Set up port forwarding for BGW210

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 Firewall.
  3. Enter the Device Access Code found on the side of your gateway.
  4. Select NAT/Gaming.
  5. If you get a warning message, restart your Wi-Fi gateway. Then, continue with these steps.
  6. Select the application for port forwarding from the Service drop-down. If you don’t see your application, or you’re setting up port forwarding for a device:
    • Select Custom Services.
    • Enter the name for the application or device in Service Name.
    • Enter the port(s) you wish to open for Global Port Range. It's recommended to create a separate service entry for each port as opposed to using a port range. In this case the port number should be the same in the Global Port Range fields.
    • In Base Host Port, enter the port number used for the first Global Port Range section.
    • Select the appropriate Protocol from the drop-down for the application or device you are adding.
    • Select Add. Repeat as needed for additional applications and devices.
    • When all applications or devices have been added, select Return to NAT/Gaming. Your new applications or devices will display in the Applications list.
  7. Select the device name or IP address of the device from the Needed by Device drop-down, to open the port.
  8. Select Add.
  9. When your selections display in Hosted Applications, select Save.
Last updated: March 6, 2024

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