How to Port-Forward Motorola SB5120 for a Server

When hosting a server, users must have the ability to connect directly to the computer hosting the files. Unlike a router or gateway, the Motorola SB5120 modem does not filter or direct traffic to only specified local addresses. This means no port-based configuration is necessary on your Motorola modem to host a server. If your SB5120 modem is connected directly to your computer, the only requirement is ensuring the server application has an exception through the Windows Firewall. However, if the SB5120 modem is behind a router, you will also need to set up a port-forwarding rule for your server application.

Instructions

Direct Computer Connection

1. Connect the SB5120 to your computer via an Ethernet cable instead of using the USB interface if possible. Connect the Ethernet cable between the back of your modem and computer.

2. Click “Start.” Type “Firewall.cpl” in the “Search Programs … ” field and press “Enter.” This opens the Windows Firewall component.

3. Click the “Allow a program or feature … ” link on the left. Look for the application used for your server in the list provided, and click to select the check box beside it. If you do not see the program listed, click the “Allow another program … ” button, and manually select it on the following dialog.

4. Click the “OK” button to save. You should now have no problems running a server with your modem. Continue reading to obtain your IP address. Depending on the type of application, you may need to provide this to your clients.

5. Press the “Windows” and “R” keys. Type “CMD” and press “Enter.”

6. Type “Ipconfig /all” in the "Command Prompt" and hit “Enter.” This populates the screen with network address information.

7. Find “IPv4 Address” under the “Ethernet Adapter … ” section. You would give this IP address to your users.

8. Type “Exit” and press “Enter” to close the Command Prompt.

SB5120 With Netgear Router

1. Open any browser.

2. Type “192.168.1.1” or “Routerlogin.net” in your address bar and press “Enter.”

3. Provide your username and password when prompted and click the “OK” button. The defaults are “admin” and “password.”

4. Click “Advanced” and click “Advanced Setup.” This expands a group of links.

5. Click the “Port Forwarding / Port Triggering” link on the left pane. This creates a Port Forwarding Service table at the center of your screen.

6. Click the “Add Custom Service” button. This opens a second page used to create a forwarding rule for your server application.

7. Type a rule name in the Service Name box. Click the “Protocol” option and select “Both,” and then type in the port numbers your service application uses in the “Port … ” fields.

8. Click the radio button beside your computer in the "Currently attached Devices” table, and click “Apply.” Server traffic will now go from the SB5120 through the Netgear and directly to the computer. Continue reading to learn how to obtain your server IP address.

9. Click “Advanced” and click “Administration.” This expands several links.

10. Click the “Router Status” link and look at the “Internet Port” section. The “IP Address” provided here is your server address. You may need to give this address to your clients.

SB5120 with Linksys Router

1. Open any browser.

2. Add “192.168.1.1” to your address bar and press “Enter.”

3. Provide your username and password when prompted and click the “OK” button. The defaults are “admin” and “password.”

4. Click “Applications & Gaming” and click “Port Range Forwarding.” This displays your rules at the center of the page.

5. Create a rule name in the “Application Name” box. Enter the port numbers in the Start and End port boxes.

6. Click “Protocol” and select the “Both” option. In the “To IP Address” field, type your local IP address. Click the “Enabled” check box to use the rule, and click “Save Settings” to save. Continue reading to learn how to obtain your server IP.

7. Click the “Status” tab. Look at the “Internet IP Address” section. This is your server IP. You may need to give this address to your clients.

SB5120 with D-Link Router

1. Open any browser.

2. Enter “192.168.0.1” in the address bar.

3. Provide your username and password when prompted, and click the “OK” button. The default username is “admin” and it does not have a default password.

4. Click “Advanced” and click “Port Forwarding.” Type the name for your server software in the “Name” box.

5. Enter the port numbers to forward in the Start and End boxes. Expand “Traffic Type” and click “Any.”

6. Click “Schedule” and click “Always.” Click the “Save Settings” button. Continue reading to obtain your server IP.

7. Click “Status” at the top, and look at the “WAN” section. Your server IP is provided next to IP Address. You may need to supply your clients with this address.

SB5120 with Belkin Router

1. Open any browser.

2. Enter “192.168.2.1” in the address bar and press “Enter.”

3. Click “Login” at the top and provide your password. Belkin does not have a password by default. In this case, leave the field blank.

4. Click “Virtual Servers,” which is found under the Firewall section on the left. This displays the rule table.

5. Tick the “Enable” box and type a name in the “Description” field. Enter the port numbers for the software in all of the “Port” fields.

6. Click “Type” and click “Both.” Enter your local IP in the “Private IP Address” box, and click “Apply Changes.” Continue reading to obtain your server address.

7. Click “Status” and look at the “Internet Status” section. Your server address is provided beside IP Address. You may need to supply this to your clients.

References

• Motorola: User Guides
• Linksys: WRT54GR Emulator
• D-Link: DIR 655 Emulator
• Netgear: How is Port Forwarding Configured?
• Belkin: Configuring Port Forwarding