What Is NAT Type? Meaning, Types, and How to Test
A clear explanation of NAT types with practical tips and a quick test.
Run a quick NAT type test
After understanding NAT types, check your own NAT type and connection.
Test my NAT typeWhat does NAT type mean?
NAT (Network Address Translation) defines how your private device addresses are translated to the public internet. Your NAT type determines how reachable you are from other peers and services, affecting online gaming, P2P, and VoIP.
Common standard NAT types
You have a public IP. Best connectivity and hosting capability.
Stable one-to-one mapping; any external host can reach the mapped port.
Inbound allowed only from external IPs you have contacted before.
Inbound must match both the external IP and the external port.
Each destination gets a unique mapping; most restrictive for P2P.
How does this map to PS5 NAT Type 1/2/3?
There is no perfect one-to-one mapping. Generally, Open/Full Cone ≈ Type 1, Restricted/Port-Restricted ≈ often Type 2 with UPnP/forwarding, Symmetric/CGNAT ≈ often Type 3. Actual results vary by router and ISP.
Why NAT type matters
- Matchmaking success rate and lobby hosting
- Voice chat quality and peer connectivity
- P2P applications (torrents, remote tools) and latency
How to improve your NAT type
- Enable UPnP on your router
- Configure port forwarding for your platform/game
- Assign a static IP or DHCP reservation for your device
- As a last resort, use DMZ; if under CGNAT, ask ISP for a public IP
Run a quick NAT type test
After understanding NAT types, check your own NAT type and connection.
NAT
Network Address Translation basics, types, and testing.