What Is NAT Type and Why Does It Affect Your Gaming and Remote Access Experience?
When you're playing online games or trying to remotely access devices at home, your connection quality is heavily influenced by something you may not even be aware of—your NAT type.
But what exactly is NAT? Why does it matter? And what can you do if your NAT type is limiting your online experience?
Let’s break it down.
🔄 What Is NAT?
NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It’s a method used by routers to allow multiple devices on a local network (like your home Wi-Fi) to share a single public IP address on the internet.
Every time your device accesses the internet, your router “translates” the internal private IP address to the external public one. While NAT helps conserve IP addresses and improves security, it also impacts how freely devices can talk to each other across the internet.
🔍 What Are the Common NAT Types?
There are generally three main types of NAT configurations, and they each behave differently:
| NAT Type | Also Known As | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Full Cone NAT | Easiest to connect; any external device can reach you freely |
| Moderate | Restricted or Port-Restricted Cone NAT | Allows most connections, but may block some types |
| Strict | Symmetric NAT | Most restrictive; only specific connections are allowed and often blocks peer-to-peer (P2P) |
You can check your NAT type using tools like whatsmynat.com which detect your real-world connectivity behavior using NAT traversal techniques.
🎮 Why Does NAT Type Matter in Online Gaming?
If you’ve ever had trouble joining online lobbies, voice chats, or co-op sessions—especially on consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch—there’s a good chance your NAT type is the culprit.
- Open NAT: You can connect to anyone and anyone can connect to you. Best for gaming.
- Moderate NAT: You can connect to most people, but not all.
- Strict NAT: Only allows outgoing connections to Open NAT users. You’ll often experience disconnections or matchmaking issues.
This affects not just competitive games like Call of Duty or Warzone, but also voice chat, party invites, and co-op features.
🛠️ Why Does NAT Type Affect Remote Access?
If you're trying to remotely access a home server, camera, or IoT device, your NAT type determines whether outside connections can reach your local devices.
- Symmetric NAT makes it extremely difficult to set up a direct connection from outside, often requiring a VPN or relay server.
- Cone NAT allows for easier peer-to-peer connections, which many remote access apps depend on.
This is also why apps like TeamViewer, ZeroTier, or Tailscale are often used to bypass NAT issues.
🚀 How Can I Change My NAT Type?
Depending on your router and ISP, you may be able to improve your NAT type:
- ✅ Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router settings
- 🔧 Use port forwarding for specific games or services
- 🛑 Avoid double NAT (common when using both a modem/router combo and a separate router)
- 🔄 Ask your ISP for a public IP address if you're behind CGNAT
Every router is different, so be sure to check model-specific guides.
✅ Summary
Your NAT type silently affects how easily your device can communicate with others online. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or remotely accessing your home network, understanding and optimizing your NAT type can dramatically improve your experience.
Want to know your current NAT type?
👉 Run a free test now at whatsmynat.com