How to Get Around CGNAT on Gigaclear in the UK

Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT) is used by some internet providers like Gigaclear to manage IPv4 address shortages by sharing public IP addresses across multiple users. While this setup works for general browsing, it can cause issues for tasks like hosting services, gaming, and using VPNs that require a unique public IP. Here are a few effective ways to bypass CGNAT on Gigaclear’s network.

What is Gigaclear?

Gigaclear is a UK-based broadband provider that specializes in delivering high-speed fiber-optic internet to rural communities. Founded in 2010, it focuses on areas typically underserved by larger telecom companies, offering speeds of up to 900 Mbps using full-fiber connections. Unlike traditional broadband that relies on copper wiring, Gigaclear installs fiber-optic cables directly to homes and businesses (FTTP, or “fiber to the premises”), providing a faster and more stable internet experience.

What is CGNAT?

CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) is a method used by internet service providers (ISPs) to deal with the limited number of public IP addresses available. Due to the large number of devices connected to the internet today, there aren’t enough unique IP addresses to go around. Instead of giving each user a dedicated public IP, ISPs use CGNAT to allow multiple customers to share a single public IP address.

Here’s how it works:

When you use your home internet, your router assigns private IP addresses to all your devices, like your phone or computer, and translates them into one public IP when connecting to the internet. With CGNAT, this process is repeated at the ISP level, allowing them to group several customers under the same public IP address. This conserves IP addresses but can cause challenges for certain online activities, like gaming or running a server, where a unique public IP might be needed.

Learn More: CGNAT Port Forwarding

Ways to Avoid CGNAT on Gigaclear

1. Request a Dedicated IP

One of the simplest solutions is to contact Gigaclear and request a dedicated IP address. This option allows you to have a unique public IP address that isn’t shared with other users. A static IP ensures you bypass CGNAT completely, providing more flexibility for hosting, remote access, and VPN use.

How to request:

• Contact Gigaclear’s customer service and inquire about the availability and cost of a static IP. Most ISPs offer static IPs for an additional monthly fee.

2. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help route your traffic through a different server, bypassing the CGNAT limitations. While this method does not provide you with a public IP, it can solve some issues like gaming and accessing services that require a public IP.

Steps:

• Choose a reliable VPN provider.
• Install the VPN on your device or router.
• Connect to the VPN before using services affected by CGNAT.

Keep in mind that not all VPNs will work effectively for all applications, so testing multiple options may be necessary.

3. Use Port Forwarding on VPN

Some VPN services offer port forwarding, which allows incoming connections to be routed to your device. This is helpful if you’re hosting services like hosting a game server or using peer-to-peer networks.

Steps:

• Select a VPN service that supports port forwarding.
• Enable port forwarding in the VPN settings.
• Assign a specific port for the applications you want to use.

Learn More: What is Port Forwarding

4. IPv6 Transition

Gigaclear also offers IPv6, which could be a long-term solution to CGNAT issues. IPv6 provides a much larger address pool, eliminating the need for CGNAT.

Steps:

• Ensure your devices and router support IPv6.
• Enable IPv6 in your router settings.
• Contact Gigaclear for assistance if you’re unsure how to configure IPv6.

5. Third-Party Dynamic DNS Services

If you’re running a server and need a public IP for access, a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service can help. DDNS services allow you to use a domain name that updates automatically with your current IP address, even if it’s behind CGNAT.

Steps:

• Sign up for a DDNS provider.
• Configure your router or devices to update the DDNS with your current private IP.
• Use the domain name provided by the DDNS service to access your home network.

How to Check if Gigaclear Uses CGNAT in the UK

To determine if your Gigaclear 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 Avoid CGNAT on Gigaclear with PureVPN

If you want to get around Gigaclear’s CGNAT in the UK, consider using PureVPN’s Port Forwarding for seamless direct connections from any location. Here is how to set it up: 

1. Choose a PureVPN plan and add Port Forwarding during checkout. 

2. Download and install the PureVPN app on the device of your choice. 

3. Sign in to your Member Area and select the Port Forwarding option. 

4. Enter the ports you wish to open for incoming connections. 

5. Connect to a server that supports port forwarding, and voila!

Related Read: Port Forwarding on a dedicated router

Host a Server Using Dedicated IP with Port Forwarding

Hosting a server becomes a seamless experience with PureVPN’s Dedicated IP + Port Forwarding add-on. This combo ensures you get a static IP address only for your use, while port forwarding allows specific external traffic to reach your server directly—this makes it ideal for running a gaming server or managing a personal website.

Benefits of Using PureVPN to Avoid CGNAT

• Better gaming experience: Reduce lag and connect more directly to game servers.
• Remote network access: Access devices on your home network from anywhere.
• Improved privacy: PureVPN encrypts your connection for added security.

By following these steps, you can bypass CGNAT with PureVPN and enjoy a smoother, unrestricted internet experience.

Conclusion

Getting around CGNAT on Gigaclear isn’t difficult, but it requires the right tools. A static IP is the most straightforward option, while VPNs and IPv6 can be viable alternatives depending on your needs. By implementing one of these solutions, you can regain control of your internet connection and avoid CGNAT limitations.