Well, in the 21st century, having access to a fast internet connection is actually a prerequisite. Folks spend hundreds of dollars upgrading their plans and equipment in order to make sure that their internet speed is not lacking behind. However, in spite of their best efforts, many users are left scratching their heads when they try and figure out the reason behind their poor net speed. If this sounds like your issue and you guys are unable to ramp up your network connectivity, then it is now time to change the NAT type on your PC. Just read this article to know all about How to Open NAT Type on a PC. Let’s begin!
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How to Open NAT Type on PC
What is NAT?
Well, almost everyone enjoys surfing the net, only a few are aware of the hundreds of processes running in the background. That makes an internet connection possible actually. One such process is NAT, which stands for Network Address Translation and is an important part of your internet setup as well. It actually translates the various private addresses of your network to a single public IP address. In simpler terms, the NAT operates via the modem and acts as a mediator between your private network and also the internet.
Purposes of NAT
Well, acting as a mediator is not the only responsibility taken upon via NAT. Here are the purposes fulfilled via Network Address Translation (NAT), have a look:
- Avoid IP address overuse: Originally, each and every device had its own IP address, a set of digits that gave it a really unique identity on the internet. However, with the emerging number of online users, these addresses actually started running out. That’s where NAT actually comes in. NAT converts all the private addresses in a network system to just a single public address. That makes sure that IP addresses are not exhausted.
- Protect your Private IP: By assigning new addresses to all devices within a system as well, NAT protects your private IP address actually. Plus, the service also works as a firewall, screening the data that enters your local network as well.
Types of NAT
So, there are 3 possible settings for the NAT. These settings will mainly determine how good or bad your online experience will actually be.
Open NAT (Type 1)
There are no restrictions in this NAT type, all the devices can send as well as receive data of all kinds over the internet, and no firewall is basically to stop or control any kind of traffic. The data will flow without even restrictions and the apps of your device will run smoothly. However, your local network is vulnerable to attacks from hackers. Furthermore, you will be able to connect to any of the three types. Games Search will need less time and there are minimal chances of getting lags. Or otherwise kicks during the host migration actually.
Moderate NAT (Type 2)
The NAT permits one or more ports to remain open whenever set to moderate. The NAT will also act as a firewall and will only permit connections from a selected group of apps as well. This is basically a medium sort of setting of NAT. And user can also connect up with users who have Moderate or Open NAT types. Games Search will now take some time, however, not as much as Strict type. Also, Lags will be less than Strict type.
Strict NAT (Type 3)
This type is basically the strictest of the NAT type. The data entering the local network is severely restricted as well. Most of the services will also have trouble connecting to the internet. This is basically the default setting of most routers. And the user will be able to connect only along with users who have NAT type open. Searching for games will now ultimately take more time. And 90% of the time you guys will be kicked out at a host migration and remember that lags are also possible as well.
Change Network Address Translation (NAT) on PC | Open NAT Type
If you guys suffer from slow connectivity then it is probably time to change the NAT type of your computer. Chances are your modem supports a really strict NAT type making it difficult for packets of data in order to reach your device. But, there are multiple methods that you can try to change your NAT type on Windows PC:
Turn on Network Discovery in Windows 10
Another way in order to change the NAT type on your PC is via enabling Network Discovery on your Windows device. This option actually makes your PC visible to other network computers and improves your internet speed. Here’s how you can also turn on Network Discovery on Windows 10:
- On your PC, just tap on the Start button and open the Settings
- Tap on ‘Network and Internet’ in order to open all the network-related settings.
- Then, on the next page, just click on ‘Wi-Fi’ from the panel on the left.
- Now scroll down to the ‘Related Settings’ section and tap on ‘Change advanced sharing options.’
- Then under the ‘Network discovery’ section, just tap on ‘Turn on network discovery and then enable ‘Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices’ as well.
- Your Network Address Translation should now be changed, speeding up your internet connection actually.
Turn on UPnP
UPnP or Universal Plug and Play is basically a set of protocols that help devices in a network connect with each other. The service also permits applications to automatically forward ports that essentially make your gaming experience a lot better.
- Just open your browser and then log in to your router’s configuration page. Based on the model of your device, the address for your router’s control panel will also differ. More often than not, this address, along with the username and password, you can find at the bottom of your modem.
- When you have logged in, then just find the UPnP option and turn it on.
Note: Enabling UPnP puts your PC at risk and then makes it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Unless your network is really strict, turning on UPnP is not really advisable.
Use Port Forwarding
Port Forwarding is one of the best ways in order to change the NAT type on your PC without even compromising the security of your device. Using this process, you can also create exceptions for particular games and then improve their overall performance.
- You have to visit portforward.com and find the default ports for the game you want to run.
- Now, following the steps mentioned in the above Method, head to your router’s configuration page.
- Now Search for the ‘Port Forwarding.’ It should probably come under advanced settings as well as other equivalent menus, based on the model of your router.
- Then on this page, enable ‘Post Forwarding’ and tap on the option that lets you add particular ports.
- Now just enter the default port number in the empty text fields click on Save.
- Reboot your router and then run the game again. Your NAT type should be changed.
Conclusion
Well, That is all from my side. If you want to know more about this article or have any queries. Then feel free to ask me anything in the comments section below.
Have a Good Day!
