diff --git a/source/de/anomic/net/UPnP.java b/source/de/anomic/net/UPnP.java
index b1c5d0429..7d4e7a399 100644
--- a/source/de/anomic/net/UPnP.java
+++ b/source/de/anomic/net/UPnP.java
@@ -91,6 +91,7 @@ public class UPnP {
 	}
 	
 	private static String getRemoteHost() {
+		if (sb == null) return null;
 		return sb.getConfig(SwitchboardConstants.UPNP_REMOTEHOST, "");
 	}