Remote access to my home device

My virgin router was recently replaced with a new hub 3 router (the previous router was a virgin router). Prior to this, I could access my "Heatmiser" heating device remotely. However, with the new router, I can access the device when connected to my wifi network but not remotely. I have reserved a particular port for the device and also port forwarded the port but still cannot access the device remotely. The one setting I am not sure about is the "Remote Port" setting, which I believe is in the admin tab of the router setting. I am not sure what port number this is suppose to be. I have called Virgin Media and they have been very unhelpful. They keep connecting me to a service where I have to pay monthly charges before they can even investigate the problem (mind you, this was working perfectlly okay before the router swap). Does anyone on this platform have any ideas as to what the appropriate settings might be? I have used 80/80/80/80 for the port forwarding. I have also tried 8068/8068/8068/8068.

I have a Heatmiser thermostat which I bought seven years ago.. It is connected to my wifi and my broadband router has assigned it an IP address.

I can use the Heatmiser SmartStat Android app to access the thermostat when I am in the property and when I am away. This has worked without using any port forwarding settings in the router.

I presume that the thermostat connects to some public IP address and that the app connects to the same internet site and finds my thermostat using its name and the security details that I entered.

Edited by Michael_Chare (Mon 13-Mar-23 22:32:51)

In reply to a post by Michael_Chare:

I presume that the thermostat connects to some public IP address and that the app connects to the same internet site and finds my thermostat using its name and the security details that I entered.

This is called P2P, many smart camera also use this method.

Have you rebooted your Heatmiser system since changing the router? I would start there - your public IP has probably changed as part of your modem swap and having it boot up again and set up the reverse proxy will kick it into life.

In reply to a post by Michael_Chare:

I presume that the thermostat connects to some public IP address and that the app connects to the same internet site and finds my thermostat using its name and the security details that I entered.

Yes. This is the most reliable way to connect, use a service in the "cloud" to make the connection. Solves problems of internet providers with CGNAT.

The same approach for Hive, Nest and other smart themostats (and other products).

In reply to a post by dect:

This is called P2P, many smart camera also use this method.

I thought this was hub & spoke or point to point? If you mean Peer to Peer was where devices spoke to each other across the local network without a server?

In reply to a post by jchamier:

If you mean Peer to Peer was where devices spoke to each other across the local network without a server?

Seems to be multiple uses of the abbreviation P2P as I take it to mean Peer-to-Peer but the manufacturer’s network is the conduit like the reference below

Most security camera manufacturers now use Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technology to make it very easy to set up their cameras. Of course, the beauty of this method is that you don’t even realise you are using P2P technology. But then you also may not be aware of the extent to which you are trusting the strength of the camera manufacturer’s network security.

In reply to a post by dect:

Seems to be multiple uses of the abbreviation P2P as I take it to mean Peer-to-Peer but the manufacturer’s network is the conduit like the reference below

Interesting, and confusing. thanks.

Yes I have rebooted my device and given it my new public IP address but without much success.

As well as providing additional security (no multiple port forwarding and UPNP can be turned off) running a VPN server ( I use Wireguard) on a compatible router or Raspberry Pi means that you can access your home network when working remotely as if you were in your lan. In fact if you run a NAS you shouldn’t be exposing it via port forwarding anyway.