Can I keep the firewall on? Which ports does FinishLynx need?
Yes. Allow Lynx.exe through Windows Defender Firewall for Private and Public networks, and open UDP ports 45780 (camera boot) and 41925 (camera communication).
The recommended setup is a dedicated, isolated network for the Lynx equipment with static IP addresses, so no network policy can interfere with the cameras. If the timing system must share a school or managed network, ask IT for these allowances:
- Allow FinishLynx (C:\Lynx\Lynx.exe) through Windows Defender Firewall on the FinishLynx computer, for both Private and Public networks: Windows Security | Firewall & network protection | Allow an app through firewall, click Change settings and check the box to the left of Lynx plus both columns. If Lynx isn't listed, add it with Allow another app.
- Open UDP port 45780, used to boot cameras on the network.
- Open UDP port 41925, used for camera communication once booted.
If either port is blocked, cameras may fail to appear in FinishLynx or drop off unexpectedly. Keep Wi-Fi off while the cameras boot; it can be used afterwards if it is on a different subnet from the camera network. Don't put a wireless camera bridge on the school's general Wi-Fi: wire an access point into the timing network instead.
If cameras still don't connect after these changes, there may be further network policies IT needs to address.
Talk to Lynx Support
Tell the team what you’re seeing and what you’ve already tried. They’ll follow up by email or phone.
Goes deeper
- School or Managed Network — Troubleshoot · Networking
Related questions
- What are the minimum computer requirements for a laptop to run the FinishLynx software? — Any Windows computer from the last ten years or so. Windows only, no Mac, iPad or Chromebook; more RAM and storage help with large events.
- My camera keeps dropping out (going red) during a meet. Why? — The camera lost its connection to FinishLynx. First make sure only one FinishLynx is looking for cameras and apply the Windows 11 print fix on every Windows 11 computer, then read the BOOT light.
- My IdentiLynx stopped loading after a Windows update. What changed? — Usually the computer: a conflicting network adapter (Wi-Fi on the same subnet), the firewall permission cleared, or the static IP lost. Check Camera Network in File | Options | General first.