NAT Issues when playing games

What is a Restricted NAT?

Game consoles and multiplayer games require an open NAT to work properly. Issues that can come up when the game is behind a restricted NAT can include the inability to host, join games and talk to other players. Each console and game has a different way to express how open communications through the NAT are.  

 Click on the following links for information on how to check the current NAT status on each console.   

• Nintendo Switch
• Xbox Live 
• PlayStation  

Multiplayer games will also often display the current status of the NAT in the game lobby.

How to open the NAT for gaming. 

There are three ways to open the NAT for gaming: UPnP, Port Forwarding, and DMZ. You should only use one method to open ports at a time.

All of these are features of the router's firewall, so if you using Plume in router mode, you will find these in the HomePass app under Advanced Settings. If you have a separate router and Plume is in bridge mode, you will have to use the settings in your router. Most routers will have these settings in the Firewall, router, or NAT settings. 

Enable UPnP

UPnP is a feature that allows applications and devices to automatically open the required ports in the NAT, without the need to manually configure port-forwarding rules. Because every service requires a different set of ports to be opened, this is the easiest way to ensure a properly opened NAT for gaming. It is also required if you are simultaneously using more than one game console or game online.  

1. If you do not have a separate router and Plume is in router mode, follow these instructions to enable UPnP. If the are using Plume in bridge mode, you will have to enable UPnP on your router. 
2. Check the current NAT status using your console and/or game to ensure the NAT type is open. 
3. If you are still getting a restricted NAT, you may need to refresh the NAT table by doing the following:
   1. Turn off UPnP on the Plume or the Router. 
   2. Reboot the Router or Plume gateway pod by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. 
   3. Once connected again, re-enable UPnP on Plume or the router. 

Enable Port Forwarding

If you do not want to enable UPnP, you will need to open the ports required for the online service of your console. Click on the following links for the required port information.    

• Xbox Live
• PlayStation Network
• Nintendo Switch Online 

In addition to each console manufacturer's online service, you may also need to open additional ports for specific games and/or their services:

• Bungie
• Activision
• EA Games
• Epic Games
• Ubisoft
• Steam
• Bethesda

If the links above do not have the information you need a web search for "port forward" and the game title or company should find the information you need.      

 Once you have the port information, you will need to:

1. Create an IP reservation for your console or gaming device.
2. Set up the port forwarding rules.

Enabling DMZ

Enabling DMZ (perimeter network) for a particular device will ensure an unrestricted NAT because you are essentially putting the device outside of the firewall. This is not considered a good idea, since the device in question is no longer protected. 

Plume does not currently have support for DMZ while in router mode, so if you absolutely need to enable DMZ for a device, you will have to have a separate router and operate Plume in bridge mode. 

You will need to reserve an IP for your console and add it to the DMZ, both of which you can usually find in your router's firewall and/or router settings.  

What is a Double NAT?

A double NAT is when there are two routers on the network performing NAT. In addition to causing issues with routing ports, a double NAT can potentially cause other issues on the network. Forcing Plume in router mode when there is already a router present will cause this issue. Set Plume in bridge mode to resolve this,