WGR614 v6 Manual: Configuring Port Triggering

Port Triggering is an advanced feature that can be used to easily enable gaming and other internet applications. Port Forwarding is typically used to enable similar functionality, but it is static and has some limitations.

Note: If you use applications such as multi-player gaming, peer-to-peer connections, real time communications such as instant messaging, or remote assistance (a feature in Windows XP), you should also enable UPnP according to the instructions at "Using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)" on page 6-18.

Port Triggering opens an incoming port temporarily and does not require the server on the internet to track your IP address if it is changed by DHCP, for example.

Port Triggering monitors outbound traffic. When the router detects traffic on the specified outbound port, it remembers the IP address of the computer that sent the data and triggers the incoming port. Incoming traffic on the triggered port is then forwarded to the triggering computer.

Using the Port Triggering page, you can make local computers or servers available to the Internet for different services (for example, FTP or HTTP), to play Internet games (like Quake III), or to use Internet applications (like CUseeMe).

Port Forwarding is designed for FTP, Web Server or other server based services. Once port forwarding is set up, request from Internet will be forwarded to the proper server. On the contrary, port triggering will only allow request from Internet after a designated port is 'triggered'. Port triggering applies to chat and Internet games.

Note: If Disable Port Triggering box is checked after configuring port triggering, port triggering will be disabled but any port triggering configuration information you added to the router will be retained even though it will not be used.

Port Triggering Timeout

Enter a value up to 9999 minutes. The Port Triggering Timeout value controls the inactivity timer for the designated inbound port(s). The inbound port(s) will be closed when the inactivity timer expires.

For Internet Games or Applications

Before starting, you'll need to know which service, application or game you'll be configuring. Also, you'll need to have the outbound port (triggering port) address for this game or application.

Follow these steps to set up a computer to play Internet games or use Internet applications:

3. Under Service User, selecting Any (default) will allow this service to be used by everyone in your network. Otherwise, select Single address and enter the IP address of one computer to restrict the service to a particular computer.

6. Enter the inbound connection port information such as Connection Type, Starting Port and Ending Port boxes. This information can be obtained from the game or applications manual or support Web site.