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Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address

Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address

Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-07-20 15:43:57
Tags: #Port Forwarding
Model: Deco BE63  
Hardware Version: V20
Firmware Version: 1.1.7

There is no reason to require the MAC address when creating a port forward why put this burden on the user?

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#1
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8 Reply
Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-07-20 15:44:31

  @Brahn 

File:
IMG_1289.pngDownload
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#2
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-07-20 18:19:36

  @Brahn 

 

If this walk thru doesn't help please get back to me 

 

https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1797/

 

 

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
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#3
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-11-17 11:41:53
Hi, same issue here. Port forwarding require to input a MAC address, but some of devices can set a fixed IP but a rotating MAC address which could not be fixed. The URL you provided didn't mention how to fix it. Thanks.
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#4
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-11-17 22:55:46

  @dejiko 

 

First please access the Deco web UI by entering "tplinkdeco.net" in your browser. Navigate to Advanced > System > System Log, select "ALL" in the log type, and save the file to your local computer. Then follow the steps below making sure to attach the logs to the email.

 

I recommend sending an email to forumsupport.usa@tp-link.com with the following information:

 

Subject: [Forum Escalation][ID 833226] Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address

Forum Nickname: [User Provided]

Thread URL: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/833226

Model&Version: [User Provided]

Description: [User Provided]

Any Other Relevant Information (Logs, Config Files, Images, etc.): [User Provided]

 

In the template above please fill in the areas that say [User Provided].  This will open a case with our engineering team, and they will work with you via email. 

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
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#5
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-11-18 13:21:14

  @HelpFixDecoApp 

 

why even respon? clearly this "app" is useless and doesnt address the situation at hand.

 

humans are just to hard to come by eh?

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#6
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
2025-11-18 13:23:00
WHY DO YOU REQUIRE A MAC ADDRESS TO PORT FORWARD??! THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND NOT ARBITRARY. IT PREVENTS ROTATING MAC ADDRESSES FROM USING PORT FORWARDS READ THE F'ING ISSUE
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#7
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
Friday

  @Brahn I had the same problem, but it can be solved by just using a fictional mac adress such as 00-00-00-00-00-AE.

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#8
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Re:Port forwarding shouldn't require a MAC address
Saturday

  @Brahn 

 

Interesting? I looked at MY BE68. On the iOS Deco App, V3.10.238 (via TestDrive). 

 

Found it under Advanced, NAT Fowarding, Port Fowarding:

 

2899a5753cae49d895995005f97aee2b

 

All I'm asked for is the Internal IP Address?

 

fd534cdd84334b88894e1409311e8c86

 

I then have IP Address choices:

 

74c06f89bff244e6ae08a9263b29b0aa

 

The CUSTOM one I assume would be for clients NOT now connected? However, using CUSTOM you must also supply the MAC Address:

 

8fd6832ff23344e097dc3bdd5b9f5196

 

What I do now know is if this later version matches the process to your version of Deco?

 

Also, selecting IP Address, and then from the DEVICE list, what data is actually captured? Since many devices might not get the same IP Address on each device connects, I assume you've assigned the one(s) you want to Port Forward to Fixed IP Addresses... all well and good. However selecting 'that' device from the list, if the Deco also saves the MAC address of that device?

 

With today's device not by default using fixed IP or MAC addresses, you would of course need to assign a FIXED IP Address to the device and in the device turn off the change features for IP and MAC Address.

 

 

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#9
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