Understanding NAT Types in Gaming: A South African Guide

When you're deep into an online match and suddenly can't join your friend's lobby—or worse, your connection drops—it might not just be your fibre speed to blame. More often than not, the culprit is something called NAT.

In this article, we’ll break down what NAT types are, how they affect your gaming experience, and how UrbanX helps gamers in South Africa stay ahead of the lag.

What Is NAT?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It's a function your router uses to manage multiple devices on your home network by translating your private IP address into a public one.

Think of NAT as the bouncer at a nightclub. It decides which incoming and outgoing traffic gets access. This becomes especially important when you're trying to connect to game servers or chat with teammates online.

The 3 NAT Types Explained

NAT types are generally grouped into three categories. Each type of NAT affects how easily you can connect with other players:

1. Open NAT (Type 1)

• Best for gamers.

• Can connect to anyone, host games, and experience minimal restrictions.

• Often used when the gaming console or PC is directly connected to the modem (bypassing the router).

• Rare in fibre environments without advanced configuration.

2. Moderate NAT (Type 2)

• Good middle ground.

• Can connect to most players but may struggle with hosting or voice chat in certain games.

• Common in most home setups using routers.

• Provides a balance between security and functionality.

3. Strict NAT (Type 3)

• Most restrictive.

• Can only connect to Open NAT users.

• Likely to cause problems in matchmaking, party chat, and multiplayer sessions.

• Often the result of double NAT or poor router configuration.

Why NAT Type Matters in Gaming

NAT types directly influence how you experience online gaming:

• Matchmaking delays
  Strict NAT may prevent you from finding lobbies or connecting with friends.

• Voice chat issues
  Party chat problems in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or GTA Online often stem from NAT conflicts.

• Lag spikes or disconnects
  Inconsistent NAT can lead to unstable connections, even on fast fibre.

If you're playing high-stakes competitive titles—think Apex Legends, Valorant, or Rainbow Six Siege—every millisecond counts.

How to Change NAT Types

How to Check Your Nat Type:

• PlayStation: Go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status.

• Xbox: Settings > Network > Network Settings > NAT Type.

• PC: Games like Call of Duty or Battle.net often display NAT status in their network settings.

• PC (Alternative): Download the Xbox Console Companion app from the Microsoft Store to view your NAT type.

How to Improve Nat Type:

• Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play):
  Most modern routers have this feature, which automatically handles port forwarding for online services.

• Port Forwarding:
  Manually open specific ports for your console or game. This requires logging into your router.

• DMZ (Demilitarised Zone):
  Set your gaming device to bypass firewall restrictions.
  Caution: This exposes the device more directly to the internet.

• Avoid Double NAT:
  Happens when you connect one router behind another. Use bridge mode or contact your ISP to resolve this.

How UrbanX Supports Optimal NAT Setups

At UrbanX, we understand that speed isn't the only factor in great gaming performance. That’s why:

• We peer directly with major gaming servers like Valorant, Dota 2, and League of Legends to reduce latency.

• Our routers support UPnP and NAT-friendly configurations, ensuring gamers can easily switch to Open or Moderate NAT types without advanced networking skills.

• Our support team is gamer-aware, ready to help troubleshoot double NAT issues, port forwarding, and more.

Explore our Gaming Network Page to see which titles we’re peered with and how we’re giving South African gamers the low-latency edge.

Fixing Your NAT Type Is Worth It

If you're experiencing issues with multiplayer gaming, it's worth it to check your NAT type online. Even on fast fibre, the wrong NAT settings can cause major headaches. With the right configuration—and the right ISP for gaming like UrbanX—you can game, stream, and chat without restrictions.

Ready to play without limits?
Switch to UrbanX and make sure your NAT doesn’t hold you back.