I've been trying to open my NAT type, especially since my dad is really strict about this stuff. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it, but I want to make sure I have it right before I show him these steps. So far, I've checked that UPnP is enabled on our router, but my NAT type is still showing as "strict." Here's what I'm thinking:
1) First, I'll check if the WAN IP address is private. If it is, I suspect I have a double NAT situation. I ran a traceroute and it seems like I do have a private IP.
2) If I confirm that I have double NAT, I'll need to put the modem/router into bridge mode and reboot both devices.
3) I plan to keep UPnP on, but if that doesn't work, I'll try port forwarding on the router.
Alternatively, if I don't use bridge mode, I could do port forwarding on both the modem and router. Does this approach sound correct? Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
You're mixing up some basics, which is totally normal if this is your first dive into networking. Can you clarify what device you’re trying to open the NAT for? Different systems (like Xbox, PlayStation, PC) handle NAT differently. And about that double-router setup, if you're short on LAN connections, maybe consider getting a cheap switch instead. They can simplify things far more than a double router setup; it can get a bit messy otherwise!
You're on the right track! If UPnP is enabled but your NAT type is still strict, double NAT is likely the culprit. Check your router's WAN IP; if it starts with 192.168 or 10, that's a sign. The best fix is to put your modem or router into bridge mode, but you’ll need your dad’s approval for that. If that's a no-go, you can try port forwarding on both devices, but it’s a bit more complicated. Another option is to put your router in the DMZ of the modem, which might help without bridge mode. Good luck getting your dad on board; it sounds like you know what you’re doing!
Oh, I should've mentioned it's for my Mac! And yeah, the double router thing is my dad's idea, he likes to keep things secure. If it were up to me, I'd just have one router to deal with.