Fixing the "Router is Pingable from the Internet" problem (TP-LINK / Archer C9)

Note: If you cannot fix the problem after you follow these instructions, maybe we can help. Get help from RouterCheck Support.

Understanding the "Router is Pingable from the Internet" problem

"Ping" is an internet protocol that helps one computer determine whether another computer is working and online. It's invaluable for corporate servers, but not so meaningful for home networks.

Hackers have begun to use Ping when looking for home networks to attack, so it's recommended to turn it off on home routers if possible. Unfortunately, some routers won't allow you to turn this feature off, but if your's does, it's a worthwhile thing to do.

What is the risk of not fixing this problem?

Hackers all over the world often scan the entire internet looking for potential targets to attck. Since the internet is so vast, they don't want to waste their time on trying to break into something that isn't worthwhile. That's why they use Ping - to see whether there's something at a certain IP address that's worth attacking. If nothing answers, they'll often move on to the next IP address.

If you have a good reason why your home network should respond to random Pings from across the internet, then by all means leave the setting on. But for the vast majority of home networks, it's much safer to turn this off. Also note that many router manufacturers unfortunately leave this feature on by default.

Vendor Documentation

Often, it's a good idea to look through the router's documentation to learn how to fix problems. Go to the vendor's support site where you can download documentation.

How to fix the "Router is Pingable from the Internet" problem

Step 1: Log into your router

You use a web browser to interact with your router and fix its configuration problems. However, before you can interact with your browser, you must log into it. RouterCheck can give you detailed instructions for logging in to your router.

Step 2: If you log in successfully, your router's home page opens.

Step 3: Navigate to the WAN Settings page.

You want to find a page that has settings for how the router deals with the external internet. The page name may be similar to:

Internet Options
WAN Options
Firewall
Port Forwarding

Navigate to this page by clicking the appropriate menu items and buttons.

Step 4: If you are successful, your router's WAN Settings page opens.

Step 5: Turn off responding to internet Pings

Ensure you leave the check box in a state so that the router won't respond to Pings.

Step 6: Re-run RouterCheck.

Now that you've fixed your problem, run RouterCheck again to verify that you have really fixed the problem.