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G54: Port Triggering Setup

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Question

How do I configure port triggering on my G54 gateway?

Answer

There may be situations in which Port Triggering needs to be set up in the G54 instead of Port Forwarding. Port Forwarding allows the configured ports to always stay open. 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 the ports are opened when triggered by outbound traffic, and the ports close after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Port triggering monitors outbound traffic in the home network. When traffic is detected on a particular outbound (Triggered) port, the G54 remembers that the device's IP address triggers the inbound (Targeted) port to accept the incoming traffic, and directs the communications to the same device.

This document describes how to create a port-triggering entry using the Web Manager.

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 G54, please refer to article 19512 - G54: 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

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.
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 19497 - G54: Web Manager First Time Login.
On the Login page, enter the custom password in the Password field. The Username field is populated with admin.

NOTE: If the Username field is populated with an email address, retrieve the admin password from the SURFboard Central app to log in. For detailed instructions in the app, refer to article 19069 - SURFboard Central: Web Manager Access.
Click the Login button. The Gateway > Summary page will appear.
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.
Click the Enable button for the Port Triggering option.
Click the + Add Port Trigger button. The Advanced > Port Triggering > Add Port Trigger page will appear.
Enter the name of the service in the Service Name field.
Click the Service Type drop-down menu and select the appropriate protocol (TCP, UDP, or TCP/UDP).
Enter the outbound port number into both the Trigger Start Port and Trigger End Port fields.

NOTE: Enter the same number in the start and end boxes for single port setup. For multiple-port setup, enter the first number start box and the last number in the end box.
Enter the inbound port number into both the Target Start Port and Target End Port fields.

NOTE: The total number of Target ports must match the Trigger port(s). The port numbers can be different. Refer to the step 13 image for examples.
Click the Save button.
The port trigger entry will appear as shown. Repeat steps 7 - 12 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.