If you want to reach a security camera, DVR, home PC or server from outside your house, you usually need a static, public IP address. This guide walks through how to get one and set it up.
First, find out what kind of IP you have now
1) Check your current IP type
Open the Show-IP.ir home page and note the public IP. Then open your router panel and check the WAN IP. Three cases:
- They match and stay the same: you already have a public IP.
- They match but change over time: you have a public but dynamic IP.
- They differ (WAN is something like
100.64.x.x): you are behind carrier NAT (CGNAT) and cannot open ports without an extra service.
Getting a static IP from your ISP
2) Contact your ISP
Ask for a "static IP" or "valid / public IP" add-on. Providers use different words for it, and on fixed lines (DSL, fibre) it is usually sold as a monthly extra, while on mobile data it is often only available on business contracts.
3) Pick the right plan
For a camera or remote desktop, a static IP on a wired line (DSL/VDSL/fibre) is the most stable option. Fixed-wireless and LTE quality varies with coverage. A static IP on a mobile SIM is the least reliable.
Configure and test
4) Set up the router and port forwarding
Once the static IP is active, open Port Forwarding / Virtual Server in the router and forward the port you need to the target device's internal IP (for example 554 or 8000 for a DVR, or 3389 for Remote Desktop). Prefer a non-default external port.
5) Test from outside the network
Using mobile data (not the same Wi-Fi), open http://your-static-ip:port. If it responds, the setup is correct. To avoid memorising the number, use a DDNS service.
What if the ISP will not give you a static IP?
The alternative is a small VPS with a static IP and a reverse tunnel: your device connects out to the server, and you reach the device through the server. This bypasses CGNAT without needing an open port on the home line.
Key takeaways
- Compare the site's IP with your router WAN IP to see whether you are behind CGNAT.
- Ask for a "static IP" or "valid/public IP" add-on.
- The most stable static IPs are on wired lines.
- After getting the IP, set up port forwarding on a non-default port.
- If a static IP is not possible, a reverse tunnel through a VPS is a solid alternative.