Can’t enable Port Forwarding on CGNAT? There’s no need to worry. This guide can help Port Forward CGNAT fast and easily and enables you to set up Port Forwarding & Bypass CGNAT.
Table of Contents
What is CGNAT?
CGNAT (Carrier-grade Network Address Translation) is a two-state NAT technology used by Internet service providers (ISPs) to extend the life of their existing IPV4 infrastructure as they transition to the new IPV6 protocol. CGNAT allows multiple users on an IPV4 network to share a single public IP address. It is also known as large-scale NAT (LSN).
Further, CGNAT is a solution for ISPs who want to keep using their current IPV4 infrastructure while still providing service to customers who are using the new IPV6 protocol. CGNAT allows multiple users on an IPV4 network to share a single public IP address. This means that each user has a private IP address that’s translated to a public IP address when they connect to the internet.
How CGNAT Works
- Private IP Assignment: Your home router gets a private IP (e.g.,
192.168.x.x). - ISP-Level Translation: The ISP assigns a shared public IP (often in the
100.64.0.0/10range) to multiple customers. - Port Allocation: CGNAT uses unique port numbers to distinguish traffic between users, but this prevents direct inbound connections.
Why ISPs Use CGNAT
- IPv4 Exhaustion: The global IPv4 pool is depleted, and ISPs need to serve more users with limited addresses.
- Cost Efficiency: Buying additional IPv4 addresses is expensive, while IPv6 adoption is still incomplete.
- Temporary Solution: CGNAT is a stopgap until IPv6 becomes universal
Why is Port Forwarding an issue on CGNAT?
One of the main reasons Port Forwarding can be a problem is that many ISPs use Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT) to conserve IP addresses. Your ISP assigns a single IP address to multiple customers, and those customers rely on the same IP address.
Steps to Setup Port Forwarding & Bypass CGNAT
Bypassing CGNAT (Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation) and configuring port forwarding, you may enhance your gaming and server hosting experiences as well as remotely access your devices. Here are the steps:
1. Port Forwarding Setup
Here are the steps to setting up port forwarding.
Step 1: Access Your Router’s Settings
- Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar (usually something like
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - Log in with your router’s username and password.
Step 2: Find the Port Forwarding Section
- Navigate through the router’s menu and look for a section called “Port Forwarding,” “Virtual Server,” or “Applications.”
Step 3: Set Up a Port Forwarding Rule
- Name/Service: Give the rule a name, like “Game Server.”
- Port Range: Enter the port numbers you want to open (e.g., 8080 for a web server).
- Internal IP Address: Enter the IP address of the device that needs the port forwarded (you can find this in your device’s network settings).
- Internal Port: Enter the port number used by the service on your device (usually the same as the external port).
- Protocol: Select whether to use TCP, UDP, or both, depending on what the service needs.
Step 4: Save the Changes
- Save your settings, and your router will now forward traffic from the specified external port to your device.
2. Bypassing CGNAT
CGNAT can make traditional port forwarding difficult because many users share the same public IP address. Here are some ways to get around this:
Option 1: Use a VPN with Port Forwarding
- Sign up for PureVPN service that supports port forwarding.
- Set up the VPN on your device or router.
- The VPN will give you a public IP address and forward the necessary ports to your device.
Option 2: Get a Dedicated IP from Your ISP
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and request a dedicated IP address.
- With this, you can set up port forwarding without any issues.
Option 3: Use a Reverse Proxy or Cloud Service
- Set up a reverse proxy or use a cloud service that routes traffic from a public server to your home network.
How PureVPN Can Help Get Around CGNAT?
You can use the PureVPN port forwarding add-on to make this process easier. This add-on will bypass CGNAT and allow you to set up port forwarding for your devices. Here’s how:
- Sign up for PureVPN, add Port Forwarding to your plan, and complete the payment.
- Download and install the PureVPN app, launch it, and log in using your credentials.
- Access the PureVPN Member Area, go to Subscriptions and click Configure next to Port Forwarding.
- Choose Enable specific ports, enter the ports you want to open, and click the Apply Settings button.
- Open the PureVPN app, connect to a port forwarding-supported server, and you are good to go!
Why CGNAT Breaks Port Forwarding
Port forwarding allows external devices to connect to a specific service (e.g., a game server or security camera) inside a private network. However, CGNAT makes traditional port forwarding impossible for several reasons:
1. Shared Public IP Address
Since multiple users share the same public IP, ISPs can’t route incoming traffic to a specific customer’s device.
2. No Direct Inbound Connections
CGNAT blocks unsolicited inbound traffic for security and resource management, meaning you can’t host a server unless the connection is initiated from inside your network.
3. Double NAT Complications
If your home router also uses NAT, you face Double NAT, which adds latency and further complicates port forwarding.
Impact on Users
- Gamers: Can’t host multiplayer servers (e.g., Minecraft, CS:GO).
- Remote Workers: Struggle with VPNs or remote desktop access.
- Home Automation: Security cameras and IoT devices may fail to connect externally
Can CGNAT Cause an Increase in Latency?
If not configured correctly, CGNAT can increase latency, which is a delay in sending and receiving packets on the internet. This is because packets have to go through extra steps to ensure it is routed effectively.
This latency can cause interruptions in gaming experience and applications that require high-quality Internet service to operate seamlessly.
What is the Disadvantage of CGNAT?
While CGNAT is used to conserve IPv4 addresses, it also causes many issues like:
- Port Forwarding Difficulties: Sharing a single public IP address among many users through CGNAT makes it difficult to remotely access your devices or run home servers, as you cannot connect directly to each device on your network.
- Online Gaming Issues: CGNAT can negatively affect your online gaming experience by causing connectivity problems and slower responses. Games that need direct player connections may have higher ping times and frequent disconnections.
- Server Hosting Complications: Hosting servers for websites, files, or games becomes problematic as CGNAT does not support incoming connections, making it impossible for external users to initiate contact with any servers behind this system.
- VoIP Service Disruptions: CGNAT can interfere with VoIP, leading to delayed connections and potential loss of voice data. Since VoIP relies on direct communication, CGNAT can significantly lower the clarity and reliability of these calls.
Does CGNAT Affect my Internet Speed?
CGNAT has many benefits, like conserving IP addresses and providing security in processing packets. However, it also affects your Internet speed. Why? It is because your data packets have to go through additional steps to route them.
It can also cause jitter, which means dropping or disordering packets that can lead to a bad gaming experience. Also, if the internet is having problems, it will be hard for your ISP to help as they can only see one IP address for multiple users.
Is CGNAT the Same as Double NAT?
CGNAT and Double NAT are two different techniques performed by your ISP. Your ISP uses CGNAT to conserve IP addresses and provides a single IP to many customers.
Meanwhile, double NAT happens when your router is connected to another router that performs NAT, causing your packets to go through Network Translation twice.
Although these two entities are different, their effect on the network is somewhat the same. Both cause latency when using high-quality services like gaming or streaming, which can cause an interruption in your Internet experience.
Can I port forward using Carrier Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) IP?
Unfortunately, you can’t open ports on a router behind CGNAT. ISPs (internet service providers) perform CGNAT to limit users to a single pool of IP addresses and use a single IP for multiple users on the same network. And, even if you try to open ports behind CGNAT, your IP address might get banned from the network administrator.
Therefore, you can’t really open ports on a router behind CGNAT. But performing CGNAT can impact specific applications ranging from server hosting to accessing remote devices. The best solution to this CGNAT issue is to get in touch with your ISP or get a dedicated IP VPN to bypass CGNAT.
Host a Server With a Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding add-on
You need a dedicated IP with a Port Forwarding add-on if you wish to host a game server, get your IP whitelisted, or want your friends to connect to your at-home devices. A Dedicated IP allows you to create servers and allow external IP addresses to connect to your server without any IP mapping issues.
Why Pick PureVPN?
With PureVPN’s effective service, you can open up ports with a few simple clicks. Got issues with CGNAT? No problem! PureVPN’s dedicated IP and Port Forwarding add-on bundle provide a one-click solution to bypass CGNAT.
- With about 6,000 dedicated servers worldwide in more than 65+ locations, PureVPN ensures that you are securely connected.
- With features like Split tunneling, IP masking, and Dedicated IP addresses, you can stay hidden on the internet.
- Round-the-clock customer support and a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Further CGNAT Port Forwarding Guides
| Starlink CGNAT Port Forwarding | Xfinity CGNAT Port Forwarding |
| CGNAT Gaming | T-Mobile CGNAT Port Forwarding |
| Verizon Fios CGNAT Port Forwarding | CGNAT Mikrotik Port Forwarding |
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your need. Whether you need it for online gaming with your friends or accessing your devices remotely, you can set up port forwarding. But, you must take safety precautions as opening ports also increases your network’s security risks, and opens a path for potential hackers to access your devices. This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with a port forwarding add-on becomes helpful.
Port forwarding is a technique used to allow incoming network connections to a specific device on your home or office network, even though it is behind a router. This can be useful for setting up a home media server, remote desktop access, or online gaming.
To make a long story short, there are some risks of port forwarding. If you are opening ports, then you are opening direct lines for hackers and malware attacks in a way. That’s why you must take safety precautions when you are port forwarding devices. This is where a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, becomes helpful.
The easiest way to open ports behind CGNAT for starlink is to use dedicated IP with a port forwarding add-on. You can get a monthly subscription to a dedicated IP and port forwarding add-on via PureVPN to take care of your port forwarding needs.
Most ISPs use CGNAT to prevent IP4 exhaustion and assign a single IP to multiple consumers who are relying on the same internet. On the other hand, NAT usually works on private networks assigning a single IP to multiple users on that same network. This is how multiple devices communicate with each other.
Yes, CGNAT prevents port forwarding. Since CGNAT involves sharing a single public IP address among multiple users, it complicates direct connections needed for port forwarding. This means individuals cannot set up remote access or run servers that require incoming connections from the internet.
VoIP can work over CGNAT, but it often faces challenges. CGNAT can interfere with the direct IP connections that VoIP services rely on, potentially causing delays, packet loss, and reduced call quality.
To turn off CGNAT, you two options:
Contact your ISP: Some ISPs allow customers to opt out of CGNAT. You can request a dedicated public IP address, which might involve an additional fee, depending on your ISP’s policy.
Use a Port Forwarding VPN: Another solution is to use a VPN service that supports port forwarding. This can dodge CGNAT limitations by allowing direct connections to your devices, even under CGNAT.
Sameed
June 16, 2025
1 week ago
