• Guide to Home Networking
  How to set up your own home network quickly and painlessly.
• Routers and Xbox Live
  Everything you need to know about routers on Xbox Live.
• Diagnosing Xbox Live Connections
  Use the Xbox Dashboard to solveICMP, MTU, and NAT issues.
• Lose the Lag
  We've got a few pointers to help you avoid laggy games and host lag-free ones

Network Address Translation (NAT)

What is NAT?

Many Xbox Live gamers set up a home network to connect their Xbox console to their broadband Internet connection. Most home networks use a home gateway (a combined cable/DSL modem and router), a stand-alone router, or a PC to share a single broadband connection. These devices typically perform this sharing through Network Address Translation (NAT).

Note NAT is sometimes called Network Address and Port Translation (NAPT).

What does NAT do on Xbox Live?

Not all devices perform this NAT function in the same way. We’ve classified NAT types into three categories: open, moderate, and strict. Devices that perform strict or moderate NAT can limit the ability of gamers to find each other, participate in sessions, or hear each other on Xbox Live.

What does NAT mean to me and my friends?

To make this easy for everyone, we’ve created a chart for your use.

Suppose you want to host an Xbox Live game and you’re using a router that’s classified as open. Armed with that information and using the chart above, you can be confident that your router’s NAT type will not keep your friends (who may also be using routers) from finding your session, hearing your voice, and enjoying a great game.

But let’s say you’re behind a router that’s a strict NAT. When you want to host a game, you now have something to consider. Anyone else who’s behind a router that uses a moderate or strict NAT may not be able to connect to your session.

Let’s look at one final example going the other direction: you joining someone else’s game. Will you be able to participate fully with everyone in the game? If you have a moderate NAT on your home network, you can get an idea of what may happen by looking at the chart. If the players you want to play with are using strict NATs, you will likely experience problems. You may not be able to hear them and they may not be able to hear you. You may not be able to see those players at all.

Note NATs don’t affect lag; this is all about connecting to other players!

Nobody wants connectivity limitations. To avoid any NAT issues, you (and your friends) should use Xbox Live Compatible certified devices. These routers not only have open NAT types, but are also designed to provide the best possible experience by eliminating a bunch of other issues that can occur with non–Xbox Live Compatible routers.

How do I find out my NAT type?

If your router is Xbox Live Compatible certified, you already know your NAT type: open! Soon, Xbox Live will provide more tools to help you answer this question. Stay tuned! Of course, in the meantime the easiest thing to do is get an Xbox Live Compatible certified router!