Frequently Asked Question
Instead, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) shares a single Public IP Address among many customers using a technology called Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT).
This works well for normal Internet activities such as web browsing, streaming videos, social media, and messaging.
However, because your Internet connection does not have its own Public IP Address, devices on your network cannot be reached directly from the Internet. As a result, features such as Port Forwarding, remote CCTV access using a Public IP or DDNS, hosting servers, and some VPN services may not work.
If you require direct remote access, you may need:
- A broadband service that includes a Public IP Address (if offered by your ISP).
- Your device manufacturer's Cloud/P2P remote access service.
- A VPN or other remote access solution that does not rely on Port Forwarding.
| Mobile Network | CGNAT (Cannot use Port Forwarding) |
|---|---|
| Singtel | ❌ Yes |
| StarHub | ❌ Yes |
| M1 | ❌ Yes |
| SIMBA | ❌ Yes |
| GOMO | ❌ Yes (Singtel network) |
| giga! | ❌ Yes (StarHub network) |
| Circles.Life | ❌ Yes (M1 network) |
| ZYM | ❌ Yes |
| redONE | ❌ Yes |
| ISP | Residential Public IPv4 | Uses CGNAT by Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singtel | ✅ Dynamic Public IP | ❌ | Public IPv4 on residential fibre. (Reddit) |
| StarHub | ✅ Dynamic Public IP | ❌ | Public IPv4 on residential fibre. (HardwareZone Forums) |
| M1 | ✅ Dynamic Public IP | ❌ | Public IPv4, although static IP is no longer offered for new residential customers. (Reddit) |
| MyRepublic | ❌ | ✅ | CGNAT by default. Static Public IP available as an add-on (one-time fee at the time of writing). (HardwareZone Forums) |
| ViewQwest | ❌ | ✅ | CGNAT by default. Static Public IP available as a monthly add-on. (HardwareZone Forums) |
| SIMBA Fibre | ❌ | ✅ | CGNAT by default. IPv6 supported. No public IPv4 add-on reported. (HardwareZone Forums) |
| WhizComms | ✅ Public IP | ❌ | Residential plans generally receive a public IPv4. (HardwareZone Forums) |
| GOMO Fibre | ✅ Dynamic Public IP | ❌ | Newer service on Singtel infrastructure. (HardwareZone Forums) |
| Eight | ✅ Dynamic Public IP | ❌ | Public IPv4 and IPv6. (HardwareZone Forums) |
Alternative Solution: HIK-Connect (For Hikvision Devices)
If you are using a Hikvision DVR, NVR or IP Camera, you can use HIK-Connect, Hikvision's cloud-based remote access platform.
Unlike traditional Port Forwarding, HIK-Connect does not require your Internet connection to have a Public IP Address. It works on most Internet connections, including 4G/5G SIM card services and fibre broadband connections using CGNAT.
Advantages
- ✅ Works without Port Forwarding.
- ✅ Works on most mobile and fibre Internet connections.
- ✅ Simple setup using the HIK-Connect mobile app.
- ✅ No need to configure firewall or router settings.
- ✅ Supports notifications, live view and playback from supported devices.
- ✅ More secure than exposing your recorder directly to the Internet through open ports.
Limitations
- ⚠️ Live View sessions may automatically disconnect after approximately 5 minutes when using HIK-Connect's cloud (P2P) service. To continue viewing, simply tap Continue or reconnect the live stream. This is an intentional limitation implemented by Hikvision to help reduce bandwidth usage and improve platform stability.
- ⚠️ Requires an active Internet connection at both the CCTV site and the viewing device.
- ⚠️ Remote access depends on the availability of Hikvision's cloud platform.
- ⚠️ Viewing quality and responsiveness depend on the upload speed of the CCTV site's Internet connection.
- ⚠️ Some advanced integrations, third-party VMS software, or custom applications may require direct IP access with a Public IP Address instead of HIK-Connect.
Note: If uninterrupted 24/7 live viewing is required (for example, displaying cameras continuously on a monitoring screen), a Public IP Address with direct IP access (or a VPN) is generally more suitable than using the HIK-Connect cloud service. Hikvision states that the 5-minute timeout is a design limitation of the cloud service; direct IP/Domain connections are recommended when longer continuous viewing is required.