How to Avoid Finetwork CGNAT in Spain

July 26, 2024

3 Mins Read

Are you a Finetwork user finding it challenging to host your own gaming servers or remotely access your home’s smart devices? The reason might be Finetwork’s use of Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT).

While CGNAT helps preserve IPv4 addresses by allowing multiple users to share a single IP address, it significantly restricts direct connections to your devices, complicating tasks like gaming, using VoIP, or managing IoT devices remotely.

If these roadblocks sound all too familiar and you are looking for a workaround, we have got your back. Find out how you can avoid Finetwork’s CGNAT using a port forwarding VPN in our guide below.

What Issues Does Finetwork CGNAT Cause?

Here are four problems that users can expect due to Finetwork’s implementation of CGNAT:

Server Hosting Struggles

If you are setting up a personal server—for anything from gaming to file sharing—CGNAT will likely stand in your way. It blocks the inbound connections your server needs to function, essentially isolating it from outside access. This means you cannot manage or use your server from another location.

Gaming Connectivity Problems

For gamers, a smooth and stable connection is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, CGNAT often messes with the peer-to-peer connectivity that many online games rely on. Expect disconnections, annoying lag, and trouble joining servers—issues that can ruin your gaming experience.

Remote Access Roadblocks

Trying to access your home network remotely becomes significantly more challenging under CGNAT. Whether you are keeping an eye on your home security systems, tweaking your smart devices, or grabbing files from afar, the lack of a direct connection makes these tasks sometimes impossible.

VoIP Setup Hassles

VoIP services need specific port access to work well, but CGNAT tends to block or interfere with these ports. This leads to issues such as poor call quality, dropped calls, and trouble setting up VoIP connections, all of which are major drawbacks if you rely on internet calls for personal chats or work meetings.

How to Check if Finetwork Uses CGNAT

Wondering if your Finetwork connection uses CGNAT? Here is how you can find out:

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 Finetwork CGNAT with PureVPN

You can easily beat Finetwork’s CGNAT restrictions with PureVPN’s Port Forwarding, which ensures your device receives direct incoming connections. Here is how you can set it up:

Select a PureVPN plan and add the Port Forwarding add-on during the checkout process.
Download and install the PureVPN app on your preferred device.
Log into your Member Area and go to the Port Forwarding section.
Enter the ports you want to forward and apply the settings.
Connect to a server that supports port forwarding, and you are good to go!

Host a Server Using Dedicated IP with Port Forwarding

Host your server without the hassle of Finetwork’s CGNAT using our Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding add-on. This solution provides your server its own IP, avoiding the usual issues with shared IPs. Moreover, it allows precise control of your connections, ideal for smooth gaming and reliable hosting of your websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Finetwork use CGNAT?

Yes, Finetwork employs CGNAT as a method to manage IP address exhaustion by allowing multiple users to share a single IP address.

Can I use a port forwarding VPN to avoid Finetwork CGNAT?

Yes, using a VPN that supports port forwarding can effectively beat Finetwork’s CGNAT limitations. This allows for direct, mapped access to specific ports, which is essential for certain online activities like hosting servers or gaming.