This article details the process of setting up a firewall for your Xfinity Gateway.
Once you've set up and activated your Xfinity Gateway (modem/router), you can enhance your security, personalize your settings, and more. You can also help protect your children while they're online by setting up Parental Controls.
Note: For even more advanced features, visit port forwarding or port triggering.
How to set up a firewall
A firewall is a digital barrier that controls what kind of data comes into and out of your network. A firewall can prevent spam sites from installing unwanted malware programs on your devices, protect your personal information from theft, and much more.
Note: Higher security from a firewall may 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'll 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, select IPv6 (or IPv4, if IPv6 is not listed).
- Next, you'll see the following options:
- Maximum Security (High): Blocks most applications except web browsing, email, iTunes, and VPN.
- Typical Security (Medium): Allows access to most sites and services, but blocks all peer-to-peer applications.
- Minimum Security (Low): Enables all secure apps. This is the default setting when you first activate your wireless gateway.
- Custom Security: Allows 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 and close the browser window.
- 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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