How to Get Around OctaPlus Broadband CGNAT

In today’s digital age, having fast and reliable internet is essential. If you’re an OctaPlus user, you might have encountered something called CGNAT, or Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation. While it helps the internet provider manage its network more efficiently, it can cause issues for users who want more direct access to their devices and services.

If you’re facing problems related to CGNAT and looking for a way to get around it, this article will guide you through the process, explain the implications of CGNAT, and offer some solutions to improve your internet experience.

What is CGNAT?

Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) is a technology that allows multiple users to share the same public IP address. OctaPlus, like many other internet providers, uses CGNAT to manage the increasing demand for IPv4 addresses. Instead of assigning a unique IP address to every user, CGNAT enables the provider to allocate one public IP address to multiple users.

While this approach helps manage resources, it can cause problems for users who require direct access to their public IP address, such as:

• Online gaming that requires port forwarding
• Remote access to security cameras or servers
• Peer-to-peer applications
• Hosting services from home

Why Does OctaPlus Use CGNAT?

Due to the global shortage of IPv4 addresses, many internet service providers (ISPs), including OctaPlus, have adopted CGNAT. By assigning shared IP addresses, ISPs can continue to provide internet services to a growing number of users. However, this solution isn’t perfect for everyone, especially for users who rely on a static IP or need direct access to their devices over the internet.

Challenges of CGNAT for OctaPlus Users

While CGNAT helps ISPs, it can present several issues for users who want more control over their internet connection:

1. Port Forwarding Limitations: Since CGNAT assigns a shared public IP, users cannot forward ports to access devices or services remotely.
2. Remote Access Issues: Users who need to access devices like security cameras or home servers may face difficulties because CGNAT prevents direct communication between the public internet and the device.
3. Online Gaming Restrictions: Many online games rely on an open connection to communicate with other players. CGNAT can cause latency, connectivity issues, or prevent the game from working altogether.
4. Reduced Privacy: Sharing a public IP address with others may lead to privacy concerns since all users are effectively using the same “face” on the internet.

How to Get Around CGNAT on OctaPlus Internet

If you’re experiencing issues due to CGNAT, there are a few ways to get around it:

1. Request an Static IP from OctaPlus

One of the most straightforward solutions is to contact OctaPlus and request a dedicated IP address. While this may come with an additional fee, it allows you to get around CGNAT entirely. With a static IP, you’ll have a unique IP address that provides more control over your internet connection, allowing port forwarding and remote access.

2. Use a VPN Service

Another solution is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN can assign you a public IP address from a different location, getting around the CGNAT restrictions. While this won’t solve all issues (e.g., port forwarding might still be restricted), it can help with accessing certain services and games that struggle under CGNAT.

3. Set Up a Cloud-Based Server

If you need remote access to your home devices but can’t get a public IP, you can set up a cloud-based server. This server acts as an intermediary between your devices and the internet. It requires more technical know-how but is an effective solution for advanced users who need to get around CGNAT.

4. Switch to IPv6 (if supported)

CGNAT is a solution to the shortage of IPv4 addresses, but the next generation of internet addresses, IPv6, doesn’t have this limitation. If OctaPlus supports IPv6, you can switch to it, and this will eliminate the need for CGNAT altogether. Keep in mind that not all ISPs or devices fully support IPv6 yet, so this option may not be viable for everyone.

How to Check if OctaPlus Broadband Uses CGNAT

To determine if your OctaPlus 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 OctaPlus 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.