How to Set up Port Forwarding on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router ?

Set up Port Forwarding on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router:

Port forwarding is an advanced technique that helps external devices use the computer’s or laptop’s services on private networks. This is done through the mapping of an external port to an internal one. The majority of gaming networks require port forwarding in order to access your computer services with their private networks. 

The Linksys routers have an inbuilt firewall to prevent unauthorized networks or hackers from entering and accessing your computer files or network. Due to this additional protective feature, you are required to manually configure the router to allow certain programs as well as applications to run on your computer. 

To set up Port Forwarding on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router to allow internet applications to run on a computer, you have to make them pass through the firewall gateway. With Port Forwarding you can put rules on your router to inform it to allow only certain ports to access specific data and network. 

But before you set up Port Forwarding on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router there is a very high chance that you might receive a prompt to update Linksys’ smart wifi. Make sure you do not skip this step under any circumstances. It will require you to create a cloud account which you need to create.

Once the router is updated it will be easier to avoid any restrictions that might occur. In addition to this keep the documentation for the router available so that you can see which ports are needed to get forwarded. Since ports differ according to applications, all information regarding the ports is necessary. Also, take note of the IP Address of your router and computer where you need to forward ports. 

There are two types of Port Forwarding;

• Single Port Forwarding
• Port Range Forwarding

1. Single Port Forwarding:

This method allows you to set up the services one by one on your network. Before following this method, you must assign a Static IP to your router.

Follow the steps given to do single port forwarding.

• Access Linksys Smart Wifi router’s local IP address through web browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer.
• Click the Security option under the Router Settings option.
• With the tabs available, click on the Games and Apps option. 
• Click on Single Port Forwarding and on navigate to Add a new Single-Port Forwarding 
• The next prompt on-screen will ask for the details of the service or application you want to forward the port to. Fill in each detail carefully and cross-check it before moving to the next step. 
• Click Save and then Apply. 

2. Port Range Forwarding:

This option allows you to set up services to a range of ports. Since certain applications require multiple ports to become accessible therefore this option is the best way out.  

So to set up Port Forwarding on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router follow the procedure listed below. 

• Follow the first three steps given under Single Port Forwarding. 
• This time click on Port Range Forwarding and thereafter click on Add a new Port Range Forwarding.
• Enter the details as prompted on the screen.
• Click Save and then Apply.