Edit: Big thanks to everybody who shared their advice! :) I’m very pleasantly surprised and will definitely explore all the options you guys provided, such as getting an additional router or configuring Tailscale. Again, big thanks to everyone!

Hi all, I’ve recently moved and now my ISP doesn’t allow port forwarding for wired connections (wifi only), and my landlord does not allow changing ISPs. Now my home server is practically useless which makes me very sad.

Is there any easy way to still access device ports without port forwarding or buying a wifi card/dongle is my safest bet?

  • MigratingtoLemmy@lemmy.worldEnglish
    18·
    1 year ago

    Host a VPS as a VPN server. Tunnel everything through VPN. Don’t need to use Cloudflare this way, but maybe a little more maintenance

  • kibiz0r@lemmy.worldEnglish
    111·
    1 year ago

    How does your ISP have anything to do with port forwarding, or wired vs. wifi?

    • Too Lazy Didn't Name@lemmy.worldEnglish
      11·
      1 year ago

      In the US at least, ISPs can force you to use a specific router and software restrict certain functions.

      I have AT&T and they do this to me, I just have my own router behind theirs. Might be what OP needs to do.

      • Eager Eagle@lemmy.worldEnglish
        8·
        1 year ago

        I knew they provided some “perks” to incentivize using their own router, like free support and compatibility with other junk they push to customers, but actively forcing users should be forbidden.

        Do you also have to pay to “rent” the device?

      • jgkawell@lemmy.worldEnglish
        7·
        1 year ago

        Yeah I have AT&T and had to set up IP passthrough on their router/gateway box. Basically it makes it so the ISP provided router acts as if it isn’t there and my router gets to do whatever it wants.

      • terminhell@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        5·
        1 year ago

        If it’s fiber, you don’t need the modem. You’ll still need it once every few months.

        Things you’ll need:

        1. your own router
        2. cheap 4 port switch (1gig pref)

        Setup: Connect gpon (the little fiber converter box they installed on the wall near modem) wan to any port on 4port switch. Then from switch to gpon port of modem (usually red or green port). Make sure modem fully syncs. Once this happens, you can move the cable from the modem to your own routers wan port. Done! Allow router a few moments to sync as well.

        Now, every once in a while they’ll send a line refresh signal that will break this, or if a power outage occurs. In such case, you’ll just plug back in their modem, move cable back to gpon port of modem, wait for sync. Move cable back to router.

        Edit: (after thought) put all this equipment on a battery backup and you’ll still have Internet during short power outages.

    • denast@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      6·
      1 year ago

      I’m in US. My ISP Xfinity decided their users are too stupid to use router settings so they purged port forwarding settings from the router panel altogether. Now you have to use their mobile application which doesn’t allow you to make port forwarding rules for a specific IP (because again, they think their user is an idiot that can’t figure out IP numbers), instead it just gives you a list of devices and you have to select one to create a port forwarding rule. Wired devices are not on that list.

  • PeachMan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    71·
    1 year ago

    CloudFlare tunnels are dead simple, BUT their terms of service say you can’t stream video with them (so not for Plex). I hear people stream video with them anyway and they haven’t gotten in trouble yet, for what it’s worth.

  • pianoplant@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    1 year ago

    Not what you’re asking but since it’s been covered well:

    Buy your own cable modem and put your own firewall behind it. Not only will this save you money in the long run, you’ll also have no issues with things like port forwarding. I use Comcast/Xfinity with a docsis3.1 cable modem + a decent firewall and it’s a good way to go.

  • PeachMan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    1 year ago

    Wait, they allow port forwarding for wireless connections but not wired? How does that work?

    • denast@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      My copied answer to other user in this thread:

      I’m in US. My ISP Xfinity provides their own router and has decided their users are too stupid to use router settings so they purged port forwarding settings from the router firmware altogether. Now you have to use their mobile application which doesn’t allow you to make port forwarding rules for a specific IP (because again, they think their user is an idiot that can’t figure out IP numbers), instead it just gives you a list of devices and you have to select one to create a port forwarding rule. Wired devices are not on that list.

      • Doubletwist@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        I’m pretty sure you can make them set the modem/router to bridge mode and run your own router. If it’s cable, you can also buy your own non-router cable modem, then use whatever router you like behind it.

        • lemming741@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          If you want non-crippled mid-split, you have to use their gear for now. That’s the main reason I haven’t switched. I want that 200 upload, but I refuse to put their box in my house.