How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

  • 27 January 2025
  • 6 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

MSN Game Zone is a classic online platform where players can enjoy various fun and engaging multiplayer games. However, an unstable connection can disrupt gameplay and potentially let your team down, making you the culprit of any defeat. 

This guide covers opening ports for MSN Game Zone behind CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) for seamless and uninterrupted gaming.

What is Port Forwarding? 

Port forwarding is a networking technique that allows remote devices to access specific services on your private network. This helps gamers who want to set up private game servers for MMO (massively multiplayer online) like MSN Gaming Zone, DOTA, or Call of Duty, as port forwarding ensures stable connections.

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 MSN Game Zone

The default ports for MSN Game Zone are as follows:

TCP Ports

  • IRC chat-6667 
  • Game connections-28800-29100 

UDP Ports

  • DirectPlay hosting and joining games-2300-2400 
  • DirectPlay initial connection-47624 

How to Port Forward MSN Game Zone

Get to know how to port forward MSN Game Zone with the following easy steps:

  1. Log Into Your Router
  • Select any browser (Google Chrome) and insert your router's default gateway IP in the address bar.
  • Insert the username and password to log in to your router page (username is "admin," and the password is "password" if you haven't changed it).
  1. Go to the Port Forwarding Section
  • Select Advanced and navigate to the Port Forwarding option.
  • Select the "Add Service" or "Add Rule" button.
  • Enter a name for the new port forwarding rule (MSN Game Zone).
  1. Add MSN Game Zone Port Forwarding Rules
  • Select the protocol (TCP or UDP).
  • Insert the port number you want to forward. 
  • Use the same port number for Internal and External Port Numbers.
  • Insert the static IP address of the device to which you wish to forward the port.
  1. Save and Apply Changes
  • Click Apply or Save.
  • Restart your router.

Why is Opening Ports behind CGNAT an Issue? 

Most ISPs perform CGNAT to save IPv4 addresses and prevent network congestion. This makes it difficult for you to forward or even access ports on your router. The bottom line is opening ports behind CGNAT can lead to IP blacklisting or complete internet access blockage.

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

With PureVPN's port forwarding add-on and a dedicated IP, you can bypass CGNAT and port forward multiple routers (Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS) for popular 2025 games like Starfield, Diablo IV, and Baldur's Gate 3. Just follow the simple steps below and enhance your gaming experience:

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

ues with some internet services. NAT is typically used in home networks, CGNAT operates at the ISP-level, and Double NAT occurs due to specific network setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I host a server without port forwarding?

    Plus

    We don't recommend hosting servers through third parties or other services because they are unsafe compared to port forwarding your own router at home.

  • Can multiple devices use the same port forwarding rules?

    Plus

    Not simultaneously, as port conflicts may occur. Consider using separate rules for each device.

  • Does port forwarding enhance download speed?

    Plus

    No. Port forwarding enhances server hosting and online gaming but doesn't enhance internet download speed.

  • What happens if I forward the wrong ports?

    Plus

    The game might not connect properly or expose your network to security risks.

Wrap Up

Enhance your multiplayer gaming experience to the next level and enjoy seamless gameplay on MSN Game Zone with PureVPN's port forwarding add-on and dedicated IP. This helps you bypass CGNAT restrictions effortlessly, regardless of the router you are using.