If you’re an online gamer, then you might already be aware of NAT types and the impact they have on your internet service. For a newbie, the NAT type is short for Network Address Translation, which basically allows different devices to connect to a local network using a single public IP address, every time you connect to the internet.
Today, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the three distinct NAT types and what each of them stands for. So, make sure you read to the end so that you can amp up your online gaming experience (if you’re a gamer).
Let’s get into it!
The Three NAT Types
There are three NAT types in total: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.
The purpose of all three depends on the kind of security and connection you need while you are using the internet. Type 1 is “Open”, Type 2 is “Moderate”, and Type 3 is “Strict”.
Having the Type 3 set as your NAT type can lead to certain implications while you play online games. For instance, it can cause hindrance if you intend on streaming games on PlayStation Plus or if you plan on playing online co-op games with your friends.
You will have to change your NAT type before you can begin playing seamlessly.
Switching Your NAT Types
If your Internet Service Provider and router settings allow it, then you can easily switch your NAT type from one to another. For instance, if you have an Xfinity Internet connection, you can go to the router settings and change the NAT type accordingly.
The process is actually pretty easy. Look on the underside of your router and you’ll find an IP address.
Connect your router to any device, such as your smartphone or your laptop, and enter that IP address in the address bar. Once you hit enter, you’ll see the portal for your router, which will prompt you to sign in using your username and password.
Doing so will open your router settings, and there are a number of things you can do from there.
You can change the password for your internet connection, rename your Wi-Fi as it appears on devices, and you can switch between the NAT types too. The easiest way to go about it is to enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on your router.
The Process of Changing NAT Types
Changing your NAT types isn’t rocket science, just a bit of cursory knowledge of your router settings, and you are good to go!
After you are done signing into the portal, here are the next steps that you need to follow:
- Look for Port Forwarding settings. These settings can be under multiple names, such as “Port Forwarding”, “Virtual Servers”, or “Advanced” in your router settings.
- Next, you have to look for the Required Ports for the game or the application that you are using. You can find these settings in the network settings, so make sure you connect your device to the router through a LAN cable. Just press the Options button on your Internet connection’s name and hit Advanced. There, you can see the existing NAT Type.
- Next, you have to Set up Port Forwarding Rules for each port, which will basically specify the IP address of your device, the port number, and the protocol (UDP or TCP).
- Then, you have to enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router settings. You have to look for these settings in the portal, and they can be under the names of “UPnP”, “Universal Plug and Play”, or “Automatic Port Forwarding” in your router settings. To enable UPnP, just click the checkbox to activate it.
- After that, you have to look for the DMZ Mode in the settings. You have to look for the settings that can be under “DMZ” or “DMZ Host” in the settings. Once that is done, you have to set your device’s IP address, which in this case will be the device’s IP address again.
- For a couple of additional points, make sure you assign a static IP address to your device (outside your router’s DHCP range, you can find it in the router settings) to make sure the port forwarding is consistent. When done, restart both your device and your router to implement the changes made. If you still have trouble, consult your router’s manual.
The Uses of Each NAT Type
Here are the uses of each NAT Type to help you narrow down what you want:
- Open NAT Type 1: The “Open” NAT setting is best for online gaming and other activities that require swift communication between your device and the internet connection. It allows unrestricted communication, letting you make the most out of your internet connection.
- Moderate NAT Type 2: This type of setting helps you strike a balance between security and gaming. While it allows a high degree of communication, it also adds limitations for certain games or applications.
- Strict NAT Type 3: While this is the most secure type of communication, it also restricts you by a fair degree and can cause communication issues in the form of problems in voice chat and peer-to-peer gaming sessions.
So, this was everything you needed to know about NAT types and how you can change them. This article should especially be helpful for you if you are a gamer, so now you know what to do to improve your experience!