AX5700/RT-AX86U PRO Port Forward confusion

[herbkpk]

The above router was installed as a replacement back in August 2023. All went well and I had no reason to post a question until the latest firmware update this week.

I am adding a new DL Web Powered Switch so that I may access LAN devices remotely. I have assigned Port 8022 thru the WAN - Virtual Server/Port Forwarding tab on the
RT-AX86U GUI but have been unable to see the port as open. I notice, at least since the update, that there is no APPLY button at the bottom of the Port Forward list.
There is an ADD PROFILE button to allow for additions/edits, but even after a new entry, there is no APPLY button available.

If I sign out of the router web interface and sign back in, the new port I tried to add is still there. But, with no APPLY button/sequencing, I am unsure as to whether this was
processed / completed properly.

My efforts to ask Asus Tech support were mixed. I was told that there must be an apply sequence and that I need to do a full upload of the configuration files and a hard reset
of the unit and see if the APPLY button appears then. They provided also a document indicating that the APPLY option is there on this model for sure.

Yet, when I checked the documentation page thru my routers GUI hyperlink, there is no mention of APPLY. Is it not required in newer versions (?)

Also, noteworthy is the fact that the other tabs on the WAN GUI do have the APPLY option front and center:
referring to Dual WAN, Port Trigger, DMZ, DDNS, NAT Passthrough. All have an APPLY requirement and sequencing.

So, what gives? This has been pushed up the ladder with ASUS Tier 2 Technical Support but any response to the Case # has been slow. No disparage, just reporting.
I want to open that port (and others), so I want to resolve this. The modem / firewall is not this issue.

If another user has this model, a check of the WAN / Port Server tab would be helpful. If you have it, I should I reason.

Best

 

[bennor]

It may help if you include/post the firmware version you are running on the router. Are you running 3.0.0.6.102_34319?

On a side note. Most will likely simply enable the VPN server option on the router (either openvpn or wireguard) to access their LAN clients remotely using VPN client apps/software.

 

[herbkpk]

Firmware Version:3.0.0.6.102_34319
And thank you for the workaround.
I am currently accessing remotely thru the native DDNS address.
That works nicely.
I guess I had not considered learning about the VPN server option
since I already subscribe to Nord VPN.

As you have already picked up, I am somewhat challenged on the technology.
But always willing to learn and appreciate your response.

 

[ColinTaylor]

@herbkpk There is no Apply button. When you add a profile it is applied immediately. The same when you delete a profile.

 

[bbunge]

Firmware Version:3.0.0.6.102_34319
And thank you for the workaround.
I am currently accessing remotely thru the native DDNS address.
That works nicely.
I guess I had not considered learning about the VPN server option
since I already subscribe to Nord VPN.

As you have already picked up, I am somewhat challenged on the technology.
But always willing to learn and appreciate your response.

Nord VPN is not it. Set your router up as a VPN Server (OpenVPN, Wireguard or InstantGuard). There are clients for just about any device you take on the road. Currently I travel with a Chrome Book as well as my iPhone and Android tablet. I connect back to my home server/router to give a bit more security on a public WIFI and to remotely manage clients inside my LAN.
By the way - port forwarding can be dangerous unless the client inside your LAN is sufficiently hardened to withstand hacking. And if you do decide to use OpenVPN change the default port number. There are plenty of bots out there that will hammer the default port trying to break in.

 

[herbkpk]

Nord VPN is not it. Set your router up as a VPN Server (OpenVPN, Wireguard or InstantGuard). There are clients for just about any device you take on the road. Currently I travel with a Chrome Book as well as my iPhone and Android tablet. I connect back to my home server/router to give a bit more security on a public WIFI and to remotely manage clients inside my LAN.
By the way - port forwarding can be dangerous unless the client inside your LAN is sufficiently hardened to withstand hacking. And if you do decide to use OpenVPN change the default port number. There are plenty of bots out there that will hammer the default port trying to break in.

Thanks to all for the feedback. Sounds like giving up on port forward maybe the way to go.
But, by the way: I provided Tech Service Modrl and Serial on the router and they insisted and forwarded the attached document with the APPLY button required. It was updated 7/22/2024.
I am glad some here are more knowledgeable.