Set up port forwarding for 2Wire 3800

You use port forwarding to access devices on your home network from outside your home. Learn more about port forwarding and how to set it up for your gateway.


Learn about port forwarding

Use port forwarding to route incoming and outgoing data on your home network from a remote location.

Each device connected to the internet has an IP address divided into various ports that send and receive data. Your Wi-Fi® gateway routes this data to where it needs to go. When you set up port forwarding, you set up rules to tell the gateway to route data sent or received on a port to a specific IP address on your home network.

Most people won’t use port forwarding, but you might if you:
  • Use SlingSM or another streaming media device
  • Host a web or gaming server
  • Access a home surveillance camera or device remotely
  • Use Remote Access or VPN to access a computer in the home
  • Host photo-sharing hard drives
Use port forwarding with caution. It may allow others to access devices in your home without your knowledge.

Set up port forwarding

To open a port for user-defined applications:
  1. Go to your gateway settings.
  2. Select Settings, then Firewall, and then Applications, Pinholes and DMZ.
  3. If you get a warning message, restart your Wi-Fi gateway. Then, continue with these steps.
  4. For Select a Computer, choose the device name or IP address for the device you wish to open a port for. If the IP address or device name isn’t listed, enter it in the Enter IP Address and select Choose.
  5. For Edit firewall settings for this computer, select the Allow individual application(s) button.
  6. Select the application from the list and Add to move it to Hosted Applications. If your application isn't in the list:
    • Select Add a new user-defined application.
    • In Application Profile Name, enter the name for the application or device.
    • Select the appropriate Protocol button.
    • Enter the port(s) you wish to open for From and To. It's recommended to create a separate user-defined application/device entry for each port as opposed to using a port range. In this case the port number should be the same in the From and To fields.
    • Leave Protocol Timeout and Map to Host Port blank unless you want to define manually.
    • From the Application Type drop-down, select the type of application you're setting up for port forwarding. If your device or application isn't listed, leave it set at “-“ default.
    • Select Add to List. Repeat as needed.
    • When all applications have been added, select Back. Your new applications will display in the Applications list.Firewall settings and filter applications options
  7. When your selections display in Hosted Applications, select Done.
Last updated: March 6, 2024

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