How to set up port forwarding

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How to set up port forwarding

Our hubs have a built-in firewall to prevent unauthorised external access to devices that are connected to the internet. To allow external access for things, like online games or hosting of an FTP server, some software or applications might need to reconfigure the firewall. You can do this with Port Forwarding.

The following steps are applicable for all Sky Hubs up to Hub 4. 

Here are the steps:

1. Open a new web browser window and delete the contents of the address bar.

2. Type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. You'll see the Sky Hub Menu.

3. Click the Advanced tab and enter the username and password.

• Default username: admin
• Default password: sky
• Default Password for Hub 4/ Sky Broadband Hub: The default WiFi password printed on the hub
• If these have been changed, enter the current username and password.

4. Click LAN IP Setup then Add under Address reservation.

5. Select the radio button next to the device the traffic should be forwarded to, and take note of the IP address.

6. Click Add. The Hub might request a restart. Click OK and allow it to restart before continuing.

7. Log back into the Hub if you need to. Go to Security, then click Services and Add Service.

8. Type a Name (something you'll recognise, like 'PS4' or 'Xbox').

9. Choose the type or port (TCP / UDP or both).

10. Type the Start and Finish port.

11. Click Apply. If you see 'service name is already present in the existing firewall or custom services,' click OK.

If you have more than one port number / range (PS4 usually uses 4 numbers / ranges), repeat steps 8-11.

12. Repeat from step 8 until you've added all port numbers/ranges, then continue.

13. Click the Firewall Rules.

14. Click Add under Inbound Services.

fill in the IPv4 settings.

15. Choose the name you set up from the Service drop-down.

16. Choose ALLOW always from the Action dropdown.

17. Next to Destination IPv4 LAN address, type the IP address you noted earlier.

18. Click Apply to save your changes. If you added more than one port number/range go back to step 14 until you've added them all.

I’m having problems port forwarding – what should I do?

If you’re experiencing difficulties, make sure that you've checked:

• All of the ports you need are forwarded.

• The right protocol is in use.

• Any other active firewalls on your home PC (such as McAfee, Norton or Windows Firewall) may also need port forwarding set up.

Adding a new port forwarding rule may prevent the hub from working properly. If this happens:

1. Disable the new rule by unticking Enable.

2. Select the radio button next to the rule then click Delete.

3. Reset your hub by holding the Reset button on the back of the Sky Hub for 30 seconds, until the power light flashes.

Resetting will revert the Hub back to its default settings, removing all changes. Any Hub settings you’ve changed will be reset, including your WiFi password and name.

 
Are there any dangers to port forwarding?

This feature is recommended for advanced users only. The incorrect configuration may compromise security and cause loss of your internet service, so following these steps carefully is important. Please read the Warning and Disclaimer of Liability below before going any further.

If you are using a port checker 

If you are using a port checker to check you have opened the ports correctly ensure that the application you are trying to port forward is active and ready to accept connections otherwise it may still show as closed even though your configuration in the hub is correct

 

Warning and Disclaimer of Liability

Each service /application is port-forwarded differently, so the method outlined in this help note may not work for all users. Sky gives no warranty or assurance whatsoever that the above method will function as intended by the user or be suitable in the particular circumstances. It is your sole responsibility to check the requirement for and suitability of any and all configuration changes with your service/application provider before applying any changes to the firewall rules. Forwarding and/or opening any ports can open up your home network to external attacks. You acknowledge and agree that it is your sole responsibility to decide upon and at all times to take all appropriate security measures necessary to protect your home network and devices connected via Sky Hub.
Disclaimer of Liability: Sky does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided in this help note, which is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Sky hereby excludes its liability for any and all losses, damage, costs, claims and expenses arising from in connection with the port-forwarding feature and/or its use including without limitation for any loss, of data or service. Nothing in this article shall exclude Sky's liability for personal injury or death caused by Sky's negligence.

For further help head over to the Broadband & Talk community.

Our thanks to our incredible Superusers for help keeping this article up to date.