Java client cannot connect to Server externally

[Korialstrasza]

This is programming, but I think it's best fit for this forum. I apologize in advance if I'm wrong.

I have a simple Java setup that's supposed to communicate back and fourth between the client and server.

It all works fine on the LAN using localhost or 127.0.0.1 but when I put in my external IP to create a socket for, I get an IO exception. I'm using port 5000, and I did go into my router and forward that port to my computer's local IP.

Any ideas?

Here's the client code if it helps, the server code simply listens on port 5000

Socket theSocket = null;
PrintWriter out = null;
BufferedReader in = null;
try {
    theSocket = new Socket("55.5555.555", 5000);
    out = new PrintWriter(kkSocket.getOutputStream(), true);
    in = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(kkSocket.getInputStream()));
 } catch (IOException e) {
System.err.println("Couldn't get I/O for the connection");
System.out.println(e.getMessage());
System.exit(1);
}

output:

Couldn't get I/O for the connection
Connection refused: connect

Process completed.

 

[boink]

Have you tried doing a simple telnet to the port to ensure that it has been opened properly?

telnet 123.456.789.012 5000