing KOB and HTTP packets as well. With Windows Firewall, outgoing packets are permitted by default.
Make sure you can access your server from your local network by running the same tests as in the previous section (IP address), but this time use another computer on your local network—not the same one as the server platform. This computer can be connected to your router either by an Ethernet cable or wirelessly.
Getting your firewall configured correctly can be very tricky. Troubleshooting can be made a lot easier by enabling the firewall's logging function and checking the log to find out (a) if the KOB and HTTP packets are reaching the firewall, and (b) whether they're being allowed or dropped by the firewall. If you run into trouble, please ask me for advice before you get frustrated.
Once the firewall is all set, give yourself a pat on the back and continue on to configure the router.