Can't access my website externally and I cannot figure out why.

[norfolk_uk]

I have Apache running on a Raspberry Pi, hosting a website. On my LAN I can access the website no problem. Outside of my LAN it times out. I am happy that Apache is working correctly and that UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is letting the right stuff in and out (because I can access the website from the LAN no problem).

I have a static IP from Vodafone and the DNS is correct (if I use the IP:port number I still cannot access the site externally).

My ISP is Vodafone and I am using their router (THG3000). I have set the web server a static IP and I have port forwarded ports 80 and 443.

I should also say that with the same equipment I have successfully hosted a site from home before.

I assume that the traffic is not being port forwarded, despite port forwarding being set up. I have also put the web server in the DMZ to no avail and even turned the router's firewall off completely for a minute to test, also to no avail.

I have spoken to Vodafone who confirmed that they do not block port 80.

At this point I am at a loss to explain it. Does anyone have any ideas please?

[norfolk_uk]

I have just been on an online chat with Vodafone and made to level 3 support where I was told the following and I quote:

"I would like to tell you that now port forwarding do not work on the Vodafone supplied router and according to the new policy of Vodafone , they have now stopped the port forwarding for Vodafone supplied router .

I can understand what you have mentioned to me however due to multiple complications it has been created , the Vodafone decided to switch it OFF . People were facing lots of problems due to port forwarding that is why Vodafone stopped that practice and now it is not available here , I am afraid ."

So it that true? Does anyone have port forwarding working on a Vodafone supplied router?

If this is true then the only apparent recourse is to buy a 3rd party router. Unbelievable!

[Jayach]

I don't believe a word of it.

[Ripshod]

I wouldn't be surprised though. Gonna try my vf router tonight, see what happens

[Jayach]

O.K. I've just tried it on my THG3000, same firmware as you.

And it worked  (as far as I can tell)

Testied with Open Port Check Tool -- Verify Port Forwarding on Your Router (canyouseeme.org)

[Ripshod]

Can you check port 80 and 443, I can see vodafone deliberately blocking them. 

[Ripshod]

@norfolk_uk is WAN access to the router disabled? That would lock out both ports, and is insecure. 

[norfolk_uk]

I can't see a WAN setting anywhere on the router?

[Jayach]

What WAN setting are you looking for?

It's not possible to allow access to the router configuration from the WAN, if that is what you are looking for.

[norfolk_uk]

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@Jayach wrote:

What WAN setting are you looking for?

It's not possible to allow access to the router configuration from the WAN, if that is what you are looking for.

I was replying to the following:

@norfolk_uk is WAN access to the router disabled? That would lock out both ports, and is insecure.

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[Ripshod]

My bad, thought it was there. Gonna plug my vf router in now. Will let you know