IP Passthrough is a networking feature that allows devices on a network to have direct access to the internet, without being hindered by the limitations of the router or modem. This feature is commonly used in businesses and homes where the user requires the use of multiple routers or firewalls.
In this article, we will discuss what IP Passthrough is, how it works, and the benefits of using it.
What is IP Passthrough?
IP Passthrough is a feature that allows a device connected to a modem to receive the public IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) instead of the private IP address assigned by the modem. This feature is often used in situations where multiple routers or firewalls are needed on a network.
For example, in a small business environment, there may be multiple routers installed for various reasons, such as load balancing or redundancy. In this scenario, the router connected to the modem would typically have a private IP address assigned to it by the modem. This means that any devices connected to the other routers would be unable to communicate directly with the internet.
IP Passthrough solves this problem by allowing the modem to pass the public IP address assigned by the ISP directly to the device connected to it. This means that the device can communicate directly with the internet without being hindered by the limitations of the router or modem.
How does IP Passthrough work?
IP Passthrough works by allowing a device to bypass the router or modem and communicate directly with the internet using the public IP address assigned by the ISP. This is achieved by configuring the modem to forward all traffic to a specific device on the network.
To use IP Passthrough, the device that needs direct access to the internet is connected to the modem's LAN port, and the modem is configured to forward all traffic to that device. This configuration is typically done through the modem's web interface or by contacting the ISP's support team.
Once IP Passthrough is enabled, the device connected to the modem will receive the public IP address assigned by the ISP, allowing it to communicate directly with the internet.
Benefits of using IP Passthrough
- Improved Network Performance: IP Passthrough allows devices to bypass the limitations of the router or modem, improving network performance by reducing latency and increasing throughput.
- Multiple Firewalls: IP Passthrough is commonly used in businesses that require multiple firewalls for security reasons. By enabling IP Passthrough, each firewall can be assigned a public IP address, ensuring that all devices connected to that firewall can communicate directly with the internet.
- VPN Connectivity: Many popular VPN providers require a direct connection to the internet to function properly. These VPNs include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and many more. By using IP Passthrough, devices connected to the VPN can communicate directly with the internet, improving VPN performance and reliability.
- Flexibility: IP Passthrough is a flexible networking solution that allows devices to be added or removed from the network without impacting network performance. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses that require scalability.
Conclusion
IP Passthrough is a powerful networking feature that allows devices on a network to bypass the limitations of the router or modem and communicate directly with the internet. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require multiple firewalls or VPN connectivity.
By enabling IP Passthrough, devices on the network can enjoy improved network performance, increased security, and greater flexibility. However, it's important to note that configuring IP Passthrough can be complex, and it's recommended that it be done by an experienced network administrator.