How to Port Forward on Starlink- 4 Methods to Port Forward Starlink

Adelaide Brown

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How to Port Forward on Starlink? Port forwarding is critical for allowing external devices to access your local area network.

But how to port forward on Starlink remains a big problem primarily because of the ISP’s IP address settings.

Below, we’ll explore how to port forward Starlink, so read on for a detailed understanding. 

Table of Contents

What is CGNAT?

Starlink doesn’t allow conventional port forwarding, primarily because of its application of CGNAT (Carrier-grade Network Address Translation).

This property confines many users to one IP address to conserve the IP addresses. 

In addition, this limitation ensures that since you cannot port forward, you don’t predispose your network to attacks.

Lastly, the feature also aids in solving bandwidth problems. 

So does that mean there’s no way to bypass the port forwarding limitation on Starlink? We’ll offer a range of solutions below.

IP Addresses. 

As earlier noted, it is still possible to port forward Starlink, but one of the main hurdles is bypassing CGNAT.

One proven way to facilitate this process is using the PureVPN service, which features a port forwarding property.

  1. So first, you’ll need to create an account with the VPN and then login into your account. Next, search for ‘subscription’ and then select ‘configure.’
  2. Now input the port settings you’d like to use, and lastly, click ‘apply.’
IPv6 Internet Protocol. 

IPv6 Internet Protocol. 

ISPs provide two main IP addresses to their customers: 

  • IPv4
  • IPv6

IPv4 is the commonest address for Starlink and many other ISPs, although there has been a slow rollout of IPv6 in some parts.

Notably, there’s a scarcity of IPv4 addresses which is the primary reason it applies CGNAT (an IP address-sharing technology). 

Moreover, IPv4 is subject to frequent address changes, complicating the port forwarding process. 

On the other hand, IPv6 is also available to Starlink subscribers, but the company has been slow in its service rollout.

The main advantage of IPv6 is that it allows port forwarding, as the ISP will assign each subscriber a unique address. 

But you still need an aftermarket router for port forwarding, as we’ll elaborate on below. 

Localhost URL. 

Localhost URL. 

Below are the main ways you can use to port forward with Starlink.

IPv6 Method

Ipv6 network technology concept on server room.

Ipv6 network technology concept on server room.

As earlier said, Starlink assigns IPv4 to its users and doesn’t officially support 128-bit IPv6 addresses.

Nonetheless, it still offers IPv6 addresses to some parts, although this is still under trial.

If your address type is IPv6, then you can bypass the CGNAT via an aftermarket router. 

Hence first, confirm if your Starlink router has the static IPv6 address. Next, set up port forwarding on the aftermarket router.

You can now use the IPv6 address for network access outside your LAN. 

VPN Workaround

VPN concept. 

VPN concept. 

So what do you do if your Starlink router has the IPv4 address and the accompanying CGNAT?

The solution is to use a VPN with the port forwarding feature to bypass the CGNAT hurdle.

Next, you can enable port forwarding from the VPN. 

VPNs create a unique static IP address, thus bypassing Starlink’s shared IPv4. Now you can use this address to port forward. 

The downsides of this technique include the following: 

  • You’re likely to encounter higher latency than normal. 
  • VPN providers can sometimes limit the bandwidth 
  • Some VPN providers can provide random IP ports, thus curtailing port forwarding. 
  • Lastly, the VPN can limit the number of available open ports. 

ngrok Workaround

This method is an alternative to the VPN workaround option. It is also simple to set up in the following steps. 

  • Download and install ngrok on your device. 
  • Next, start a tunnel, then port defines. 
  • Lastly, port forward via the address ngrok will provide. 
IPv4 Concept. 

IPv4 Concept. 

Lastly, go for Starlink business, as this package avails a static IPv4 upon request.

Using this address, use an aftermarket router to set up port forwarding. 

But, this option will only benefit business owners as it can be expensive to subscribe to Starlink business for residential use. 

Ip addresses the internet protocol concept. 

Ip addresses the internet protocol concept. 

You can identify this from your public IP address. For CGNAT-enabled networks, you will see other subscribers who share your address. 

How do you check your public IP address?

You can use many sites, but whatismyip.com is one of the best to check. Alternatively, check out if your IP address keeps changing, a key indicator of CGNAT use. 

FAQs

How can I bypass CGNAT?

There are many techniques to overcome CGNAT. Nonetheless, using a VPN with a port forwarding option is the easiest. It creates another static IP address that you can use for port forwarding. 

Does CGNAT affect online gaming?

Yes, CGNAT operates like a blocker of incoming traffic. In turn, it affects the stability of online gaming, meaning it is imperative to block it for a seamless experience. 

Starlink does not have an ethernet port. Rather it features only the power supply port and the Starlink dish port.

Hence, you need a Starlink Ethernet adapter to connect a device via an ethernet cable. 

Conclusion

Starlink doesn’t allow outright port forwarding as its default port is the IPv4 with CGNAT.

Hence, many subscribers to the ISP’s network share an address port.

Above, we’ve highlighted the ways to bypass the CGNAT limitation and enable port forwarding.