Tutorial: How to change NAT type (YMMV)

[nekon]

I noticed from the recent Warhawk beta e-mail that many users weren't aware of their current NAT situation or what it even meant. I thought I should start a thread to both shed some light on the PS3 NAT Type and on how to change it if need be. YMMV



Glossary

• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
  Short for demilitarized zone, a computer or small subnetwork that sits between a trusted internal network, such as a corporate private LAN, and an untrusted external network, such as the public Internet.
• MAC Address (Media Access Control Address)
  Short for Media Access Control address, a hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of a network. In IEEE 802 networks, the Data Link Control (DLC) layer of the OSI Reference Model is divided into two sublayers: the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The MAC layer interfaces directly with the network medium. Consequently, each different type of network medium requires a different MAC layer.
• NAT (Network Address Translation)
  Short for Network Address Translation, an Internet standard that enables a local-area network (LAN) to use one set of IP addresses for internal traffic and a second set of addresses for external traffic. A NAT box located where the LAN meets the Internet makes all necessary IP address translations.
• Port
  In TCP/IP and UDP networks, an endpoint to a logical connection. The port number identifies what type of port it is. For example, port 80 is used for HTTP traffic.
• Port Range Forward
  An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal computers have various types of ports. Internally, there are several ports for connecting disk drives, display screens, and keyboards. Externally, personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, and other peripheral devices.
• Static IP
  Generally refers to elements of the Internet or computer programming that are fixed and not capable of action or change. The opposite of static is dynamic.
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
  Abbreviation of Transmission Control Protocol, and pronounced as separate letters. TCP is one of the main protocols in TCP/IP networks. Whereas the IP protocol deals only with packets, TCP enables two hosts to establish a connection and exchange streams of data. TCP guarantees delivery of data and also guarantees that packets will be delivered in the same order in which they were sent.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
  Abbreviated UDP, a connectionless protocol that, like TCP, runs on top of IP networks. Unlike TCP/IP, UDP/IP provides very few error recovery services, offering instead a direct way to send and receive datagrams over an IP network. It's used primarily for broadcasting messages over a network.
• UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
  Short for Universal Plug and Play, a networking architecture that provides compatibility among networking equipment, software and peripherals of the 400+ vendors that are part of the Universal Plug and Play Forum.

Different PS3 NAT Types and Meanings (Generalized)

• NAT Type 1
  You are either NOT behind a router/firewall OR you have already DMZ enabled your PS3. Your PS3 is connected properly and you shouldn't run into any issues.
• NAT Type 2
  Your PS3 is connected to a router. Your PS3 is connected properly and you shouldn't run into any issues.
• NAT Type 3
  You are behind a router/firewall. While your PS3 may be able to connect to the PSN and perform downloads/updates other functions may not work as intended.

How to find out your NAT Type

To find out your PS3s NAT Type simply go to:

Settings > Network Settings > Internet Connection Test

You'll be disconnected from the PSN while you perform your test. Once complete you'll know which NAT Type your PS3 is.

How do I change my NAT Type

If your NAT Type 1 or 2 then you don't need to change a thing, everything is working as it should. If you're NAT Type 3 then you're in the right place and should try these steps. There is no guarantee what worked for me will work for you and since we all have different routers and I cannot offer support on your personal situation. The best I can do is tell you what worked for me and hope you can put the pieces together.

• In most cases you will have to assign your PS3 a static IP address. I can't tell you step by step how to do it to your router but hopefully now that you know what it's called you can find your way. You'll need to know your PS3s MAC address to assign a static IP. To find your MAC address simply go to
  
  
  Settings > System Settings > System Information
  
  You should now see your MAC address, I suggest you write it down.
• Once your PS3 has an static IP address you need to open up a few ports. In my situation I simply went to
  
  
  Applications & Gaming > Port Range Forward
  
  This is basically what I see..
  
  
  
  Ultimately you need to open ports
  
  TCP: 80, 443, 5223
  UDP: 3478, 3479, 3658
• Once you've done this turn off your PS3 and power cycle your router. Run another Internet Connection Test and you're hopefully NAT Type 2.
  
  

Congratulations your PS3 is now NAT Type 2 and fully functional!

[darkiewonder]

Awesome thread.

I was already running under Nat2 Type connection from the beginning. But hope this helps others in need?

[EVILEMPIRE]

i got nat type 2 but i still didn't get into warhawk arGHhH THIS sux its true hispanics never get anything lol :-/ thats why i never wish for anything dammit!

[manipulator]

Very nice tutorial and well written.

[galaxyman14]

That's a good tutorial, but I have a problem. What if you're not getting a NAT type at all?

[EddieDZ]

nice turtorial for people wanting to change from NAT 3 to NAT 2... so really there is no way of going from NAT 2 to NAT 1 even after port forwarding and enabling DMZ, so in other words the ONLY way to get NAT 1 is to run the PS3 directly to your cable modem and not to use a router cause as even you proved it, i have a router and even with port forwarding and DMZ enable for my PS3's static IP address i STILL get NAT 2 no matter what and it appears you got NAT 2 also and not NAT 1 even after the ports forwarding.

[gabrielh]

I was NAT3 too (using a wi-fi router) .

I just put my PS3 IP at the DMZ in the wi-fi router...and voila...NAT2

[Jason242]

If I get internet from my apartment, what should I ask them to do? My apartment get cable internet, and I only have an ethernet socket to run the ethernet cord from and to. I've tried talking to PS Asia's email support, but they just say enable UPnP, but that doesn't work. I of course have to figure out how communicate with my landlord about this issue in Chinese, which may be tricky. My Chinese isn't great.

[Dibbz]

Nice, open some ports and got Nat 2 now. Never had a problem before, but I wanted type 2

[Uffen]

Nice tutorial there + rep to you

[random255]

Great guide; lots will benefit from this. +Rep man, you rock!

[nekon]

That's a good tutorial, but I have a problem. What if you're not getting a NAT type at all?

THanks! I'm sorry I dunno what to tell you.. I didn't know that was possible.. The best I could think of is that you're behind a router with a very strict firewall..? You can either attempt to DMZ your PS3 if you router supports it OR follow my tutorial anyhow and see if it can get you a NAT Type. Otherwise check and make sure your PS3 has a network cable plugged in

nice turtorial for people wanting to change from NAT 3 to NAT 2... so really there is no way of going from NAT 2 to NAT 1 even after port forwarding and enabling DMZ, so in other words the ONLY way to get NAT 1 is to run the PS3 directly to your cable modem and not to use a router cause as even you proved it, i have a router and even with port forwarding and DMZ enable for my PS3's static IP address i STILL get NAT 2 no matter what and it appears you got NAT 2 also and not NAT 1 even after the ports forwarding.

Thanks and no it's no necessary.. NAT1 and NAT2 are the same thing just one is behind a router and one is not. That's it, no benefits over either.

I was NAT3 too (using a wi-fi router) .

I just put my PS3 IP at the DMZ in the wi-fi router...and voila...NAT2

Nice! Some people have issues with DMZ.. A lot of routers don't "do" it well.. Mine works but I had to DMZ my finicky 360 as it just wouldn't take to the ports.. I can only DMZ one device at a time.

If I get internet from my apartment, what should I ask them to do? My apartment get cable internet, and I only have an ethernet socket to run the ethernet cord from and to. I've tried talking to PS Asia's email support, but they just say enable UPnP, but that doesn't work. I of course have to figure out how communicate with my landlord about this issue in Chinese, which may be tricky. My Chinese isn't great.

I would suggest attempting to ask him to open a few ports.. If not you can try and give him the MAC address of your PS3 and the port list.. Then just ask him to assign an IP and forward the ports to said IP. It's all based on how technical this guy is. internet like that is always a battle. Good luck.

[IhateBestBuy]

I was already nat type 2 but this is good guide for people to become #2. The reason sony asked us our nat types was because if your #3 or something you wont be able to talk during the beta and that is a big deal.

[DmiteXXi]

Great Post and im sure many appreciate it. +REP FOR YOU!!

[AFMR-PS3]

Very nice thread! This should be sticiked!

+rep

[suckadickcheney]

very helpful thread dude. i have a NAT 2 connection but the information was helpful.

[malek]

Great tutorial,
I'm sure this will help a lot of people out.

[Nikhil]

Great post, I'm stickying it.

[Fear]

OMG..i had the wrong static ip in for the whole time...thats why i was nat3 instead of 2 Thanks.

[CoOoL_BoY]

my ps3 is nat 2 .. what the diffrence between 2 & 3?

[King Kong]

I got into beta and I have NAT3. Will I be able to download and play on NAT3? I have a wired router and I can talk on all chat enabled games. I don't understand why I'm on NAT3 when I have a wired connection. Is the main damage that I won't be able to chat on Warhawk? I have that same little x that you had.

[nekon]

OMG..i had the wrong static ip in for the whole time...thats why i was nat3 instead of 2 Thanks.

lol nice! I was wondering when you were gonna go for NAT 2. glad you got everything worked out now.

my ps3 is nat 2 .. what the diffrence between 2 & 3?

If you read the OP it explains it but in short.. NAT is ideal when behind a router/firewall, it's equal to NAT 1 for all intensive purposes. Nat 3 is a restricted version of NAT 2, while you may be able to access the PSN some things will not function properly.. It's suggested you attempt to achieve NAT 2 if you want the best experience possible. Since you're NAT 2 you're already in good shape.

I got into beta and I have NAT3. Will I be able to download and play on NAT3? I have a wired router and I can talk on all chat enabled games. I don't understand why I'm on NAT3 when I have a wired connection. Is the main damage that I won't be able to chat on Warhawk? I have that same little x that you had.

As you might know I put NAT 3 by accident and also got into the beta. You should be able to download it fine.. Like I just said above as NAT 3 you most likely can access the PSN and function but some things will no work properly. For example, maybe Warhawk is a very strict beta and chat may not work for you as NAT 3 yet RFOM works fine.. Long story short you're probably have UPnP running and that's how you're able to connect now.. I usually disable UPnP and set things up manually like in this tutorial. Good luck in whatever you choose, hopefully this tutorial will give you the basis you need.

[King Kong]

Thanks for the feedback (more words)

[curare]

I was NAT3 too (using a wi-fi router) .

I just put my PS3 IP at the DMZ in the wi-fi router...and voila...NAT2

I was at NAT3 also, and I used your suggestion of putting the PS3 IP at the DMZ on the router WAN setup page.

Voila! NAT2, brilliant! I hope there isn't any downside to doing this. Now to just get the PC to PS3 file server stuff enabled.

Thanks for the tip.

[ChildOfIllusions]

i also hae a linksys router but i dont have a mac how do i get to that page to open up the ports??