Port Triggering and Port Forwarding | AT&T Office@Hand
Article #76181
This article provides information about Port Triggering and Port Forwarding in AT&T Office@Hand.
Port Forwarding and Port Triggering are NAT or firewall-related features that are available on most office routers. The features may not be available on higher-end routers or firewalls and do not contribute to the quality of service (QoS) or call quality improvements.
NOTE: Both Port Triggering and Port Forwarding DO NOT contribute to QoS/call-quality improvements.
Port Triggering
Port Triggering is a feature/function relating to the NAT (Network Address Translation)/Firewall. Its implementation affects how inbound traffic from the outside of your network is allowed into your LAN. A computer/device on your network needs to initiate/open (trigger) the communications path with a device/service from outside your network first, in order to allow traffic from that external device/service into your LAN.
Set up port triggering or port forwarding only if:
- Security changes were made to your network configuration or router, and you are unable to make calls using the AT&T Office@Hand phone system or experiencing one-way audio. This is due to connectivity issues to/from AT&T Office@Hand SIP servers.
- You installed a new router. After confirming that internet connectivity is OK, and the phone is powered on, and you still are unable to make calls using the AT&T Office@Hand system or experiencing one-way audio, then port triggering or port forwarding may be necessary.
Advantages
This method gives more flexibility than static port forwarding because it’s not necessary to set up for a specific IP address on your network. It also improves security, since the inbound port is not left open when not in use.
How to Enable Port Triggering
The steps to enable port triggering differ depending on your router’s brand. You may refer to the links below to find out more, though it is recommended to refer to the router manufacturer’s documentation for the most updated steps.
How to Set Up Port Triggering on a Linksys Router
How to Set Up Port Triggering for D-Link routers
How to Set Up Port Triggering on a Netgear Router
Port Forwarding
Port Forwarding is a feature/function relating to the NAT (Network Address Translation)/Firewall. Computers and other devices behind your network’s firewall, or your router, are invisible to others on the internet. They communicate through Private IP Addresses, and an associated, unique port number.
When Port Forwarding is configured and enabled, it allows remote computers (i.e., outside your network) to connect to a specific computer or service on your network. The router forwards incoming traffic to the associated device on your LAN (Local Area Network), as configured.
Key Words: AT&T Office@Hand, network, Port Triggering, Port Forwarding, NAT, QoS
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