Linksys EA-Series

How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports

Why would I set up port forwarding for multiple ports? Port forwarding is a feature that forwards inbound traffic from the Internet on a specific port to a single device on your local network. Unlike a web camera that typically only requires a single port to be forwarded, some applications require forwarding of multiple ports. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) software that allows you to operate your computer remotely from anywhere on the Internet is an example of an application that requires multiple ports to be forwarded. To forward to multiple ports, just create additional entries to forward additional ports to the same IP address.

Example: You want to set up your computer so you can remotely access it using VNC software. By default, VNC uses TCP ports 5800 and 5900.

To set up single port forwarding for multiple ports:

1.Make sure that the software you want to use has been installed onto a networked computer.

2.Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi- Fi” on page 7.

3.Set up DHCP reservation for the IP address of the computer on which you installed the software. (See “How to set up the DHCP server on your router” on page 34).

4.Under Router Settings, click Security.

5.Click the Apps and Gaming tab.

6.Click Single Port Forwarding. The Single Port Forwarding screen opens.

Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

7.Click Add a new Single Port Forwarding.

8.In the Application name field, enter a descriptive name.

9.Enter in the same port number for the External Port and the Internal Port.

10.In the Protocol drop-down list, select TCP, UDP, or Both (default).

11.In the Device IP# field, enter the last three digits of the IP address you have reserved for the computer you want to forward Internet traffic to. The rest of the IP address has already been completed for you.

12.Select Enabled, then click Save. If you don’t want to use port forwarding but want to keep the information in the table, unselect the checkbox.

NOTE

If you want to use software such as VNC on multiple computers, you will need to reconfigure the default ports that VNC uses on each additional computer. Then, create additional port forwarding entries for each additional computer. See your software’s documentation for help.

How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports

Why would I set up port forwarding for a range of ports? Port forwarding is a feature that forwards inbound traffic from the Internet on a range of ports to a single device on your local network. Unlike a web camera that typically only requires a single port to be forwarded, some applications require forwarding to a range of ports.

Example: You want to set up your computer so you can use BitTorrent, a popular peer-to-peer file sharing application. BitTorrent uses port 6881 by default. If that port is busy, the requesting BitTorrent client tries the next port in sequence. The most common configuration for home routers with a single BitTorrent computer is to set up port forwarding using a range of ports starting with 6881 and ending with port 6889.

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Linksys EA6900 manual How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports, How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports

EA6900 specifications

The Linksys EA6900 is a dual-band wireless router that stands out for its impressive performance and advanced features tailored to meet the demands of modern households. Designed to deliver reliable connectivity for multiple devices simultaneously, it supports the latest Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology, enabling faster speeds and improved coverage compared to older routers.

One of the main features of the EA6900 is its dual-band capability, which operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This allows users to connect to the less congested 5 GHz band for activities that require higher bandwidth, such as streaming HD video or online gaming, while still having the 2.4 GHz band available for basic activities like browsing and email.

The router provides a maximum throughput of up to 1900 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications. The beamforming technology further enhances the signal strength and reliability by focusing the wireless signal directly toward connected devices rather than broadcasting it in all directions. This results in better performance and coverage throughout the home, eliminating dead zones and improving connectivity in challenging locations.

The Linksys EA6900 also features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing wired connections for devices such as gaming consoles, PCs, and smart TVs, which benefit from stable and high-speed connections. Additionally, it comes equipped with a USB 3.0 port for sharing files and media across the network, allowing users to connect external storage devices for easy access to data.

Another key characteristic of the EA6900 is its user-friendly interface, facilitated by the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app. This application allows users to manage their network settings remotely, including monitoring connected devices, setting parental controls, and prioritizing bandwidth for specific applications or devices.

Security is a top priority for the Linksys EA6900, featuring WPA2 encryption and a built-in firewall to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats. The router also supports IPv6, ensuring compatibility with the latest internet protocols.

In summary, the Linksys EA6900 is a robust and versatile router that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices requiring reliable connectivity. With its dual-band capability, impressive speed, and enhanced security measures, it provides users with the performance they need for today’s connected lifestyle.