NAT Types Explained: What They Mean for Gaming and Calls

NAT types at a glance

NAT stands for network address translation. In home networking, NAT is the router feature that lets many devices share one public internet address. When a game console or an app reports open, moderate, or strict NAT, it is describing how freely your device can accept incoming connections from the internet.

These labels are not part of the Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11 standards. They are practical descriptions used by consoles, online gaming services, and some voice and video apps to explain how the router and firewall treat unsolicited incoming traffic.

What NAT does on your router

Your internet provider usually gives your home one public IP address. Inside your house, each phone, laptop, console, and smart TV needs its own private address. Your router’s NAT function translates those private addresses to the public address when traffic goes out, and it decides which incoming traffic is allowed back in.

Outgoing connections are easy: your device sends a request, and the router remembers where to send the reply. Incoming connections are harder. If a friend’s console tries to send data directly to your console for a game session, the router needs a rule that says that traffic belongs on your network.

Routers handle that rule in different ways. Some use UPnP to let games and apps open the needed ports automatically. Others rely on port forwarding rules you set manually. If neither works, incoming traffic is blocked and your NAT type becomes strict. Understanding port forwarding is the key to fixing that.

Open, moderate, and strict NAT explained

Open NAT means your game console or app can accept incoming connections from almost any other device. This gives you the most compatible experience for online multiplayer, party chat, and voice calls. You can host games, join almost anyone, and receive direct audio and video streams.

Moderate NAT means your device can accept some incoming connections, but the router restricts others. In practice, a console with moderate NAT can usually connect to players with open or moderate NAT, but it may have trouble connecting to strict NAT hosts.

Strict NAT means your device only accepts connections it starts itself. You can still make outgoing connections, so you may be able to join a session hosted by someone with open NAT. However, you will have trouble hosting, and some games and calls will fail because incoming data is blocked.

For online gaming and real-time calls, open NAT is the most desirable, but moderate NAT is acceptable for most people. Strict NAT is the one to avoid. If a game or app shows strict NAT, it is worth changing your router setup.

How your router affects NAT type

The biggest influence on NAT type is the router or modem-router gateway between your devices and the internet. If the device performing NAT is also the device your ISP gave you, its settings determine whether incoming traffic is passed through. A separate router behind a gateway can create double NAT, where two layers of NAT both need to allow traffic, making strict NAT more likely.

The main router settings that affect NAT are UPnP, port forwarding, and firewall rules. Enabling UPnP lets games and communication apps request the ports they need. Creating manual port forwarding rules for your console or PC does the same thing in a more controlled way. A strict firewall can block the very ports those apps need, so review the router’s security settings as part of the fix.

For many people, putting the gateway into bridge mode and letting your own router handle NAT is the cleanest solution. When the gateway stops performing NAT, your router has full control over incoming connections. This is especially useful if your ISP-provided device has limited settings. See bridge mode for more.

The Wi-Fi standard itself does not define NAT behavior. Wi-Fi handles the wireless link between your device and the router, while NAT works at the network layer. Still, the router you choose matters because its firmware determines which NAT tools are available. A gaming router often includes more flexible NAT and port-forwarding controls.

What NAT means for gaming and calls

Online games use a mix of outgoing and incoming connections. Matchmaking servers handle the initial session, but many games also use peer-to-peer connections between players. If one player has strict NAT, the game may need to route traffic through a relay server, adding lag. Open or moderate NAT on both sides makes direct connections more likely.

Voice and video calls work the same way. When you call someone, the app tries to establish a direct media path. Strict NAT can force the call through a relay, which may add delay and reduce quality. For reliable calls, you want the router to allow incoming media packets without blocking them.

Security is still part of the picture. Opening ports or enabling UPnP does reduce some of the protection a strict firewall provides. You do not need to open every port. Only allow the traffic required by the games and apps you actually use. Use your router’s firewall features, keep firmware updated, and review the router’s security guidance regularly.

• Check the NAT type shown in your game or app after you connect.
• If it reads strict, enable UPnP or add a port forwarding rule for that device.
• If you have an ISP gateway plus a separate router, consider bridge mode.
• Keep the router firewall on and only open ports you specifically need.
• After changing settings, restart the console or app and check the NAT label again.

What to pick for your setup

The goal is a router that gives you control over NAT and lets you make a few simple changes when a game or call needs them. Look for a router with a clear UPnP toggle, manual port forwarding, and the option to put your ISP gateway into bridge mode. Many mid-range and gaming-focused routers provide these settings in their web interface.

If you are replacing an older router because of NAT trouble, check the router’s settings before you buy. You can often fix strict NAT on your current device. If the router firmware is limited or the gateway does not support bridge mode, a new router with flexible NAT controls is worth the change.

For gamers who play online regularly, a dedicated gaming router is designed with NAT and QoS in mind. For large homes with multiple devices, a mesh Wi-Fi system can improve consistency, but make sure its app exposes NAT settings when you need them. If you have a very fast broadband plan, a router with multi-gig ports keeps the network ready for future needs.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What does open NAT mean?

Open NAT means your device accepts incoming connections from almost any other device on the internet. It is the most compatible NAT type for hosting games and receiving direct audio or video streams.

Why is my NAT type strict?

Strict NAT usually means the router or firewall is blocking incoming connections that games and apps did not start. The device can send traffic out, but it cannot receive unsolicited connections. Enabling UPnP, adding port forwarding rules, or using bridge mode often fixes it.

Does Wi-Fi affect NAT type?

Wi-Fi is the wireless link between your device and the router, while NAT works at the network layer above it. The Wi-Fi connection type usually does not change your NAT label, but the router’s settings do.

Is moderate NAT good enough for gaming?

Yes, for most people moderate NAT is fine. It can connect to open and moderate NAT players, and most games will work. Hosting may be limited, and you may see occasional matchmaking errors.

Should I disable my router firewall to get open NAT?

No. Disabling the firewall leaves your network exposed. Instead, use UPnP or port forwarding to allow only the specific traffic your games and calls need, and keep the firewall enabled.

What is double NAT?

Double NAT happens when two routers or a router and an ISP gateway both perform network address translation. Traffic passes through two layers of NAT, and incoming connections are more likely to be blocked. Putting one device into bridge mode removes that second layer.