How to Open Ports for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Behind CGNAT  

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 3 February 2025
  • 6 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one of the most iconic games in the Call of Duty franchise, known for its gripping campaign, intense multiplayer, and cooperative Spec Ops mode. Playing COD online with friends or loved ones can be super exciting, especially when you open ports on a router. 

This guide covers how to open ports for COD: Modern Warfare 2 to ensure smoother online matches, even if your ISP (internet service provider) performs CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT).

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is a networking method that connects external devices to a specified device or service within a private network. It sends incoming internet traffic from a particular router port to a designated device, such as a game console, PC, or server.

Before You Forward a Port 

You need to know the following before opening ports for any game and application: 

  • The IP address of your router 
  • The IP address of your device (computer or console)
  • Port numbers (UDP and TCP)

Default Ports for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 

You can open the following ports on your network for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2:

PC (Battle.net, Steam)

  • TCP: 3074, 27015-27030
  • UDP: 3074, 27015-27031, 3478-3480

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

  • TCP: 1935, 3478-3480, 3074
  • UDP: 3074, 3478-3479

Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

  • TCP: 3074
  • UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500

How to Open Ports for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2

Follow these steps:

  1. Open your device's network settings and locate the "Default Gateway" or router IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
  2. Log in using your router's admin username and password (check your router label or manual if you don't know these).
  3. Find the section called "Port Forwarding" in the router settings.
  4. Type the IP address of your gaming console into the appropriate field.
  5. Add the game's TCP and UDP port numbers in the provided boxes. e.g.:
  • Service Name: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2
  • Protocol: TCP/UDP
  • Start Port: 5222
  • End Port: 5222
  • Device IP: Enter your gaming device's local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

6. When you're finished, restart your router.

Why is Opening Ports behind CGNAT an Issue?  

Most ISPs perform CGNAT to prevent IPv4 exhaustion and network congestion. CGNAT is a networking technique that saves IPv4 addresses and assigns multiple users a single public IP address. If you port forward your device, it can also affect others, making things complicated for you. So, how to get rid of it? We have got the perfect solution for you.

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

Use PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and a dedicated IP to bypass CGNAT and set up port forwarding on routers like AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber, CenturyLink, and Optimum. Just follow these easy steps:

  1. Login to the PureVPN member area.
  2. Click the subscription tab.
  3. Click Configure.
  4. Apply your desired port settings.
  5. Click Apply settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is UPnP, and should I enable it for Modern Warfare 2?

    Plus

    UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) can be useful for Modern Warfare 2, but it may pose security risks, so we don't recommend it.

  • Does the multiplayer mode in Modern Warfare 2 require port forwarding?

    Plus

    No, Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer can work without port forwarding, but it helps improve connectivity issues, reduces NAT restrictions, and enhances matchmaking.

  • Does Modern Warfare 2 Perk Packages affect internet connection?

    Plus

    No, Perk Packages in Modern Warfare 2 only affect in-game abilities and do not impact your internet connection or network performance.

  • Can I host a private server in Modern Warfare 2 using port forwarding?

    Plus

    Yes, port forwarding allows you to host private matches or game servers for COD and other games. As long as you open ports with a port forwarding add-on and a dedicated IP, you can host servers on your home network.

In Summary

With PureVPN's port forwarding add-on, you can smooth out connections and open necessary ports for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with better connectivity. In just a few clicks, you can port forward all sequels of Call of Duty today!