What Is NAT Type in Online Gaming and Why Does It Matter?

Gamers often encounter the term "NAT Type" in their settings. While it may seem obscure, it is crucial for ensuring a smooth experience when playing with friends or communicating via voice chat. If your connection frequently drops or you see system errors during gameplay, it is highly likely that your NAT is misconfigured.

What is NAT and why does the internet need it?

NAT, or Network Address Translation, is a foundational technology for how the internet functions. When the IPv4 standard was created, the available pool of addresses was limited. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) found a solution in NAT: all household devices are unified under a single public IP address, with the router distributing traffic to each one. While efficient, this additional layer of data processing can sometimes cause latency in real-time applications like online gaming.

Although the newer IPv6 protocol functions without NAT by assigning each device a unique address, the world is still in a transition phase, and IPv4 remains in widespread use.

NAT types and their impact on gaming

Different platforms label NAT levels in various ways. On Xbox and PC, you will encounter "Open," "Moderate," and "Strict" statuses, while PlayStation uses Type 1, 2, and 3. On the Nintendo Switch, these are designated by the letters A, B, and C.

• Open (Type 1/A): Considered the best option, as the device connects directly to the internet without restrictions. However, this is not always recommended for security reasons.
• Moderate (Type 2/B): The standard and acceptable level. You will be able to play with both Open and Moderate users.
• Strict (Type 3/C): The most restricted type. Your device cannot use ports correctly, which often leads to matchmaking errors and the inability to connect with friends.

It is important to remember that NAT type does not change your internet speed or ping. It only determines which users you can connect with in the online space.

How to fix the problem

If your NAT type is set to Strict and you are facing issues, there are several ways to resolve the situation. First, ensure you do not have a "Double NAT"—this occurs when two routers are connected in the home. Set the provider-supplied device to "Bridge" mode and configure the second router as an "Access Point."

The most common solution is to enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router settings. This allows games to automatically open the necessary ports. However, be aware that this can create security risks. A safer, though more labor-intensive, method is manual Port Forwarding for specific games.

If none of these methods work, your provider may be using CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT). In this case, the best solution is to contact your ISP and request a static, public IP address.