The Internet is huge! If the Internet was a country it would effectively have taken over the entire United States and doubled in size every year. That's a lot of Internet! So what does this have to do about NAT? Why does the size of the internet even matter? Let's take a quick step backwards, before we start confusing you even more.
When a computer needs to connect to another computer it requires an IP address. This IP address is a unique number that identifies the location of your computer on a network. Think of a street address for your home that determines exactly where you are so packages can be delivered to you. A long time ago when IP addressing first came out everyone thought that we would have more than enough addresses to cover everyone. Since the Internet keeps growing in size however that is no longer the case, and because of this we will not have enough IP addresses to cover the future growth of the internet. So basically we're running out of available IP addresses to give out to people who are using the internet. One way to help lighten the burden of too many devices connecting to the internet is by using NAT. Network Address Translation or NAT is used by a firewall, router, or computer and sits between an internal network and the rest of the world. The primary purpose of NAT is to take any amount of devices you have on your local network and allow them to use a single and unique IP address on the Internet.
In the world of console video games, specifically those which use online multiplayer features, NAT can either be something you've never heard of, or your worst nightmare haunting your dreams like a nerdy Freddy Krueger with IP addresses for hands instead of claws. Both the Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network define and use NAT differently. Below we'll go over some possible situations that you may have run into while playing Castle Crashers or BattleBlock Theater:
Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE will define NAT as three specific types; Open, Moderate, Strict. To determine your current NAT setting you'll need to use the "Network Troubleshooter" which is located by going to the following screens:
Select "My Xbox" and then select "System Settings"
Select "Wired Network" or the name of your wireless network, if you are prompted to do so.
Select "Test Xbox LIVE Connection"
Depending on what your NAT type is will determine whether or not you will be able to join or host a specific multiplayer game.
As shown in the table above, Xbox LIVE will allow consoles with Open NAT Types to connect to both moderate and strict connections. Strict connections however can only connect to Open NAT types. Basically this means if you're current NAT type to the Xbox LIVE network is showing up as Strict you will only be able to join games for those connections that have Open NAT types.
If you've received a NAT warning from either the Network Troubleshooter or from within any of our games there are some possible solutions that might help solve resolve this issue. (These 3 solutions can also be found at the Support section of the Microsoft website located here)
Solution 1 - Turn on UPnP on your network hardware:
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a standard that helps routers communicate effectively. If your router or gateway supports UPnP, make sure this setting is turned on. Please refer to your hardware documentation for help turning on UPnP. Most hardware manufacturers have websites that include support information. If you change the UPnP setting on your network hardware, restart your hardware and test your Xbox LIVE connection.
Solution 2 - Simplify your setup:
Your router or gateway might be having problems sharing an Internet connection. To see whether this is true, try simplifying your setup. If you have a wired connection: Temporarily unplug everything from your router, except the cable to your modem and the cable to your Xbox 360 console. or If you have a wireless connection: Temporarily turn off everything that's connected to your wireless network except your Xbox 360 console. Test your Xbox LIVE connection. To do this: go to My Xbox, select System Settings, select Network Settings, select Wired network or your wireless network name (if you are prompted to do so), and then select Test Xbox LIVE Connection. If you do not receive a NAT warning after simplifying your setup, it suggests that the router is having problems handling multiple connections. To try to fix the problem, please go to the next solution.
Solution 3 - Open network ports:
Your network hardware or firewall might be blocking communication with the Xbox LIVE servers. If you're connected to a network through your workplace or a college, ask the network administrator to open the following ports:
TCP 80
UDP 88
UDP 3074
TCP 3074
UDP 53
TCP 53
If you're not connected to a workplace or college network, you need to open network ports on your network hardware. For more information on how to open these ports please visit the Microsoft Support Site, located HERE.
PlayStation Network
Although the functionality of NAT types and how they work inside of your home network remain the same for the PlayStation network, the terminologies associated to them are a little different. PlayStation defines NAT as three different types:
Type 1: Connected directly to the Internet.
Type 2: Connected to the Internet via a router.
Type 3: Connected to the Internet via a router.
According to Official PlayStation documentation (PS3 here/PS4 here ). Type 3 connections may not be able to communicate with other PS3/PS4 systems, as well as use voice / video chat communication features.
Over the years we have discovered commonalities with home network settings that, when addressed, have fixed certain connection problems related to NAT entirely. Many of these issues can be easily fixed by adjusting your router/console settings.
Make sure your NAT is type 1 or 2.
Make sure UPnP is set to available.
Make sure the following ports are forwarded:
TCP Ports: 80, 443, 5223, and UDP Ports: 3478, 3479, and 3658
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