How does port forwarding work?
Similar to the walls in your home, your Helix Fi Gateway keeps out potentially harmful risks, while opening doors or “ports” for safe web browsing. However, some applications require a designated port in order to work properly. That’s where port forwarding comes in handy. Port forwarding is commonly used for:
- Video games
- Certain email applications, like POP3
- Instant messaging
- Videoconferencing
- Peer-to-peer file sharing
- Remote computer access
- IP telephony
Never used the Helix Fi app before? Find out how to download and connect to it.
Setting up a port forward
- Open the Helix Fi app and sign in with your Videotron username and password.
- Go to the Connect section.
- Select View WiFi equipment.
- Go to the Advanced settings section.
- Select Port forwarding, then Add Port Forward.
- Tap Continue if a warning appears on the screen.
- Select the device to which the port will be forwarded.
Warning: If you don't see the device listed, it may not be connected to your home network.
- Use the Manual Setup menu to choose automatic setup depending on the game or device, or use manual set up.
- Tap Add Port Number or Add Port Range to add a new port forward.
- Tap Next, then Close on the confirmation window.
The device you set up for this port forward can now use these settings.
If you are unsure what port settings to choose, refer to the manual of the device or application you are trying to use. Opening unnecessary ports is not recommended, as it may pose a network security risk.
Adding, editing or deleting a port forward
- Open the Helix Fi app and sign in with your Videotron username and password.
- Click on the Connect section.
- Select View WiFi equipment.
- Access the Advanced settings section.
- Select Port Forwarding. All existing port forwards will be listed here.
If you have previously set up a port forward from your Gateway’s Admin Tool (http://10.0.0.1), you should see it listed in the port forwarding settings. Once you change the settings of port forwarding, downtime schedules, or pause/unpause a device through Helix Fi, you will no longer be able to change similar features (port forwarding, block or scheduled block) through the Gateway’s Admin Tool.
- Select Edit next to the port forward you want to edit or delete.
- Select Delete this Port Forward at the bottom of the screen if you want to remove it or Apply Changes after making edits.
Warning: Port forwards without an associated device can’t be edited. If you want to use an existing port forward that doesn’t have an associated device, you’ll need to delete it, then create a new one by selecting Add Port Forward.
Learn more about other set-up options available through your gateway by checking out the Helix Fi app.
