Question on port protection.

[Detector]

I am attempting to write a basic Honey Pot type app, and have a question about port access/control.

I have searched the WWW and found allot of info about how a Honey Pot works and the general concept, but I am trying to understand the use of port redirection? Does anyone know of a good VB site with info/examples of this type of coding?

Can or how would I open a port that seems vulnerable, but yet not leave myself open to attack? I have also seen where you can fake a UNIX/Linux and other OS's, can this be done in VB, and how does it work? Any good sources would be greatly appreciated.

For example: If I wanted to go to a IRC server and look vulnerable to IRC attackers, but protect myself from the attacks, how could this be done?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am very interested in writing my own software to run a Honey Pot.

Thanks!