New Router (ASUS RT-AX-86-U Pro)

KG5PTE

Well my older ASUS RT-AX-82-U Router went bad. And I had the smart link working with no problems. But now that I have to switch routers. I need to get my smart link back up. On tthis router I open up my router control panel. And then go to advanced settings WAN and select virtual server-port forwarding. And then I turn on Port forwarding. Now do I need to add a profile ? Here is a screen shot of what I see. I just need the correct info. please

.

Gord-VA7GP

Good morning James @KG5PTE

I don't know your ASUS router, and I don't know your network-setup, but I'll take a stab (which, I'm hoping, will be helpful 😀)

First - for port forwarding, you'll want a fixed-IP address for your FlexRadio. Typically you can do this on your (new ASUS) router by reserving a DHCP address. Another way is to set the address directly in the Flex radio. But either way, for Port Forwarding, you must know the radio's IP address and it must not change, and it must never conflict with another network-device.

Second - let's look at your "Custom Configuration" section.

• Service Name - a human-readable label that reminds you why you created this rule. Maybe something like SmartSDR (Flexradio) TCP
• Protocol - first let's do TCP
• External Port - 4994
• Internal Port - 4994
• Internal IP Address - this is where you must insert your fixed FlexRadio IP-address

Third - repeat the above steps for Port 4993, UDP, with a name perhaps like SmartSDR (Flexradio) UDP.

You ask about creating a "Profile" and I do not see why you would need something like that. The basics I outline ought to get you going. Please let us know how you make out with this, and GOOD LUCK!

Hope this helps,

Neil D Friedman N3DF

This sounds complex. I’m glad the stock router installed by Spectrum works without issue without touching it.

WX7Y

I don't use the Default 4993 / 4994 Ports going to the WAN because I have two separate radios I use here, I ALSO DON'T use the "Quick Select" function because ASUS doesn't have a Clue what a FLEX Radio is.

Looks like I cut off the 2nd Flex radio TCP Info in the picture but you get the idea.

When you bring up "SmartLink" it will tell you what Port Number to use!

The 6700A UDP External port assigned by "SmartLink" is 22000, internal port 4993 and the 6700A TCP External port assigned by "SmartLink" is 21000, internal port 4994

At the bottom of the main page there is a "ADD PROFILES" click this to add you Radio's SmartLink information so the Router will save your settings and be sure it show on the Virtual Server" in the WAN section of the main screen.

KG5PTE

I got my Flex 6400 plugged directly into the number 4 port on the back of my router. And have set the IP to "Static" (Not DHCP) and on my ASUS router I set the MAC/IP Binding switch to on. I can understand why you wont to use a static IP address. But according to what I read if UPnP is turned on that that should be all you need. But the smart link test is not passing. So now I guess I need to setup the port forwarding.

WX7Y

James, it is best to Manual assigned DHCP IP address to the MAC address of the Radio in the Router and leave the radio set for DHCP, If you don't either set the Device for Static addressing or Manual assign the Radio's IP address to your desired IP address then a lot of times another device grabs the unassigned IP then you be wondering WHY it doesn't work.

I have seen UPnP a lot of times fail when you need it the most and it is a lot more stable when you manually set the Port forwarding and have the Router assign the IP.

Mike-VA3MW

Bret has some good thoughts.

From a FlexRadio support perspective, we have found that leaving uPNP turned on, the radio in DHCP mode has been very reliable.

The reason we say that is often a simple reboot of the radio (and maybe the router) resolves most networking issues. It is highly recommended for those who have limited networking experience. We have had very good experience and results from this model.

When you reboot the radio, it resends the uPNP information to the router.

If you know networking, then you have many options and you also have the skills to debug things. We often trip over outages when a hams 'buddy' set stuff up and then orphaned them. We then have to undo things.

BTW, uPNP Wizard is a good tool to query your router to see the uPNP settings.

https://www.xldevelopment.net/upnpwiz.php

Just another perspective. :) 73, mike va3mw

KG5PTE

OK if I understand Bret correctly. Leave the setting for the radio as DHCP and then using Mac/IP Binding in the ASUS router. I can certainly do that. And give that a try.

Thank you

KG5PTE

I have set this up on my router for port forwarding. From what I read you can not use the option in the router to configure "Both" TCP and UDP together, Instead both rules have to be set up separately. So as of right now. I set a static IP address within the Flex radio setup to 192.168.50.222 (As well as MAC/IP Binding within the ASUS router) But in the WAN setting I set these rules up. For port forwarding. If this does not work I set the radio from static to DHCP.

Thank you

WX7Y

Looks good But a few things that are Redundant if you want to clean them up, if Not then just ignore the below two paragraphs.

I thought that the Optional "Source IP" was when you was port forwarding from a certain IP address out on the WAN and NOT required if your allowing any WAN address to come in on the Port address into your Routers WAN IP. You have your Routers address 192.168.50.1 in the Source address field and really isn't required when your setting it up it is "Optional" because that is ALREADY the Routers IP to the rest of your LAN IP's and the WAN gateway Address.

If your Assigning the IP with the MAC address in the Router then you may want to have the radio set for DHCP just in case you move the Radio to a different router instead of Static might save you or Support some time.

KG5PTE

I had some issues with the ASUS RT AX-86-U Router and so I returned it. And purchased a TP Link AXE 5400 router. And found it to be easy to setup smart link with this router. I noted the IP address for the Flex radio and toggled on the MAC/IP address binding. That way the router assigns the same IP to the radio. While it is on DHCP. and insured that universal plug and play is enabled. And the smart link is working and the light test turns green.

Thank you.

Gord-VA7GP

EXCELLENT!