Firewall

Although it may be redundant, given the protection provided by my router, I have Windows Firewall enabled on my server platform. This prevents unwanted incoming packets from reaching the host computer, but unless I tell the firewall otherwise, it will reject incoming KOB packets and web server requests also. Here's how I configure my firewall:

  1. Prepare to add new inbound rules by clicking on Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall > Advanced settings > Inbound Rules.
  2. Add a new rule to allow inbound UDP packets on port 7890:
    • Click New Rule > Port > Next.
    • Check UDP and set "Specific local ports" to 7890. Click Next.
    • Check "Allow the connection" and click Next.
    • Check Domain, Private, and Public, and click Next.
    • Set Name to MorseKOB and click Finish.
  3. Add a new rule to allow inbound TCP packets on port 80:
    • Click New Rule > Port > Next.
    • Check TCP and set "Specific local ports" to 80. Click Next.
    • Check "Allow the connection" and click Next.
    • Check Domain, Private, and Public, and click Next.
    • Set Name to HTTP and click Finish.
  4. Close all Windows Firewall windows.

Depending on your firewall, you may have to enable outgoing KOB and HTTP packets as well. With Windows Firewall, outgoing packets are permitted by default.

Testing

Make sure you can access your server from your local network by running the same tests as in the previous section (IP address), but this time use another computer on your local network—not the same one as the server platform. This computer can be connected to your router either by an Ethernet cable or wirelessly.

Getting your firewall configured correctly can be very tricky. Troubleshooting can be made a lot easier by enabling the firewall's logging function and checking the log to find out (a) if the KOB and HTTP packets are reaching the firewall, and (b) whether they're being allowed or dropped by the firewall. If you run into trouble, please ask me for advice before you get frustrated.

Once the firewall is all set, give yourself a pat on the back and continue on to configure the router.