CGNAT: when your provider shares one address between many homes

Some internet providers, especially fibre, wireless, LTE/5G and satellite, don't give each home its own public address. Many homes share one, and the provider's equipment sits in between. This is called CGNAT. Your HonkIP name still updates, but connections from outside stop at the provider and never reach your router, so port forwarding has no effect.

How to tell:

1. In your router's settings, find the internet/WAN address it was given.
2. Compare it with "Your current address" on HonkIP's My home page.
3. If they're different, or the router's address starts with 100.64 to 100.127, 10., 172.16 to 172.31 or 192.168., you're probably behind CGNAT.

What you can do:

• Ask your provider for a public IP address. Many South African fibre providers offer this free or for a small monthly fee. Ask for "a public IPv4 address" or for CGNAT to be turned off.
• Use IPv6. If your provider gives you IPv6, HonkIP can point your name at your device's IPv6 address. It works from any network that also has IPv6, including most mobile networks.
• Choose a different package. Some providers include a public address on business or higher-tier plans.

Once you have a public address, set up port forwarding and use Can I reach it from outside? to confirm.

Still stuck? Email support@swearguard.com and tell us your HonkIP name and what you tried.