CGNAT (or Carrier-Grade NAT) is a tactic used by ISPs like Algar Telecom to stretch the dwindling pool of IPv4 addresses. This method groups multiple customers under a single public IP, limiting direct access to your home network or hindering your ability to host servers.
Luckily, there is a reliable workaround: using a port forwarding VPN like PureVPN. Wondering how this tool can resolve these issues? Read on to explore how you can leverage it to your advantage.
What Issues Does Algar Telecom CGNAT Cause?
Here are some common problems you are likely to face due to Algar Telecom’s use of CGNAT:
Challenges with Hosting Servers
Hosting a home server for activities like media sharing or running a personal website becomes a hurdle with Algar Telecom’s CGNAT. Since multiple customers share a single public IP, incoming connections to your server might be hindered, effectively isolating it from the internet.
Obstacles in Online Gaming
For gamers, CGNAT can introduce several problems. It disrupts the peer-to-peer connections essential for online multiplayer games, potentially causing increased latency, difficulties in connecting to game servers, and unstable game connections.
Barriers to Remote Access
CGNAT complicates the process of accessing your network from a remote location. Whether you are trying to manage smart home devices or access files on your home network from afar, the shared IP scenario makes direct access a challenging experience.
Difficulties with VoIP Services
VoIP services rely on specific ports being open to ensure stable and clear communication. Under CGNAT, these ports are not accessible, which can result in dropped calls, degraded call quality, and generally unreliable communication.
How to Check if Algar Telecom Uses CGNAT
Here are two straightforward ways to check if your Algar Telecom connection is under CGNAT:
Method 1: Check the Router’s WAN IP Address
- Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the address bar.
- Enter your username and password to access the dashboard.
- Navigate to the status screen on the dashboard.
- Find the section labeled as ‘WAN IP’ or a similar term, which might vary based on the router model.
- Examine the IP address assigned to the router’s WAN interface.
- 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
- Follow the steps from Method 1 to find and note down the WAN IP address from your router’s dashboard.
- Open a new tab in your web browser
- Search for “what is my IP address” and press Enter.
- Remember the public IP address displayed by the search results.
- If the WAN IP and the public IP address are different, it indicates that your ISP is using CGNAT.
- If they match, your connection likely has a direct public IP address, meaning it is not behind CGNAT.
How to Avoid Algar Telecom CGNAT with PureVPN
By using PureVPN’s Port Forwarding add-on, you can get around Algar Telecom’s CGNAT and enable direct connections from any location. Here is how to set it up:
- Select a PureVPN plan and add Port Forwarding at checkout.
- Download and install the PureVPN app on your desired device.
- Log into your Member Area and open the Port Forwarding section.
- Enter the specific ports you are looking to open for incoming traffic.
- Connect to a server that supports Port Forwarding and you are good to go!
Host a Server Using Dedicated IP with Port Forwarding
PureVPN’s Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding add-on make server hosting effortless. This combo offers a unique static IP and facilitates port forwarding, directing designated external traffic directly to your server. It is ideal for running gaming servers or managing personal websites on Algar Telecom or any other ISP connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Algar Telecom use CGNAT?
Yes, Algar Telecom uses CGNAT as a method to manage the limited availability of IPv4 addresses, which can limit certain online activities for its users.
Can I use a port forwarding VPN to avoid Algar Telecom CGNAT?
Yes, you can use a port forwarding VPN to sidestep Algar Telecom’s CGNAT. This allows you to establish direct, stable connections necessary for hosting servers, online gaming, and remote access.