Unable to get port-forwarding to work

[OzarkEdge]

I've been using RT-AX88U for about 2 years. In Dec 2019 when I initially setup the router, I had the same issue of port forwarding not working, then in late January a firmware upgrade fixed that, and port forwarding worked flawlessly, that is until November '21 when the ports were not opening up AGAIN. I use port forwarding for RDP and now need to try RDP up to 10x before able to connect. What a pain.

This is confirmed using https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/ to check if the port is open. It'll say CLOSED a bunch of times, then after several tries it'll say OPEN, without rhyme or reason. I use the same router at home and can replicate the issue.

Edit: UPnP is NOT enabled

Do you get the same results checking ports here: GRC | ShieldsUP! — Internet Vulnerability Profiling

OE

 

[rallysquirrel]

Port​

Status​

Protocol and Application​

3xxx​

OPEN!​

sdt-lmd SDT License Manager

 

[rallysquirrel]

OK finally figured it out after reading more forums.
The firewall on AX-88u blocks the port forwarding. If you want port forward, you need to disable the firewall. Pick which one you want . I'm moving away from the router for that specific reason.

 

[L&LD]

I believe your conclusion isn't valid. There are more things to try to get your network and router working as you want.