G18/G20: Port Triggering Setup

Port Triggering is a safer method for opening specific ports for special applications (e.g. video conferencing programs, interactive gaming, file transfer in chat programs, etc.) because they are dynamically triggered and not held open constantly or erroneously left open via the router administrator and exposed for potential hackers to discover.

When the G18/G20 detects outgoing data on a specific port number set in its Trigger Range, the ports set in its Target Range are opened for incoming data. If no outgoing traffic is detected from the Trigger Range for 10 minutes, the ports listed in the Target Range will close.  Port Triggering is not enabled by default.  This document describes how to create a Port Triggering Entry.

NOTE 1: When setting up a host device like a web server, port forwarding should be used instead of port triggering.  This way, the ports will stay open for users to connect.  To set up port forwarding in the G18/G20, please refer to article # 19098 - G18/G20: Port Forwarding Setup.

NOTE 2: Only one device should make outbound connections on a specific port. If two or more devices attempt to make outbound connections on the same port at a given time, there will be a conflict, and port triggering will not work correctly.


Port Triggering Setup

1. Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.  Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  The https:// Redirect page will appear.   
    
2. The SURFboard Web Manager is redirecting to a more secure connection, click the Proceed button to continue.  The Gateway > Login page will appear.
   
   
    
3. A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager.  There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager.  For instructions to bypass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.
   
   NOTE: The Home Network Wizard will appear if this is the first time accessing the Web Manager.  For assistance with the wizard, refer to article # 19602 - G18/G20: Web Manager First Time Login.
    
4. The Username field has admin populated, enter the custom password in the Password field.
   
   NOTE: If the Login page prompts for an email address and password, retrieve the email address and password in the app to sign in.  For detailed instructions in the app, refer to article # 19069 - SURFboard Central: Web Manager Access.
    
5. Click the Login button.  The Gateway > Summary page will appear.
   
   
    
6. On the left-hand menu, click the Advanced link and then click the Port Triggering sub-menu link.  The Advanced > Port Triggering page will appear.
    
7. Click the Enable button for the Port Triggering option.
    
8. Click the + Add Port Trigger button.  The Advanced > Port Triggering > Add Port Trigger page will appear.
   
   
    
9. Enter the name of the service in the Service Name field.
    
10. Click the Service Type drop-down menu and select the appropriate protocol (TCP, UDP, or both).
     
11. Enter the outbound port number into both the Trigger Start and End Port fields.  If a range of ports is to be used, enter the first number of the range in the first field and the last number of the range into the second field. 
     
12. Enter the inbound port number into both the Target Start and End Port fields.  If a range of ports is to be used, enter the first number of the range in the first field and the last number of the range into the second field. 
    
    NOTE: In the example below, if any device connected to the G18/G20 makes an outbound connection on port 2000, the G18/G20 will automatically forward ports 2001 - 2005 to that same device.  After 10 minutes of inactivity, the G18/G20 will stop forwarding ports to the device, and the ports will be closed.
     
13. Click the Add button.  The Advanced > Port Triggering page will appear.
    
    
     
14. The port trigger entry will appear as shown.  Repeat steps 8 - 13 to create additional port triggers.
    
    NOTE: To delete a Port Triggering entry, click the X button next to the entry and click OK on the Are you sure? pop-up window.