In the complex world of internet configurations, users often grapple with challenges, especially when combining their Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) router, or a cellular router, with a personal router. Enter a common hurdle known as “double NAT,” which can cause disruptions in applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and VPNs. However, a solution exists: IP Passthrough mode. This article will delve into what IP Passthrough is, how it operates, and why it’s helpful for users seeking greater control over their network security, especially when using VoIP and VPNs.

IP Passthrough: What Is It?

IP Passthrough is a feature that allows a user’s personal router to bypass the ISP’s router and directly obtain the IP address from the Internet Service Provider. In simpler terms, it eliminates the double NAT scenario by enabling the user’s devices to communicate directly with the ISP’s network.

How Does IP Passthrough Work?

When IP Passthrough is enabled, the personal router takes on a more prominent role in the network setup. Instead of relying on the ISP’s router for assigning IP addresses, the user’s router directly interfaces with the ISP’s modem, receiving a unique IP address. This direct connection ensures that VoIP calls and VPN connections traverse the network with minimal interference, optimizing performance and reliability.

Why Choose IP Passthrough?

Enhanced Control Over Security

One of the compelling reasons users opt for IP Passthrough is the desire for greater control over their network security. In a typical setup where the ISP’s router manages security features, users may find themselves limited in terms of customization. IP Passthrough allows individuals to take charge of their security settings directly from their personal router. This means implementing specific firewall rules, setting up intrusion detection systems, and managing access controls according to their preferences. The result is a highly personalized and robust security infrastructure that aligns with individual needs and concerns.

Optimization for VoIP and VPN Applications

For users heavily reliant on applications like Voice over IP (VoIP) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), IP Passthrough offers a significant advantage. In a double NAT environment, these applications may encounter difficulties due to restricted access to specific ports. IP Passthrough eliminates these restrictions, creating a direct pathway for VoIP and VPN traffic. This optimization ensures that VoIP calls are crystal clear without interruptions, and VPN connections operate securely and swiftly. By allowing these applications to function at their best, IP Passthrough enhances the overall user experience for individuals and businesses alike.

Freedom from ISP Restrictions

By choosing IP Passthrough, users liberate themselves from the constraints imposed by their Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) router or firewall. In a traditional setup, the ISP’s equipment often comes with predefined settings and limitations that may not align with the user’s preferences. IP Passthrough enables users to break free from these constraints and set up their network according to their unique requirements. This includes configuring advanced networking features, managing Quality of Service (QoS) settings, and implementing specialized protocols that may be crucial for specific applications.

Efficient Resource Utilization

IP Passthrough contributes to more efficient resource utilization within the network. By eliminating the need for double NAT translation, it streamlines the data flow, reducing latency and optimizing bandwidth usage. This efficiency becomes particularly pronounced in scenarios where multiple devices and applications are concurrently accessing the network. Users benefit from a smoother and more responsive network environment, ensuring that every connected device enjoys optimal performance without unnecessary bottlenecks.

Future-Proofing the Network

We live in a time where technology is rapidly evolving and our reliance on internet-connected devices has increased. This raises the importance of future-proofing your network. IP Passthrough provides a flexible foundation that can adapt to changing needs and emerging technologies. Users can seamlessly integrate new devices, applications, and services without being hindered by the limitations of a double NAT setup. This adaptability ensures that the network remains robust and ready for the challenges of tomorrow’s digital landscape.

Setting Up IP Passthrough: A User-Friendly Process

Configuring IP Passthrough might sound intimidating, but most routers simplify the process through user-friendly interfaces. Users typically access their router’s settings, locate the IP Passthrough option, and enable it. For those unfamiliar with the setup, you may be able to reach out to the ISP’s customer support to receive assistance.

If you’re searching for instructions on setting up IP Passthrough on your cellular router, look no further than our YouTube videos below. These cover Digi, Inseego, Peplink, and Sierra Wireless devices.

Digi

Inseego

Peplink

Sierra Wireless

Sometimes referred to as IP Passthrough mode, in networking terms, bridge mode refers to a configuration on a networking device, such as a router or modem. That router or modem is configured to function primarily as a bridge, forwarding all network traffic between two or more networks without performing any network address translation (NAT) or routing functions. This means that any device connected to the bridge will receive an IP address from the network it is connected to, rather than from the bridge itself. Everything stays within the same network in this case, so you can maintain things like file and printer sharing across devices.

Why, or Why Not Bridge Mode?

If you have multiple routers in your home or office, you can use bridge mode to connect them and extend your network coverage. This can be useful if you have a large area to cover and need to ensure that all devices are connected to the same network.

When you want to add wireless connectivity to an existing wired network, you can use a wireless access point in bridge mode to provide access. This can be useful if you have a wired network in your home or office and want to add wireless connectivity without having to replace your existing network infrastructure.

You might not want to use bridge mode unless you have a reason to keep a piece of hardware active. In the event you have to use an Internet Service Provider (ISP) supplied router in order to retain its functionality, you need to keep that piece of hardware active. However, if you’re upgrading your router by replacing it with a newer model, there is no reason to put the old model in bridge mode and connect it to the new one. Instead, you should make note of its configuration settings and then retire the hardware by factory resetting it and taking it to be recycled.

Advantages

There are several advantages to using bridge mode in networking:

Improved performance: Bridge mode can help to improve network performance by eliminating any unnecessary routing or NAT functions that can slow down traffic.
Simplified network management: By using bridge mode, you can simplify network management by reducing the number of devices that need to be configured and managed.
Increased network flexibility: Bridge mode can provide increased network flexibility by allowing you to connect different types of networks together, such as wired and wireless networks.
Improved security: Bridge mode can assist with network security by reducing the number of devices that need to be secured and minimizing the risk of configuration errors. Of course, your devices are only as safe as the firewall of the network so make sure you have this configured properly.

Disadvantages

While there are many advantages to using bridge mode, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

Limited functionality: When a device is set up in bridge mode, it typically loses some of its functionality, such as the ability to perform NAT or routing functions. In other words, you normally can no longer connect directly to the bridged device without some additional configuration on the device you’re trying to connect.
Increased complexity: Setting up a device in bridge mode can be more complex than simply configuring it to perform routing or NAT functions, which is typically its default state.
Potential compatibility issues: When connecting different types of networks together, there may be compatibility issues that need to be resolved before bridge mode can be configured. For example, the IP address may conflict with the existing network and need to be changed first.

How do I Enable Bridge Mode?

To set up a device in bridge mode, you typically need to access the device’s configuration interface and enable the bridge mode or IP Passthrough option. This may be found under the WAN connection details or general network settings. Once enabled, bridge mode will disable any routing or NAT functionality and configure the device to simply forward traffic between the networks.

Looking for instructions on your 5Gstore devices? We have a few videos available below:

Tag: NAT

Benefits of IP Passthrough