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
Setting up a port forward
- Go to helixfi.videotron.com or open the Helix Fi app and sign in with your Videotron user name and password.
- Click on the Connection section.
- Click on the blue link See network below your Wi-Fi network’s name.
- Select Advanced Settings in the More section at the bottom of the page.
- Select Port Forwarding from the menu.
- Select Add Port Forward.
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, Bedtime Mode 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.
- Choose the household device for the port forward you are setting up from the drop-down list of connected devices.
Warning: If you don't see the device listed, it may not be connected to your home network.
- Choose from the list of common applications to use a recommended, preset configuration (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation) or select Manual Setup to enter specific port numbers, ranges or protocols.
- Select Apply Changes to complete the port forward’s setup.
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.
- Go to helixfi.videotron.com or open the Helix Fi app and sign in with your Videotron user name and password.
- Select Network Devices in the Network section.
- Choose the device for the port forward you are editing or deleting from the drop-down list of connected devices.
- Select Advanced Settings in the More section at the bottom of the page.
- Select Port Forwarding. All existing port forwards will be listed here.
- 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.
Read the article “Getting Started with Helix Fi” to discover other setup options available through your Gateway.
