This article provides steps for setting up a firewall for your Xfinity Gateway.
Once you've set up and activated your Xfinity Gateway (modem/router), you can improve your security, personalize your settings and more. You can also protect your children by setting up Parental Controls.
Note: Visit port forwarding or port triggering to set up these advanced features.
How to set up a firewall
A firewall is a barrier that controls what kind of data comes into and out of your network. A firewall can prevent spam sites from installing unwanted programs on your computer, protect your personal information from theft, and much more.
Note: Higher security from a firewall can block functions you might use, such as peer-to-peer applications, like Skype or Spotify. The default firewall setting on the Wireless Gateway is Low, but you can change your settings to suit your particular needs at any time.
To set up a firewall, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Connect a laptop, computer or mobile device to your home Internet network and open a web browser. Go the Gateway's Admin Tool at http://10.0.0.1 and log in with the following username and password:
- Username: admin
- Password: password
- Note: You will be prompted to change your password the first time you access. Please change the password and, if required, log in to the Admin Tool with the new password.
- On the Admin Tool homepage, click Gateway.
- Under Gateway, click Firewall.
- From there, you can choose IPv4 or IPv6.
- After choosing either, you will see the following options:
- Maximum Security (High), which will block most applications except web browsing, email, iTunes and VPN.
- Typical Security (Medium), which allows access to most sites and services, but blocks all peer-to-peer applications.
- Minimum Security (Low), which enables all secure apps. This is the default setting when you first use your Wireless Gateway.
- Custom Security, which will allow you to block individual types of traffic, or disable your firewall entirely.
Note: If you have an XB7 Wireless Gateway, you’ll only see options for Typical Security and Customer Security after selecting IPv6.
- Select the firewall setting you want.
- Click Save Settings.
- Note: A firewall can be set up on both your computer and your Xfinity Gateway, but more than one firewall can cause interference.
Additional information
Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.
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