How to Get Around CGNAT on a Linksys Router

Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT) is commonly used by ISPs to manage limited public IPv4 addresses. While it helps providers, it can create problems for users who need direct access to their network or devices. If you’re trying to avoid CGNAT on your Linksys router, here are some straightforward methods you can use.

What is CGNAT?

CGNAT, or Carrier-Grade NAT, is a technology used by internet service providers (ISPs) to manage the shortage of public IP addresses. With the rise of internet-connected devices, the available pool of IPv4 addresses (the older internet addressing system) is nearly exhausted. Instead of giving each customer a unique public IP address, ISPs use CGNAT to share one public IP among multiple users.

How CGNAT Works?

Normally, NAT (Network Address Translation) happens in your home network when your router assigns private IP addresses to your devices, like your phone or laptop, and translates them into one public IP address when accessing the internet. CGNAT takes this process a step further by applying the same logic at the ISP level, allowing them to assign a single public IP to multiple customers.

Learn More: CGNAT Port Forwarding

1. Request a Public IP Address from Your ISP

Many ISPs offer public IP addresses if you ask for one. By getting a public IP, you avoid the limitations CGNAT imposes, allowing for better remote access and easier configuration of online services.

• Contact your ISP and ask if they provide public or dedicated IP addresses.
• Some ISPs may charge a small monthly fee, but this is the most straightforward way to get around CGNAT.

2. Use a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can get around CGNAT by routing your traffic through a server with a public IP. This is useful if you need to access your home network from outside or improve your online gaming experience.

• Set up a VPN on your Linksys router by following the provider’s instructions.
• This method ensures your traffic avoid CGNAT, though it may add a slight delay (latency) depending on the VPN server’s location.

3. Port Forwarding (If Supported)

Though rare, some ISPs allow port forwarding even with CGNAT. This can help with specific applications that need direct access, like hosting a game server or using certain peer-to-peer apps.

• Log in to your Linksys router’s admin panel and go to the Port Forwarding section.
• Add the necessary port numbers and forward them to your local device’s IP.

You’ll need to confirm with your ISP whether they support this.

Learn More: What is Port Forwarding

4. Set Up a VPS (Virtual Private Server)

If your ISP doesn’t offer public IP addresses or port forwarding, a Virtual Private Server (VPS) can serve as an effective workaround. By routing traffic through a VPS with a public IP, you can access your home network or services remotely.

• Rent a VPS from a provider.
• Use OpenVPN or another tunnel to connect your Linksys router to the VPS.
• Once the connection is established, you can access your home network as if it had a public IP.

5. Switch to IPv6 (If Available)

IPv6 is the new internet standard and doesn’t require NAT. Some ISPs already offer IPv6 connections, which can eliminate CGNAT problems.

• Check if your ISP supports IPv6.
• Enable IPv6 on your Linksys router through the router’s admin settings.

This method requires your devices and ISP to support IPv6, but it’s a long-term solution to avoiding CGNAT.

6. Consider Changing ISPs

If your current ISP can’t provide a solution, switching to a provider that offers public IPs or supports IPv6 might be the best option. Some providers are more flexible with their IP management, and a simple switch could save you time and hassle.

How to Check if Linksys Uses CGNAT

To determine if your Linksys connection is under CGNAT, you can use any of the following methods:

Method 1: Check the Router’s WAN IP Address

1. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the address bar.
   
2. Enter your username and password to access the dashboard.
   
3. Navigate to the status screen on the dashboard.
   
4. Find the section labeled as ‘WAN IP’ or a similar term, which might vary based on the router model.
   
5. Examine the IP address assigned to the router’s WAN interface.
   
6. If this IP address falls within the range of 100.64.0.1 to 100.127.255.254, your connection is likely behind CGNAT. This IP range is designated for CGNAT usage.

Method 2: Compare WAN IP and Public IP Address

1. Follow the steps from Method 1 to find and note down the WAN IP address from your router’s dashboard.
   
2. Open a new tab in your web browser
   
3. Search for “what is my IP address” and press Enter.
   
4. Remember the public IP address displayed by the search results.
   
5. If the WAN IP and the public IP address are different, it indicates that your ISP is using CGNAT.
   
6. If they match, your connection likely has a direct public IP address, meaning it is not behind CGNAT.

How to Get Around CGNAT with PureVPN

CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) can cause issues with certain online activities like gaming, hosting a server, or accessing your home network remotely. PureVPN offers a way to avoid CGNAT by providing you with a secure and direct connection to the internet using a public IP address.

Here’s how to get around CGNAT with PureVPN:

1. Sign Up for PureVPN

First, you need to sign up for a PureVPN account. We offer various subscription plans, so choose the one that suits your needs.

2. Download/Install PureVPN

PureVPN is available on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers. Download and install the app or configure PureVPN on your Linksys or any other router.

3. Log In to PureVPN

Once installed, log in with the credentials you created during the signup process.

4. Connect to a Server

Open the PureVPN app and select a server from a location of your choice. PureVPN will route your traffic through this server, which has a public IP address. This effectively avoid CGNAT, as your connection will no longer rely on the shared IP address provided by your ISP.

5. Enable Port Forwarding (Optional)

If you need to host servers or access devices remotely, PureVPN also offers port forwarding. You can enable this feature directly in your PureVPN account settings. This helps you manage specific ports for gaming, torrenting, or running applications that require direct access.

6. Verify Your Connection

After connecting to a PureVPN server, verify that you’re no longer behind CGNAT. You can use online tools to check your IP address and confirm that it’s a public IP.

Related Read: Port Forwarding on a dedicated router

Benefits of Using PureVPN to Avoid CGNAT

• Improved online gaming: Reduce lag and connect to servers directly.
• Remote access: Easily access your home network or devices from anywhere.
• Enhanced privacy: PureVPN encrypts your connection, offering additional security.

By following these steps, you can avoid CGNAT using PureVPN and enjoy a more direct, unrestricted internet experience.

Conclusion

Getting Around CGNAT on a Linksys router in the is achievable using various methods such as requesting a public IP from your ISP, using a VPN, or setting up a VPS. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, so choose the one that best fits your needs. If none of these work for you, consider switching to an ISP that provides public IPs or offers full IPv6 support.