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at first i thought i could connect back to my LAN through router using the WAN (external address) because on connect, data was being returned,,,,,,,,,,but, unpluging the WAN cable to router, the data...

seems like it... is external port 5578 or 9 and internal port 2500, then net assist should be listening on 2500

windows8 .........control panel>system and security>windows firewall.........allow an app........... etc

check firewall on laptop (windows.....xp,7 ??) and allow or open for port 2500 and/or NetAssist program....... to allow data passing through firewall.
d

back to you when company leaves, you are on right track
d

Briefly,
1)Your router gives your wifi device a local address, 192...., 127..... or 10...., (unless you set a static address that must be the same local network) and you set your port number on...