Since the RainMachine devices are "cloud-independent by design", RainMachine Direct Access feature facilitates RainMachine users to access and control their RainMachine devices from anywhere without the need of a cloud connectivity. 

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Note: When accessing the RainMachine through the Direct Access feature the smart integrations for the RainMachine will not be available. Those will be available when using Remote Access with Premium Services Subscription starting June 8 2022.

 

1) Set Up a Static IP Address for RainMachine device

Use the router to set up a static IP address. Do this because the RainMachine device needs an unchanging address in order to be accessible.

1. Access the router as admin (find the instruction on the router website or manual).

2. Locate a Client List, DHCP Pool, DHCP Reservation, or similar section of the settings. The section lists the devices currently connected to the router. The IP address of the RainMachine device is listed along with its custom name.

3. Look for a way to reserve one of those IP addresses to tie it with that RainMachine device so that the router always uses it when the device requests an IP address. You might need to select the IP address from a list or choose Add or Reserve.

The above steps are generic since static IP address assignment is different for each router. Instructions differ if you need to reserve IP addresses for NETGEAR routers, edit DHCP settings on Google devices, or configure DHCP reservation on Linksys routers.

2) Set Up Port Forwarding to:

RainMachine_Static_IP:8080

Now that you know the RainMachine device Static IP address and it has been configured to stop changing, access the router and set up the port forwarding settings.

1. Log in to the router as admin. You need to know the router's IP address, username, and password.

2. Locate the port forwarding options. These are different for every router but might be called something like Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, Applications & Gaming, or Port Range Forwarding. These might be buried within other categories of settings like Network, Wireless, or Advanced.

3. Type the port number or port range that you want to forward. If you're forwarding one port, type the same number under both the Internal and External boxes. For port ranges, use the Start and End boxes.

4. Choose a protocol, either TCP or UDP ports. Choose both, if needed. This information should be available from the program or game that explains the port number.

5. Type the RainMachine static IP address that you setup on step 1) and use RainMachine port 8080.
   Note: For other RainMachine ports click here.

   If asked, name the port trigger anything that makes sense to you. If it's for an FTP program, call it FTP. Call it RainMachine if you need the port open for your RainMachine.

6. Enable the port forwarding rule with an Enable or On option. 

Some routers have a port forward setup wizard that makes it easier to configure. For example, the router might first give you a list of devices already using a static IP address and then let you choose the protocol and port number from there.

If you need to set up port forward to multiple RainMachine devices connected to the same network,  use something like:

Note: For other RainMachine ports click here.

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More port forwarding instructions:

• D-Link port forwarding
• Belkin port forwarding
• Google Nest Wi-Fi or Google Wi-Fi port forwarding
• Port Forwarding Alternatives
• A complete article related to Port Forwarding setup from lazyadmin.nl
• Port Forwarding 101 — Everything You Want to Know from privacyaffairs.com
• How to Do Port Forwarding To Multiple Devices on the Same Port from cradlepoint.com