Zenwifi BT8 is allowing WAN pings when Ethernet is in use despite the settings

[carthell]

I'm trying to secure my router as best I can from the Internet. One of the tools I use is the ShieldsUp! service at https://grc.com. The web site warns me that although all my service ports are not responding to any connection attempts (stealth), my (public) IP address is responding to pings. I use a Hitron Coda56 to connect to my cable service. The BT8 either allows or blocks pings based on how it is connected to the Internet.

-I've turned off pings from the WAN on the BT8.

-The connection between the Coda56 and the other tested devices is via an ethernet cord.

-I've tested the issue with my PC connected to the BT8 either wired or wireless.

Here is what I observed:

PC -> TP-Link Archer C8 -> Coda56 -> Internet: WAN pings blocked. (Stayed this way for years through four cable modem changes. The Coda56 is my newest cable modem.)

PC -> Coda56 -> Internet: WAN pings blocked.

PC -> BT8 -> Cellphone tether on the USB port -> Internet: WAN pings blocked.

PC-> BT8 -> Coda56 -> Internet: WAN pings allowed.

Is there another setting I'm missing?

[jzchen]

Sounds like a firmware issue.  Hopefully a new firmware update is released soon that addresses this.

[carthell]

Well, my hopes of having a simple issue are dashed. Thanks for your reply.

[Aureliannn_ASUS · Accepted solution]

Hi @carthell ,

We are very sorry to hear that you are experiencing a device issue.

To better understand the issue you are experiencing, please perform the following tests and provide information:

1. Hard reset confirmation: Have you tried performing a hard reset on the device? You can refer to the following frequently asked questions (FAQ): [Wireless Router] When Standard Reset Isn’t Working: Hard Factory Reset - Models list | Official Sup...
2. System problem report: To further confirm the problem, please assist in using the system's built-in problem reporting function to submit the relevant information.

Please follow the steps below to report the issue, and we will assist you:

1. Connect your device (PC, laptop, etc.) to the router, then open the Web management interface (http://router.asus.com/) and log in to your router.
2. Click on "System Administration" and select "Problem Report."
3. Fill in your region, email address (required), ASUS service/case number, issue type, and a description of the issue.
4. Please read and agree to the privacy policy and relevant service terms.
5. Click "Send" to submit your form.

Additionally, please send us the following information via private message: product serial number, the time the problem report was submitted, the email used for the problem report, the time the issue occurred, the MAC address of your device, and a network architecture diagram of your current environment.

If your network is down, the UI page will generate a link for downloading offline data. Please click the link to download the data, compress it into a ZIP file, and provide a cloud link for us to analyze.

Thank you for your cooperation.

[carthell]

I did chat with ASUS' customer service late yesterday, and I received a partial suggestion to allow pings from the WAN. I had to do something else, so I had to end the conversation there. Later, I changed the firewall setting as asked, rebooted the BT8, turned pings from the WAN off, and rebooted again. That seems to have resolved the issue, albeit in a way that was slightly less straightforward than I expected. Thanks, ASUS and Sheila_V!