Unable to Host External - Hear me out

[Wenin]

I've checked all that I can think of, and I'm unable to get a client to connect using my external IP address. Clients connect just fine when I use my internal IP address. I'm doing my connection tests running the server and client from the same computer. I don't have a second computer to test with. I'll show you all my homework.

First, earlier in the year I was able to host Fantasy Ground sessions, the only issue I had to overcome is that I have Xfinity and had to disable the Advanced Security protections. The only change I'm aware of since then was that I replaced my Router. I got rid of the Xfinity and purchased an Arris Surfboard SBG8300.

I'm currently running FG 3.3.12, running a Windows 10, directly connected to my router/gateway with a hardline. I've also tested using the Wifi, no change.

The things I've tried.


- Network is set to Private as the Wiki suggests.

- Using Telnet, the connection is refused if I use my External IP address, but it works if I use my internal IP address.

- I've confirmed my external IP address, comparing the value FG provides to the IP address listed at https://whatismyipaddress.com/

- Enabled Port Forwarding, for UDP/TCP on port 1802

- Using https://www.canyouseeme.org/, with Port Forwarding disabled, a check of my external IP address and port 1802 fails. Enabling the Port Forwarding, the check succeeds

- If I attempt to connect with FG with Port Forwarding disabled, the connect immediately fails. Enabled, it times out after 30 seconds.

- Tested with Windows Defender Firewall Disabled, still fails

- Tested with AVG Anti Virus Disabled, still fails. I have no other anti-virus installed

- Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security configurations
-- Connection Security Rules: I have two for FG. One for TCP and UDP Protocols, both set to Any IP address, port specified as 1802
-- Inbound Rules: I have two for FG. One for TCP and UDP Protocols, for Private & Public, Action Allow, Override No, specify the FG application path, any user, local port any, remote port any

I've called Xfinity support and Arris support. They were stumped. Arris Support had me restore factory defaults for my Router.

All indications are that the issue is with my computer.... but the only thing that changed is the modem i'm using.


I've gone through the following threads

This is last resort, I'd rather not have to pay for some monthly service. Kind of defeats the point of me having purchased the modem to avoid Xfinity fees.
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?43607-Port-Forward-Alternatives


I'm sure I have my Gateway configured properly, I had found the site (https://portforward.com/) to be very helpful.
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?4279-FG-Knowledge-Base-Firewalls

I believe this only pertains to those users that have Xfinity Gateways.
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?53461-Comcast-XFinity-Cox-and-Shaw-Communications-Users-Important

I'm at a loss. What else could I check?

[Zacchaeus]

You can't connect using your external IP address from the same network - either from the same computer or from another computer on the same network. On the same computer you use localhost and on another device use the internal IP address. You'll need someone from outside your network to connect via the external IP address. You don't say however whether you are getting a successful connection test?

[damned]

Please post answers to the Fantasy Grounds Connections Explained questions.

[Trenloe]

- Using https://www.canyouseeme.org/, with Port Forwarding disabled, a check of my external IP address and port 1802 fails. Enabling the Port Forwarding, the check succeeds
This sounds like you'll be OK. Bujt, as Zacchaeus says, most Internet routers won't allow you to go out to the Internet and back into your own network, for various security reasons.

Get someone from external to your network to test. PM me your alias when your FG server is running (double check TCP port 1802 is shown as open at canyouseeme.org) and I'll try to connect.

[Wenin]

Thank you to Zacchaeus for identifying the issue, and Trenloe for conducting a test. Everything was working just fine. My method of testing wasn't possible.