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• Xbox LIVE Features

Connection Tests: Network Address Translation (NAT)

This test indicates the type of Network Address Translation (NAT) that your router or gateway is using: Open, Moderate or 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. If you're using a router or gateway with a moderate or strict NAT, replace it with an Xbox Live Compatible device.

What is NAT?

When multiple devices share a single Internet connection (a PC and an Xbox 360™ system, for instance), the networked devices typically rely on Network Address Translation (NAT) to prevent information traffic jams.

What does NAT do on Xbox Live?

We've defined three categories of NAT: open, moderate, and strict. Devices that perform strict or moderate NAT can limit the ability of gamers to find each other, participate in multiplayer sessions, or hear each other on Xbox Live.

What does each NAT type mean?

The classification system boils down to something called a port-assignment policy.

• Open NAT means that either the port-assignment policy is minimal or the device has a fully compliant version of UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) enabled by default.
• Moderate NAT means that the port-assignment policy is minimal, but the device is filtering addresses or ports.
• Strict NAT means the port-assignment policy is aggressive.

What does NAT mean to me and my friends?

Suppose you want to host an Xbox Live game and you're using a router that's classified as open. As the following table shows, 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 using 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 consulting the table. 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. Your Xbox 360 console may not be able to "see" those players at all.

Resources

For a list of devices that have been certified Xbox Live Compatible, see Compatible Home Networking Equipment for Xbox 360.