If you’re a dedicated PS5 gamer, you’ve likely encountered the term NAT Type during your online gaming sessions. It’s highly related to your gaming experience, determining how your PS5 connects to other players and game servers online. How to know the NAT type on PS5? “How to change NAT type PS5?” If you have such questions, this article will give you how-to explanations in detail.
What Is NAT Type?
At the very beginning, making NAT type understandable is a priority. NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It influences how easily your PS5 connects to other players online. A better NAT type improves matchmaking, reduces lag, and enhances your overall gaming experience.
NAT Types Explained
Generally, NAT types are categorized into three main types, each affecting your PS5’s ability to communicate with other players and game servers differently.
Type 1: Open NAT
Open NAT makes your PS5 directly connect to the internet without any restriction. It provides the best connectivity for gaming, allowing you to connect with players seamlessly.
The downside is that open NAT has minimal protection for your device so your PS5 network is exposed to potential internet harms. This renders it significant to use a virtual private network, that is said VPN, for example, the LightningX VPN.
Pros: Quick matchmaking, seamless gameplay, and ability to host games.
Cons: Higher security risks due to direct internet exposure.
Type 2: Moderate NAT
Moderate NAT makes your PS5 connect to the internet through a router with some restrictions. Suitable for most players, it allows stable connections with a little trouble when interacting with strict NAT types. It offers balanced protection and maintains some level of security while allowing necessary connections.
Pros: Stable connections, suitable for most online interactions.
Cons: May face connectivity issues with players who have Strict NAT.
Type 3: Strict NAT
Strict NAT poses highly restrictive measures for router setup on PS5. When you are playing multiplayer games, a network with strict NAT may cause significant issues, including difficulty joining or hosting games and frequent disconnections. This is the highest level of protection and Strict NAT is not recommended for PS5 network connection.
Pros: Maximum security.
Cons: Frequent disconnections, slow matchmaking, inability to host or join games easily.
Step-to-Step Guide: How to Change Nat Type PS5?
Now that you have known NAT types, you must be curious about what NAT types your PS5 network belongs to. The following are guides about how to know your NAT types on PS5 and how to change your NAT type on PS5.
How to Know Your NAT Type on PS5?
Before making any changes, it’s essential to determine your current NAT Type. To know your NAT type on PS5:
- Navigate to the Settings menu on your PS5.
- Go to Network > Connection Status > View Connection Status.
- Under the network details, you will see your NAT Type listed.
How to Change NAT Type PS5? 3 Ways
To change your NAT type on PS5 or fix the strict NAT type PS5, you can choose the following three methods: UPnP, Port Forwarding, and DMZ Mode.
Way 1. Enable UPnP on Your Router
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) allows your router to automatically configure the necessary ports for your PS5, potentially changing your NAT Type to Open or Moderate.
Steps:
- Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Enter your router’s username and password. Refer to your router manual if you’re unsure.
- Navigate to the UPnP section, typically found under Advanced Settings or Network Settings.
- Toggle the UPnP option to On.
- Save the changes and restart your router.
Note: Enabling UPnP is the easiest way to potentially change your NAT Type on PS5, but it may pose security risks if not properly managed.
Way2. Configure Port Forwarding
Manually opening specific ports used by PlayStation Network (PSN) can help improve your NAT Type.
Required Ports for PSN:
- TCP: 80, 443, 3478-3480
- UDP: 3478-3479
How to Port Forwarding for Your PS5:
Step 1. Open your router’s admin panel through your web browser.
Step 2. Find the Port Forwarding section.
Step 3. Add New Port Forwarding Rule:
- Service name: PS5 (or any name you prefer)
- Port range: Enter the ports listed above.
- Protocol: Select TCP/UDP.
- IP address: Enter your PS5’s static IP address.
- Save and reboot: Save the settings and restart your router.
Tip: Assign a static IP address to your PS5 to ensure the port forwarding rules remain consistent.
Way 3. Use DMZ Mode
Setting your PS5 in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of your router will open all ports to the console, effectively setting your NAT Type to Open.
Steps:
- On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Visew Connection Status.
- Access Router Settings: Log into your router’s admin panel.
- Navigate to DMZ Settings: Find the DMZ section, usually under Advanced Settings.
- Enter PS5’s IP Address: Add your PS5’s IP address to the DMZ.
- Save and Restart: Save the changes and reboot your router.
Caution: Placing your PS5 in the DMZ removes firewall protection for the console, potentially exposing it to security threats. Use this method only if necessary and consider other options first.
Best Settings for PS5 NAT Type: Co-Work with LightningX VPN
The best setting for PS5 NAT type is to set up a Moderate NAT and co-work with a VPN. Moderate NAT juggles good connectivity and security and a VPN can offer an extra safety layer.
For a streamlined and secure gaming experience, consider using LightningX VPN. It is one of the best VPNs for PS5. This VPN not only helps optimize NAT settings but also enhances overall connectivity and security.
Benefits of Using LightningX VPN
- Improved NAT management: Reduces connection restrictions by routing traffic through optimized servers.
- Lag-free gaming: Offers low-ping servers for smooth gameplay.
- Enhanced security: Protects against potential DDoS attacks and data breaches.
- Bypass restrictions: Access global game servers and exclusive content. It offers 2000+ servers in more than 50 countries.
How to Use a VPN on PS5 :
Option 1. VPN on a router: Install LightningX VPN on your router to secure all connected devices, including your PS5. If it fails, you can try sharing the VPN network connections on your PC.
Option 2. Shared connection: Share a VPN-enabled connection from your PC or Mac to your PS5 via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
- Install the LightningX VPN app on your PC.
- Navigate to network settings to enable the VPN connection sharing.
- Connect your PS5 to your PC’s VPN network connection.
If your PS5 won’t connect to Wi-Fi, you can try resetting the Wi-Fi connection or using a LAN cable.
FAQs – How to Change Nat Type PS5
Q1. I enabled UPnP but the NAT Type didn’t change. What should I do?
If enabling UPnP didn’t resolve the issue, try configuring port forwarding, setting up DMZ, or using a VPN. If the problem persists, contact your ISP for further assistance.
Q2. Can I change the NAT Type through a mobile hotspot?
Most mobile networks use CGNAT, making it difficult to change the NAT Type. However, connecting via a VPN might improve your connection in some cases.
Q3. Does the NAT Type depend on the Internet Service Provider?
Yes, your ISP’s network configuration can significantly impact your NAT Type. For a better PS5 gaming experience, you’d better choose the best internet for gaming. Some ISPs use settings restricting NAT types, so contacting them for a public IP address or assistance can help.
