Question:

How can I modify my router settings to achieve NAT type A or B for my Nintendo Switch?

I have a Nintendo Switch console that I use to play online games and chat with my friends. However, when I test my connection, it shows that I have NAT type D, which prevents me from joining some lobbies and voice chats. I want to change my NAT type to A or B, which are more compatible with peer-to-peer communication. I have an inseego router from USCELLULAR, but I cannot find the UPnP option on the admin screen. What steps do I need to take to configure my router and switch to have NAT type A or B?

Answer:

If you own a Nintendo Switch and enjoy playing online games with your friends, you may have encountered some issues with your network connection. One of the most common problems is having a NAT type that is not compatible with peer-to-peer communication, which is essential for online gaming. In this article, we will explain what NAT type is, why it matters, and how you can change it for your Nintendo Switch.

What is NAT type and why does it matter?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation, which is a process that allows multiple devices to share a single IP address on a network. This is useful for saving IP addresses and enhancing security, but it also introduces some challenges for online gaming.

Depending on how your router performs NAT, your device may have different levels of accessibility and compatibility with other devices on the internet. These levels are classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. Here is a brief overview of each type:

• NAT type A: This is the most ideal type for online gaming, as it means your device can communicate with any other device on the internet, regardless of their NAT type. This type is achieved when your device has a public IP address, or when your router supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), which automatically configures the necessary port forwarding rules for your device.
• NAT type B: This is the second best type for online gaming, as it means your device can communicate with most other devices on the internet, except those with NAT type C or D. This type is achieved when your router performs moderate NAT, which means it only allows incoming connections from devices that you have previously contacted.
• NAT type C: This is a less ideal type for online gaming, as it means your device can only communicate with devices that have NAT type A or B. This type is achieved when your router performs strict NAT, which means it blocks all incoming connections from devices that you have not previously contacted.
• NAT type D: This is the worst type for online gaming, as it means your device cannot communicate with any other device on the internet, regardless of their NAT type. This type is achieved when your router performs double NAT, which means it performs NAT twice, once for your device and once for another router upstream. This creates a double layer of firewall that prevents any peer-to-peer communication.

As you can see, having NAT type A or B is preferable for online gaming, as it allows you to join more lobbies and voice chats, and reduces the chances of lag and disconnection. Having NAT type C or D, on the other hand, can severely limit your online gaming experience, as it prevents you from connecting with many other players and may cause performance issues.

How to check your NAT type on Nintendo Switch

To check your NAT type on Nintendo Switch, you need to perform a connection test. Here are the steps to do so:

• From the Home menu, select System Settings.
• Select Internet and then Test Connection.
• Wait for the test to complete and check the NAT Type field.

If your NAT type is A or B, you are good to go. If your NAT type is C or D, you may want to change it to improve your online gaming experience.

How to change your NAT type for Nintendo Switch

There are several methods to change your NAT type for Nintendo Switch, depending on your router model and settings. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Enable UPnP on your router: UPnP is a feature that allows your router to automatically configure the necessary port forwarding rules for your device, without requiring any manual intervention. This can help you achieve NAT type A or B, as long as your router supports UPnP and it is enabled. To enable UPnP on your router, you need to access your router’s admin page, usually by typing its IP address in your web browser. The IP address of your router can be found in the Default Gateway field of your connection test results on Nintendo Switch. Once you access your router’s admin page, look for the UPnP option and enable it. You may need to reboot your router and your Nintendo Switch for the changes to take effect.
• Set up port forwarding on your router: Port forwarding is a process that allows you to manually specify which ports on your router should be opened for incoming and outgoing traffic for your device. This can help you achieve NAT type B, as long as you forward the correct ports for Nintendo Switch. To set up port forwarding on your router, you need to access your router’s admin page, as explained above. Then, look for the port forwarding option, which may be under different names, such as Virtual Server, Applications, or Gaming. You need to create a new rule for Nintendo Switch, and enter the following information:
• Name: Nintendo Switch (or any name you prefer)
• IP address: The IP address of your Nintendo Switch, which can be found in the IP Address field of your connection test results on Nintendo Switch.
• Protocol: Both TCP and UDP (or select each one separately if your router does not have a both option)
• External Port: 1-65535 (or enter each port range separately if your router does not have a range option)
• Internal Port: 1-65535 (or enter each port range separately if your router does not have a range option)

Save the rule and apply the changes. You may need to reboot your router and your Nintendo Switch for the changes to take effect.

• Use a DMZ on your router: DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone, which is a feature that allows you to place a device outside of your router’s firewall, exposing it to the internet. This can help you achieve NAT type A, as it bypasses any NAT restrictions on your router. However, this also exposes your device to potential security risks, so use this method with caution and only as a last resort. To use a DMZ on your router, you need to access your router’s admin page, as explained above. Then, look for the DMZ option, which may be under different names, such as Exposed Host, DMZ Host, or Default Server. You need to enable the DMZ option and enter the IP address of your Nintendo Switch, which can be found in the IP Address field of your connection test results on Nintendo Switch. Save the settings and apply the changes. You may need to reboot your router and your Nintendo Switch for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

In

this article, we have explained what NAT type is, why it matters for online gaming, and how you can change it for your Nintendo Switch. We hope this article has been helpful and informative, and that you can enjoy your online gaming experience with your friends. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy gaming! 🎮