What Are the Different NAT Types and How to Change the Nat Type?

What Is NAT

What is NAT? NAT refers to Network Address Translation. It is a method of remapping IP addresses by modifying information in packet headers. Network packets are the packets of information that make up your traffic as it passes through a routing device.

NAT operates in the router and allows it to translate the entire network’s private addresses to a single public IP address. It turns the router into an intermediary between your private network and the internet.

What Are NAT Types

Now, let’s see the different NAT types – NAT type 1, NAT type 2, and NAT type 3.

NAT Type 1

NAT Type 1 has no restrictions. All devices can send and receive data freely, and there are no firewalls. It can also easily connect with other NAT types.

While NAT type 1 ensures a smooth online experience with minimal latency and buffering, it is not a very secure option. It doesn’t offer firewall protection, so you’re more vulnerable to hackers while using it.

NAT Type 2

This NAT is more secure, leaving only a few ports open. It also uses a firewall to protect your network. While it is more secure, it may also slow down your internet a little.

NAT Type 3

This is the strictest and most secure type of NAT. It restricts data from entering the network and is the most secure of the three. Strict NAT protects you from all kinds of attacks and is enabled by default in most routers.

Its downsides are that it slows down your internet and you may experience more lag while gaming. This type can only connect to networks with open NAT, so you may experience connectivity issues more frequently.

NAT Issues

Stricter NAT settings may slow down your internet speed. While this isn’t a huge problem for day-to-day browsing, the drop can be more pronounced when gaming. Since NAT acts as a firewall, it can slow you down by restricting the flow of certain packets.

Additionally, devices with NAT routers often do not have end-to-end connectivity and cannot support certain Internet protocols. As a result, some packets may fail to reach their destination, which may cause internet connectivity issues.

How to Find Your NAT Type

If you want to find out your NAT type on your PC, you must log in to your router’s settings. Your router (also known as the default gateway) has an IP address that you need to enter into your browser. It might look like this: 192.168.0.1. After entering your login credentials, you will be able to access your router’s settings and find your NAT type on your PC.

Also see: 6 Ways to Fix Router Not Working Issues

How to Change Your NAT Type

This part is about changing your NAT type.

1. Use Network Discovery

If you use Windows, you can use network discovery to change NAT type. Here is how to do that:

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys at the same time to open the Settings application.

Step 2: Click the Network & Internet part. Then, click the Wi-Fi option.

Step 3: Then click Change advanced sharing options and enable the Turn on network discovery option and check the Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices box.

2. Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is one of the easiest ways to change NAT. First, enable port forwarding in your router settings. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: You may find port forwarding options in the settings section of your router’s control panel. Then, enable it.

Step 2: Then you should find out the port numbers your game uses and enter them into the list. Don’t forget to add your IP address next to it;

Step 3: Select the device you want to point to. Select TCP and UDP options and save the changes and restart the router.

Final Words

Here is all the information about NAT type. You have known what it is and how to find it and how to change the NAT type.