This guide will walk you through safe, practical ways to adjust your home router so online games and voice chat work more reliably. You’ll learn why a router maps private addresses to a single public address and how that mapping affects matchmaking, voice, hosting, and latency.
We’ll show a clear flow: check your nat type on PC, find the Default Gateway in ipconfig, open the router page in your browser, and update specific settings to open needed paths. You can often move from strict to moderate or open using UPnP or port forwarding, but each method has trade-offs.
Open often connects easiest but gives the least protection; Moderate is a safer middle ground for most players. The guide covers Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC details, plus safer options like a Windows 10 VPN hotspot and VPN passthrough if your router blocks tunnels.
Key Takeaways
- Understand how address translation on your router affects online play and voice chat.
- Start by checking your nat type and Default Gateway on PC before making edits.
- UPnP and port forwarding can improve matchmaking; each has security trade-offs.
- Use DMZ only as a last resort and always back up router settings first.
- Document every change so you can revert settings if needed.
What NAT is and why it matters for gaming and connectivity
Most home routers use an address translation layer that lets many devices share one public IP. This conserves IPv4 space and keeps internal addresses hidden from the broader internet.
How it works: your router rewrites packet headers as traffic leaves your network. Private source addresses are replaced with the router’s public address and a port number, so outside hosts talk to the router instead of directly to individual devices.
Protection and practical effects
This behavior acts like a basic inbound filter: unsolicited requests are denied unless a mapping or rule exists. That gives baseline security for all connected devices.
For gaming, the filter matters. Peer connections, voice ports, and some matchmaking flows rely on how the router handles incoming traffic. If the router blocks unsolicited packets, you may see blocked voice, failed party joins, or trouble hosting P2P lobbies.
- Dynamic PAT on home routers hides many devices behind one public address.
- Static mappings expose a device unless a firewall protects it.
- IPv4 scarcity is why this translation model remains common in ISP and home networks.
Balance is key: keep necessary access for games without discarding network security when you decide to change nat type or open ports.
Understanding NAT types: Open, Moderate, and Strict
Different connection classes determine how easily your console or PC finds and talks to peers. This affects hosting, party voice, and matchmaking for online gaming. Read each short profile to pick the right balance between playability and protection.
Open (Type 1 / open nat)
Open offers the fewest barriers and makes hosting and joining fastest. It often reduces NAT-related failure and can lower matchmaking delays.
That ease comes at a cost: fewer firewall rules mean less external protection for your devices and services.
Moderate (Type 2)
Moderate keeps some ports open so most games and voice chat work reliably. For most households, this is the practical target.
Strict (Type 3)
Strict applies tight inbound filtering. It boosts security but often blocks hosting and peer-to-peer lobbies. Voice chat frequently fails and queues can lengthen when most players are strict.
- Compatibility: Open connects with everyone; moderate links to open/moderate; strict usually only with open.
- Performance: open can reduce failures; moderate is stable; strict may cause drops.
- Recommendation: aim for moderate for consistent play and balanced security.
How to check your NAT type on PC right now
Quickly verify your current network status on a Windows PC before you edit any router settings.
Open the command prompt and find your router.
Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and run ipconfig. Look for the Default Gateway address. That IP is the router address for your admin page.
Use the router admin page
Copy the Default Gateway and paste it into your browser address bar, then press enter to reach the login page.
Log in with your credentials. Common defaults are admin/admin or admin/password, but check the router label or manufacturer page if unsure.
- Open Internet or WAN settings to view the NAT status; wording varies by vendor.
- If the router doesn’t list the nat type explicitly, run your console or OS network test to see the result.
- Record the current status (Open/Moderate/Strict or Type 1/2/3) and note model and firmware.
Keep login details secure, change any default passwords, and bookmark the router page so you can quickly return and retest after you change nat type.
Before you start: router access, address bar basics, and safety notes
Before you touch router controls, make sure you can reach its admin page from your browser and know how to recover settings.
Find and log in to your router
Locate the router address using ipconfig (Default Gateway) or the label on the device. Common IPs are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1.
Type that address into the browser address bar and press Enter to open the login page. Authenticate with your admin credentials.
Backup and note risks
Export a full configuration backup before editing anything. This file lets you restore the router if a setting breaks your network.
Immediately change any default password and store the new secret in a password manager.
- Check firmware notes; updates can fix NAT and connectivity bugs.
- Understand trade-offs: UPnP is convenient, port forwarding is controlled, DMZ exposes a device.
- If your router is ISP-managed, contact support for advanced settings or bridge mode.
- Keep a short change log listing each setting, ports, and IPs you edit for easy rollback.
NAT type change tutorial: core methods you can use
You can try several approaches to fix peer connections and voice issues; each method has trade-offs to weigh.
Five core paths:
- Enable UPnP on the router for automatic port handling — quick but less controlled.
- Set up port forwarding for exact ports — precise and safer when done correctly.
- Turn on Windows Network Discovery so devices find each other on the local network.
- Edit the router configuration file when vendor firmware exposes advanced settings.
- Use DMZ only as a last resort; it exposes a device directly to the internet.
Most users should aim for a Moderate result that balances playability and protection. Before you begin, get admin access to the router, reserve your device’s IP, and list the ports your game or service needs.
Try non-invasive fixes first (UPnP or per-game forwarding). Apply one method at a time, reboot if needed, then retest the connection. Document each change and revert immediately if stability or security drops.
Device-specific ports for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC follow later. If you can’t edit the router, a VPN hotspot (see Section 14) can often yield a usable result.
Turn on UPnP in your router settings
A simple router setting—UPnP—can remove many port hassles for games and voice chat.
Where to look: Log into your router using the Default Gateway address, open the admin page, and check Advanced or Network settings. Many vendors like Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link place the toggle under Advanced > Network.
How it works: UPnP lets devices on your network request temporary mappings so apps can open ports automatically. This plug play behavior helps consoles and PC apps host or join matches without manually creating rules.
Quick-start sequence
- Find the router address, log in, and locate the UPnP option.
- Enable UPnP, save the settings, then reboot the router.
- Power-cycle your console or PC so new mappings appear.
Pros, cons, and safety
Pros: Fast setup, fewer manual steps, often moves your NAT status to a more open state for better matchmaking.
Cons & risk: Malware on the LAN could abuse UPnP to expose a device to the internet. Run endpoint protection, review any UPnP table your router shows, and disable the feature if you spot strange mappings.
If UPnP is missing or you need tighter control, update firmware or use port forwarding as a more precise method. After changes, re-check your nat type and test party chat and matchmaking in your main game.
Use port forwarding to open only the ports you need
Port forwarding gives you precise control: forward specific ports to a single device so games and services can accept inbound traffic without exposing everything on your home network.
Finding required ports for games and apps
Start by listing the exact ports your platform or title needs. For PC titles, consult portforward.com or publisher docs.
Platform examples: Xbox commonly uses TCP/UDP 3074 plus UDP 88, 500, 3544. PlayStation often needs TCP 1935 and 3478–3480 and UDP 3478–3479. For Switch, avoid broad ranges; prefer a narrow UDP range such as 45000–65535.
Steps to add forwarding rules and save changes
Find your device’s local IP and reserve it via DHCP reservation so rules don’t break later.
- Open the router admin page at your Default Gateway address and go to Port Forwarding / Virtual Servers (locations vary: Linksys Security > Apps & Gaming; Netgear Advanced > Port Forwarding; TP‑Link Advanced > Forwarding).
- Create rules with start/end ports, pick the protocol, and assign the rule to your device IP.
- Save settings and reboot both router and device before retesting the connection.
TCP vs. UDP vs. both: choosing protocols
Select TCP for reliable streams, UDP for low-latency game traffic, or choose both if supported to reduce duplicate entries. Many consoles require mixed protocols for full functionality.
Why forwarding can improve latency
Forwarding creates predictable, direct paths so the router does less traversal work. That lowers failed connection retries and can reduce lag for peer hosts.
Remove unused rules later and review settings periodically. If forwarding doesn’t take effect, check for double NAT from an ISP modem; consider bridge mode or contact your provider.
Windows-side tweaks: enable Network Discovery
Turning on Network Discovery lets your PC announce itself and see other devices on a trusted local network. This Windows-side setting helps apps and games find peers on the same LAN without changing router rules.
Quick steps — Windows 10
Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change Advanced Sharing Settings > Turn on Network Discovery.
Quick steps — Windows 11
Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings > Network discovery on.
Enable this only on private or trusted networks. Do not turn it on for public Wi‑Fi to reduce exposure.
- What it does: makes local devices visible for in-home discovery but does not open internet-facing ports.
- Pair it with UPnP or port forwarding for best results if party joins or voice still fail.
- Retest your nat type and in-game connection after toggling these settings, and turn discovery off when no longer needed.
Note: firewalls or security software may block discovery protocols. Keep Windows updated so the latest network fixes work correctly.
Edit and restore your router configuration file with care
Editing a router configuration file gives advanced control when the admin UI is limited. Export a full backup before you start. Save that default file offline so you can restore settings if anything breaks.
Some models allow offline edits: download the config, open it locally, and find the last bind entries. Add lines like bind application=CONE(UDP) port=XXXX-XXXX to expose the exact address and port ranges your game needs.
Safe workflow
- Download the current configuration and keep a clean copy.
- Edit locally, save, then upload the modified file via the router UI.
- Reload or reboot the device and test the connection after each small change.
Not all routers expose human-readable files. If yours does not, use the Port Forwarding UI instead. Make incremental edits, document every change, and remove old entries when a game is retired. For very old hardware that forces file edits, consider upgrading for safer, supported management.
Why DMZ should be your last resort
Placing a device in the DMZ exposes every inbound port for that single address. That often forces an open nat type and can fix stubborn connection issues fast. But it removes the router’s normal NAT firewall for that host.
Unlike UPnP or port forwarding, which open only the ports you need, DMZ keeps ports open 24/7 and multiplies your attack surface. This makes the exposed device a prime target for botnets, ransomware, and automated scans.
Risks and safer practices
- DMZ places one device outside the router’s firewall; all inbound connections reach it.
- Even isolated DMZ hosts can reach the local network and enable lateral movement for malware.
- Reserve DMZ only for urgent needs and disable it immediately afterward.
- If you must use DMZ, assign it to a non‑essential device with no sensitive data and keep it patched and protected.
- Prefer UPnP, precise port forwarding, or a VPN hotspot as long‑term fixes instead of relying on DMZ.
Read your router documentation to see how the feature works on your model and document any settings you apply. Security should not be sacrificed permanently just to gain a better connection.
Device-specific guidance: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Device-level guidance helps you forward the proper ports, set static addresses, and avoid common conflicts.
Xbox
Open Settings > Network > Network settings to see your nat status. Forwarding the right ports can fix party and matchmaking issues.
- Forward TCP/UDP 3074 and UDP 88, 500, 3544.
- If you see “Teredo is Unable to Qualify”, set the IP Helper Service to Automatic and update router firmware for IPv6 support.
PlayStation
Go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status to check the console result. Aim for a Type 2 result by using UPnP or port forwarding.
- Forward TCP 1935, 3478–3480 and UDP 3478–3479 when you need deterministic paths.
Nintendo Switch
Use System Settings > Internet to assign a manual IP. Nintendo suggests adjusting the last octet (example: add 20) so the address stays unique.
- Forwarding UDP 45000–65535 is safer than opening 1–65535.
- Reserve that manual IP via DHCP reservation on your router to prevent rule breakage.
PC
Ports vary by game and launcher. Check publisher docs or portforward.com before adding rules.
- Reserve the PC’s IP, forward only required ports, and choose Both (TCP+UDP) if the title needs it.
General tips:
- Assign DHCP reservations for consoles and PCs so forwarding rules remain valid after reboots.
- Reboot the router and device after edits, then retest voice chat, party joins, and matchmaking.
- If you face double NAT from an ISP gateway, request bridge mode or support to make rules effective.
- For homes with multiple consoles, enable UPnP or pick a router that handles hairpin NAT to avoid port conflicts on 3074.
- Keep firmware updated across consoles and routers to benefit from traversal fixes and stability improvements.
Fix common NAT connectivity issues without breaking security
When players drop from lobbies or voice chat keeps failing, a targeted set of fixes can restore stable connections fast.
No voice chat, failed matchmaking, and lobby drops
Diagnose by listing symptoms: voice chat mute, long matchmaking, inability to join certain friends, or sudden lobby disconnects.
Compare your nat type to your party’s. Open connects with everyone; Moderate pairs well with Open and Moderate; Strict often only links to Open. Prefer Moderate for a balance of reliability and security.
Matching NAT types and reducing lag
Try enabling UPnP on your router or adding precise port forwards for the affected game to restore voice and matchmaking. Correct port mappings cut failed attempts and reduce retries, which lowers visible lag.
- Avoid DMZ for normal play; forward only the ports you need to keep security intact.
- Check PC firewall and game executable permissions in your security settings.
- If forwards don’t work, look for double nat or ISP gateway issues and consider bridge mode or support contact.
- Reboot router and devices after edits and retest. Some routers apply mapping only after a restart.
- Temporarily test with Ethernet to rule out wireless instability and keep a checklist of ports per title for quick updates.
A safer alternative: using a VPN or VPN hotspot for better connectivity
A Windows 10 VPN hotspot creates a virtual router on your PC so consoles and other devices route through the PC’s tunnel instead of the home router. This often produces a Moderate nat result without editing router settings.
Quick setup flow:
- Install a fast gaming VPN on your PC and sign in.
- Turn on Mobile Hotspot in Windows and set a secure SSID.
- Enable sharing for the VPN adapter so the hotspot uses the tunnel.
- Connect your console or device to the new SSID and test in-game voice and matchmaking.
VPN passthrough and minimizing latency
If the router blocks tunneling, verify VPN passthrough in its settings or ask the ISP. Pick a nearby VPN server and low‑latency protocols to keep ping low.
When to use this: No router access, ISP‑locked gateways, dorms, or short‑term setups. Disable the hotspot when done and watch data caps. A reputable VPN with many servers helps you find the best route for your internet connection and keeps party chat and matchmaking working across consoles and PCs.
Key takeaways to change NAT type safely and enhance your gaming experience
Follow these final steps to lock in reliable connections without sacrificing security.
Aim for a Moderate result as your target. Use Open only when absolutely necessary and protect the exposed device. Start with UPnP, then move to precise port forwarding for better control.
Back up your router configuration and keep a short log of every rule, IP reservation, and ports you add. If forwards fail, watch for double NAT or ISP limits and contact support or enable bridge mode.
Test real in‑game functions—voice, party joins, and hosting—and reboot router and devices after edits. Consider a Windows 10 VPN hotspot for a reliable Moderate result when you cannot edit the router.
