What is NAT?
NAT is an acronym for Network Address Translation. This process of translating from multiple on-campus addresses to the shared public address is called NAT. This is the same thing a home router does (on a smaller scale) to allow multiple devices to connect to a single home Internet connection.
How does this affect my Xbox 360 / Xbox One / PS3 / PS4 / etc..?
Xbox (and other gaming consoles) recognizes three NAT statuses:
With an OPEN NAT type, you’re able to chat with other people, as well as join and host multiplayer games with people who have any NAT type on their network.
With a MODERATE NAT type, you’re able to chat and play multiplayer games with some people; however, you might not be able to hear or play with others, and normally you won’t be chosen as the host of a match.
With a STRICT NAT type, you’re only able to chat and play multiplayer games with people who have an OPEN NAT type. You can’t be chosen as the host of a match.
You can read more about NAT on the Xbox support article about NAT error solutions.
At North Central, you will most likely see your Xbox (and other devices) report a STRICT NAT.
Can you change the NAT type to make it open?
Unfortunately, the NAT type cannot be changed or opened on campus. This is not due to a limitation placed by IT, but by limitations of the Xbox itself. The Xbox was designed for use in a home environment where it would be the only Xbox on that Internet connection. A more open NAT type depends on all incoming Xbox Live traffic on that connection to be sent to a single Xbox console. With the large number of Xbox consoles sharing the campus Internet connection, it is unfortunately not possible to improve on Strict NAT.
Can you enable uPnP or forward port 1234?
We cannot. UPnP is designed for consumer-style home routers and does not work in large enterprise networks like that of Neumann University.
What if I use a wired connection, instead of wireless?
In the past, using a wired connection on the university network would avoid a Double-NAT. This is no longer the case; wireless connections now offer the same connectivity as a wired one.