NAT Type Tester
Test your Network Address Translation (NAT) type. Essential for online gaming, VoIP, and P2P applications to determine connectivity compatibility.
Determine your NAT type (Open, Moderate, or Strict) to optimize your network for gaming, voice chat, and peer-to-peer applications.
Test Your NAT Type
Determine your Network Address Translation (NAT) type for optimal gaming and VoIP connectivity
About NAT Types
- Open NAT: Ideal for gaming, voice chat, and P2P applications
- Moderate NAT: May experience some connection limitations
- Strict NAT: Most restrictive, may prevent connections to some players/services
What is NAT (Network Address Translation)?
NAT (Network Address Translation) is a method used by routers to translate private IP addresses (used within your home network) into public IP addresses (used on the internet). This allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address.
Your NAT type determines how easily your device can connect to other devices on the internet, particularly for peer-to-peer applications like online gaming, voice chat, and video calls.
NAT Type Examples
How to Use This Tool
- Click "Start NAT Test": The tool will analyze your network configuration and determine your NAT type automatically.
- Review NAT Type: See if you have Open, Moderate, or Strict NAT classification.
- Check Your IP Addresses: View both your public IP (visible to the internet) and local IP (used within your network).
- Verify UPnP Status: Check if Universal Plug and Play is enabled on your router, which helps with automatic port forwarding.
- Follow Recommendations: Read the interpretation and follow suggested actions to improve your NAT type if needed.
NAT Types Explained in Detail
Type 1 / Open NAT (NAT-PMP/UPnP)
Your device has no restrictions and can communicate freely with any other device on the internet.
- Can connect to players with any NAT type
- Can host multiplayer games and lobbies
- Best voice chat quality with lowest latency
- No connection issues in peer-to-peer games
- Optimal for streaming and content creation
- Connect device directly to modem (DMZ host)
- Enable UPnP on your router
- Configure port forwarding for specific games
- Use gaming routers with built-in QoS
Type 2 / Moderate NAT
Your device can connect to most other devices but may experience some limitations.
- Can connect to Open and Moderate NAT users
- Cannot connect to Strict NAT users
- May experience longer matchmaking times
- Can usually host games but with fewer players
- Voice chat works but may have occasional issues
- Enable UPnP on router if disabled
- Set up port forwarding for your console/PC
- Update router firmware
- Avoid double NAT situations (modem + router)
Type 3 / Strict NAT
Your device has the most restrictions and can only connect to devices with Open NAT.
- Can only connect to Open NAT users
- Cannot host multiplayer games
- Severe matchmaking limitations
- Frequent voice chat connection failures
- May be kicked from lobbies automatically
- Unable to join some game modes entirely
- Essential: Configure port forwarding immediately
- Enable UPnP: Turn on Universal Plug and Play
- DMZ: Place gaming device in DMZ (less secure but effective)
- Check ISP: Contact ISP about carrier-grade NAT issues
- Router: Consider upgrading to gaming-focused router
NAT Types by Gaming Platform
| Platform | Open NAT | Moderate NAT | Strict NAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 |
| Xbox | Open | Moderate | Strict |
| Nintendo Switch | NAT Type A | NAT Type B | NAT Type C/D/F |
| PC (Steam) | Open | Moderate | Strict |
How to Improve Your NAT Type
Method 1: Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
UPnP automatically opens ports as needed. This is the easiest method but may have security implications.
- Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- Find the UPnP setting (often under Advanced or Network Settings)
- Enable UPnP
- Save settings and restart your router
- Restart your gaming device
Method 2: Port Forwarding (Manual Configuration)
Manually forward specific ports to your gaming device. More secure than UPnP but requires configuration.
- Find your device's local IP address (Settings → Network)
- Assign a static IP to your gaming device (or use DHCP reservation)
- Log into your router's admin panel
- Navigate to Port Forwarding section
- Add port forwarding rules for your game/platform
- Save and restart router
- PlayStation: TCP: 80, 443, 3478-3480 | UDP: 3478-3479
- Xbox: TCP: 3074 | UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500
- Nintendo Switch: TCP: 6667, 12400-28910 | UDP: 1-65535
- Steam: TCP: 27015-27030, 27036-27037 | UDP: 4380, 27000-27031, 27036
Method 3: DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
Place your gaming device in the DMZ to expose all ports. Caution: This reduces security.
- Assign a static IP to your gaming device
- Log into router admin panel
- Find DMZ settings (usually under Advanced Settings)
- Enable DMZ and enter your device's IP address
- Save and restart router
⚠️ Security Warning: DMZ exposes all ports on your device. Only use for dedicated gaming devices, never for PCs with sensitive data.
Troubleshooting NAT Issues
Double NAT Problem
This occurs when you have two routers (ISP modem/router + your router) both performing NAT.
- Put your ISP router/modem in bridge mode
- Or connect your gaming device directly to ISP router
- Disable NAT on one of the routers
- Check with your ISP for proper configuration
Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT)
Some ISPs use CGNAT, which puts you behind another layer of NAT you can't control.
- Contact your ISP and request a public IP address
- Ask about IPv4 address availability or IPv6 support
- Consider upgrading to a business internet plan
- Use a VPN with port forwarding as a workaround (adds latency)
UPnP Not Working
- Update router firmware to latest version
- Restart router after enabling UPnP
- Check if your firewall is blocking UPnP
- Verify UPnP is supported by your router model
- Try manual port forwarding instead
NAT Type Changes Randomly
- Set a static IP address for your gaming device
- Use DHCP reservation instead of dynamic IPs
- Ensure port forwarding rules point to correct IP
- Check for IP conflicts on your network
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does NAT type matter for gaming?
NAT type determines how easily your gaming device can connect to other players. Open NAT allows direct peer-to-peer connections with anyone, while Strict NAT can only connect to players with Open NAT, severely limiting your matchmaking options and causing voice chat issues.
Is Open NAT less secure than Strict NAT?
There's a slight security difference, but modern gaming devices have built-in firewalls. Open NAT with proper firewall settings is generally safe. The main risk comes from DMZ configuration, which fully exposes a device. UPnP and port forwarding are relatively secure when properly configured.
Can two people on the same network have different NAT types?
Generally no - NAT type is determined by your router configuration, so all devices on the same network usually share the same NAT type. However, if one device has specific port forwarding rules or is in the DMZ while others don't, they might report different NAT types.
Does NAT type affect internet speed or latency?
NAT type doesn't directly affect your internet speed or ping. However, Strict NAT can cause longer matchmaking times and force connections through relay servers instead of direct peer-to-peer, which can indirectly increase latency. Open NAT allows the most direct routing paths.
What is UPnP and should I enable it?
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) allows devices to automatically open ports on your router as needed. For gaming, UPnP is very convenient and usually safe to enable. It's the easiest way to achieve Open or Moderate NAT. However, if you're very security-conscious, you can use manual port forwarding instead.
Why do I have Strict NAT on college/apartment WiFi?
Shared networks in colleges, apartments, and offices often have restricted configurations for security. You're behind multiple layers of NAT that you can't control. Solutions include: using a VPN with port forwarding, requesting network changes from IT, or using your own 4G/5G hotspot for gaming.
Can I use a VPN to improve my NAT type?
Standard VPNs usually make NAT worse, not better. However, some gaming VPNs offer port forwarding features that can help if you're behind carrier-grade NAT. Be aware that VPNs add latency, so only use them if necessary. They're mainly helpful for bypassing ISP restrictions or CGNAT.
How do I check my NAT type on my gaming console?
PlayStation: Settings → Network → View Connection Status → NAT Type
Xbox: Settings → General → Network Settings → NAT Type
Nintendo Switch: Settings → Internet → Test Connection (shows NAT Type)
PC: Use this tool or check game-specific network settings
What ports should I forward for my specific game?
Port requirements vary by game. Visit portforward.com for a comprehensive database of port forwarding guides for specific games and applications. Generally, forward both TCP and UDP ports as specified by the game developer. Always use your device's static IP when setting up port forwarding rules.
Will IPv6 eliminate NAT issues?
Yes, eventually. IPv6 has enough addresses for every device to have a unique public address, eliminating the need for NAT entirely. However, full IPv6 adoption will take years, and many games and networks still rely on IPv4. When both your ISP and gaming service support IPv6, NAT won't be an issue anymore.
Quick Reference: NAT Type Compatibility
| Your NAT | vs Open | vs Moderate | vs Strict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Moderate | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Strict | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
✅ = Can connect and play together | ❌ = Cannot establish connection