FAQ
What is CGNAT?
Carrier-grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) is essentially a solution to the worldwide shortage of IPv4 addresses.
In the early days of the internet, every connected device was meant to have its own unique public IP address – a numerical label that allows devices and websites to communicate across the internet.
Back then there were over 4 billion IPv4 addresses, which seemed like plenty at the time. However, with the rapid growth of internet use, IPv4 addresses soon began to run out.
To ensure internet users would remain connected, CGNAT was created. CGNAT is a technology that allows internet providers to expand on the limited selection of IPv4 addresses by assigning a single IPv4 address to hundreds (sometimes thousands) of different customers. This is achieved through network address translation (NAT).
What is an IP address and NAT?
An IP address is an address assigned to your computer, similar to the way every home has its own address. The addresses are used to tell packets (data being sent over the internet) where they came from and where they are going.
A public address is an address that is accessible anywhere on the internet. A private address is an address that is hidden behind a public address by NAT to allow private addresses to access the public internet.
Why is Leaptel using CGNAT?
There are approximately 4.3 billion IPv4 aggresses globally, with most being owned by established telecommunications and technology companies.
With the continuous growth of home internet use, as well as on mobiles, there simply are not enough IPv4 addresses for each service on the internet to have its own unique IPv4 address.
Implementing CGNAT allows Leaptel to continue providing IPv4 connectivity to our customers while the internet continues to shift to IPv6.
How does this affect me?
Most Leaptel customers will not notice any difference in their connection with CGNAT on. The only change will be a different IPv4 address assigned to your modem/router. If you have a static IP, there will be no change to your service, and your IP address will not change.
Is there an advantage to using CGNAT?
Yes. CGNAT offers greater security as you are behind another layer of firewalling. As your modem/router is no longer directly exposed to the public internet, it makes it harder for someone to break into your modem/router.
What are some things that may not work with CGNAT?
Thankfully, CGNAT has been around for a number of years, and modern internet today is generally compatible with it.
Some services over the internet may not work, in particular ones which require port forwarding. These include:
- Hosting of servers – if you host a server on your internet connection such as web server, email server, security cameras (where you need to do a port forward to access).
- Older games – some older online games may experience some issues due to requiring port forwarding to work.
If you have any questions, please contact our support team and they will assist you.
How do I opt out of CGNAT?
To opt out, all you need to do is log in to your Members Portal and follow these steps:
1. Under the service summary, turn CGNAT off.
2. Click on your service.
3. Your internet connection will reset and CGNAT will be turned off.
Does Leaptel offer IPv6?
Yes, IPv6 has been deployed across the internet and is now enabled on our network.