does BHN block http/https inbound?

[amheck]

I have a Mediasmart server that I have never tried to set up remote access to until tonite. I was going thru some of the setup in the WHS console, and it's failing at the "making sure your website is accessable from the internet". I read some guides and I've seen that some ISP's block the http and https inbound ports. Does anyone know if BHN does this?

I've also read that you can run into some problems with VoIP adapters, but I wanted to find out about the port info first before proceeding with that additional troubleshooting.

[Jason]

I remember that port 80 was blocked, but not sure about 443 (https). It probably is.

How many remote computers need to access it? If there's only one, you may want to consider setting up a VPN. The basic one within Windows should be more than enough. That works from port 1723, and is open. That would overcome any blocked ports.

[amheck]

I hadn't considered a VPN solution. That's an option.

I hadn't planned on having this be a high use thing at all. Mainly just to get video/music/doc files when on vacation or away from the house. The HP WHS has a pretty nice remote access feature, and I think there's port forwarding option that you can do to get around having ports blocked, but I don't know that its worth all of that trouble. This isn't anything that HAS to be done.

How do you go about testing ports? Can you try a connection from outside your internal network to the WAN IP on the router? Would that be a good test?

Thanks for the reply.

[galbicka]

How do you go about testing ports? Can you try a connection from outside your internal network to the WAN IP on the router? Would that be a good test?
Sure would. Try the Shields Up test at GRC to see if those ports are open.
http://www.grc.com/intro.htm

[ramarc]

Nothing's blocked... I have a personal website that I access remotely all the time. You just need to setup your router's firewall to forward the proper ports to your server.

[amheck]

Got it working today. I set up the necessary port forwarding in my router. I also had to move my Vonage adapter after the router, instead of in front of it.

Thanks guys.

[ispgeek]

I remember that port 80 was blocked, but not sure about 443 (https). It probably is.

How many remote computers need to access it? If there's only one, you may want to consider setting up a VPN. The basic one within Windows should be more than enough. That works from port 1723, and is open. That would overcome any blocked ports.

Nothing is blocked inbound. I'm using a Synology DS209+II with inbound 80 and an alternate as well plus other inbound services.

[skottey]

yes, they block port 80 unless you have a virtual office account with static IP. But I was always able to use another port. Does the media device allow you to change the port number? If you can than you can use HTTP.

Even if you have a webserver you can do this but it isn't ideal.

It is just IP:port, (example xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:xx or 192.168.1.1:5000 with your public IP address obviously). If you have a router set it up to pass it along internally and remember that RR changes your IP address (DHCP) from time to time.

[ispgeek]

yes, they block port 80 unless you have a virtual office account with static IP. But I was always able to use another port. Does the media device allow you to change the port number? If you can than you can use HTTP.

Even if you have a webserver you can do this but it isn't ideal.

It is just IP:port, (example xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:xx or 192.168.1.1:5000 with your public IP address obviously). If you have a router set it up to pass it along internally and remember that RR changes your IP address (DHCP) from time to time.

Um no...they don't block port 80. I'm using it on port 80 as we speak and have been for years. Generally speaking it's not an issue unless there is an abuse issue (which this is not). I know of lots of people currently using inbound port 80 without an issue as well.

[amheck]

80 ended up working here too

[skottey]

Um no...they don't block port 80. I'm using it on port 80 as we speak and have been for years. Generally speaking it's not an issue unless there is an abuse issue (which this is not). I know of lots of people currently using inbound port 80 without an issue as well.

um yeah.. I can tell you for a fact they have blocked port 80 in the past in St Pete. It doesn't mean they still do or have in the entire metro, but they certainly have.

[ispgeek]

um yeah.. I can tell you for a fact they have blocked port 80 in the past in St Pete. It doesn't mean they still do or have in the entire metro, but they certainly have.

I'm in St Pete....no blocky :p I suspect you had problems with inbound 80 and your router. Many people do...very common. I've been running this way for over 5 years without a problem. Now that's not to say everybody should go out and throw up a web server at home. It's against the residential AUP. But I have a legit reason. I have a home media server that also streams to other devices like phones and other remote devices. Access to the device is through a web interface and it is without a doubt on port 80 as I type this and has been since day one.

[skottey]

I suspect you had problems with inbound 80 and your router. Many people do...very common.

Cute, considering I am an IT guy and own a firm that services residential computers and small business networks in the Tampa Bay metro.

Also, I have been with Roadrunner for a long time. Since it was first available in Temple Terrace in 1998. In those days, you could browse to other IP addresses and get on people's computers. Back in the days of 98 and Me and nothing blocked on RR's network. haha... again, they have in the past blocked port 80. I have seen this more than once and confirmed it with their support by phone when I first discovered it was blocked. Perhaps it is on a case by case basis but they have done this. If you are going to run a webserver, get a static IP and not break the terms of service anyway. I was just trying to help in my previous posts. If you find port 80 blocked (with any provider) you can change the port and specify the port number in the browser or program.

[ispgeek]

Cute, considering I am an IT guy and own a firm that services residential computers and small business networks in the Tampa Bay metro.

Also, I have been with Roadrunner for a long time. Since it was first available in Temple Terrace in 1998. In those days, you could browse to other IP addresses and get on people's computers. Back in the days of 98 and Me and nothing blocked on RR's network. haha... again, they have in the past blocked port 80. I have seen this more than once and confirmed it with their support by phone when I first discovered it was blocked. Perhaps it is on a case by case basis but they have done this. If you are going to run a webserver, get a static IP and not break the terms of service anyway. I was just trying to help in my previous posts. If you find port 80 blocked (with any provider) you can change the port and specify the port number in the browser or program.

Impressive resume...

hmm lets see, 29 years experience with embedded systems, network design and build out, MCSE, CNE, Net+, A+, fluently program in three low level languages, 4 high level languages and one you've never heard of which is a nice hybrid of the two, 4 OS's (Linux, Windows, Oasys, Flex), 13 years SATV (c-ku), SMATV, 5.8 years CATV...whew yea that about sums it up for the most part but who's keeping track. Been a customer of BHN long before they were even Timewarner or had broadband service and currently have Lightning 40/5. Now I don't know why I posted all that...it seemed important for you to...so what the hell...I might as well too :rolleyes:

Now on to the real issue. Facts are Port 80 inbound is not blocked and generally won't be unless you are discovered abusing it on the BHN network. Abusing it is not defined as making your home security system available to you at work via port 80. Hosting a commercial site...different issue...but it's not blocked. Yes you can certainly use an alternate port but it isn't needed at least on the BHN network.

[skottey]

Impressive resume...

hmm lets see, 29 years experience with embedded systems, network design and build out, MCSE, CNE, Net+, A+, fluently program in three low level languages, 4 high level languages and one you've never heard of which is a nice hybrid of the two, 4 OS's (Linux, Windows, Oasys, Flex), 13 years SATV (c-ku), SMATV, 5.8 years CATV...whew yea that about sums it up for the most part but who's keeping track. Been a customer of BHN long before they were even Timewarner or had broadband service and currently have Lightning 40/5. Now I don't know why I posted all that...it seemed important for you to...so what the hell...I might as well too :rolleyes:



That is douchey indeed. You have a right to question yourself for posting all that. I specifically posted my experience with Roadrunner and working with residents of the community and you call it my "resume" and post this in response? I wasn't giving you a list of everything I have done and for what it is worth you certainly have me on age, that is for sure... old man :)