How to Get Around CGNAT on Now Broadband

If you’re experiencing issues with CGNAT (Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation) on Now Broadband, you’re not alone. Many users find that CGNAT can create challenges for activities like online gaming, hosting servers, or using certain applications. Here’s how you can navigate around CGNAT effectively.

Understanding CGNAT

CGNAT is a method used by ISPs to conserve IP addresses by allowing multiple customers to share a single public IP address. While this helps with IP address shortages, it can limit your ability to run certain services that require direct inbound connections.

The CGNAT Issue on Multiple Devices

For users with multiple devices or servers that require external access (like those managing media servers or working remotely), CGNAT can be especially frustrating. Let’s say you have two media servers running in your home: one to stream movies and another for music. Without a direct public IP, these servers become inaccessible from outside your local network, as CGNAT assigns a shared IP to all devices connected through your broadband.

This leads to problems like:

• Port forwarding doesn’t work: CGNAT blocks incoming connections because multiple users are sharing the same IP.
• Dynamic DNS services fail: Many users rely on Dynamic DNS to keep track of their IP address for remote access. However, with CGNAT, this is ineffective as the shared IP keeps changing, and the ISP controls the public IP, not you.

Methods to Get Around CGNAT on Now Broadband

While CGNAT may seem like a dead end, there are several ways to get around it if you need direct access to your home network. Let’s break down some of the solutions.

1. Use a VPN with Port Forwarding

One of the most effective ways to get around CGNAT is by using a VPN service that offers port forwarding. Here’s how to do it:

• Choose a VPN Provider: Look for a reliable VPN that supports port forwarding. Services like PureVPN offer dedicated IPs that can help you get around CGNAT.
• Install the VPN: Set up the VPN on your device, ensuring you enable port forwarding in the VPN settings.
• Connect and Configure: Once connected, configure your applications to use the forwarded ports provided by the VPN.

2. Get a Static IP

If your needs are more persistent, consider requesting a static IP address from your ISP. While this may come at an additional cost, it allows you to get around CGNAT entirely:

• Contact Now Broadband: Reach out to their customer service and inquire about the availability of a static IP option.
• Setup Instructions: Follow their instructions to configure your network with the new static IP.

3. Use a Remote Access Service

Another option is to use a remote access service that allows you to connect to a remote server with a public IP address:

• Set Up a VPS: Consider setting up a Virtual Private Server (VPS) that you can access from your devices.
• Configure Remote Access: Use software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk to access your VPS and route traffic through it.

4. Enable DMZ on Your Router

If you have control over your router settings, enabling the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) can help:

• Access Router Settings: Log in to your router’s admin panel.
• Configure DMZ: Set your device’s IP address as the DMZ host. This can allow inbound traffic directly to your device, although it may expose it to some risks.

How to Check if Now Broadband Uses CGNAT

To determine if your Now 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.

Related Guide: How to Check if your ISPs perform 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 Now 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

While CGNAT can be a hurdle, there are effective ways to get around it on Now Broadband. By using a VPN with port forwarding, requesting a static IP, leveraging remote access services, or configuring your router, you can enjoy a smoother online experience. Make sure to choose the method that best suits your needs and enhances your online activities.