Internet works, but matchmaking and game servers randomly stop connecting
Asked by
MellowCedar47
I live in an apartment building where I can't access or change the main router's settings. I also have my own router for streaming VR games from my PC to a Quest headset, but it's currently running in access point mode because the building router can't be put into bridge mode. Everything usually works for a day or two, then services such as Fortnite matchmaking, Roblox, Minecraft servers, and Warframe chat and matchmaking stop working while normal web browsing continues. Rebooting the apartment's main router temporarily fixes the problem. Would switching my personal router to router mode create double-NAT problems, and is there another way to prevent this from happening?
Answers
It’s worth testing your personal router in normal router mode. That will create double NAT, which can cause problems with hosting games, strict NAT, or some peer-to-peer features, but many games and matchmaking services still work normally behind it. It also gives your devices their own private network instead of exposing them directly to everyone connected to the apartment network. Enable UPnP only if you trust the router and need it for gaming, and check whether the games report a strict or moderate NAT type.
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Your access point is still part of the apartment router’s network, so the failure is probably happening upstream rather than on your personal router. The main router may be running out of NAT/state-table entries, mishandling UDP sessions, or having a DNS or firewall problem. Since rebooting it fixes everything, the building’s network administrator or internet provider should investigate it. You could also try setting custom DNS servers on your devices or personal router, but that won’t fix an upstream NAT problem.
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If the building router cannot be bridged or configured, there may be no perfect local fix. In router mode, ask the building network operator whether they can give your connection a public IPv4 address, bridge your apartment port, or place your router in a DMZ. If they can’t, you may need to accept double NAT or use a separate internet connection. Also make sure your personal router’s firmware is current and check its logs when matchmaking fails.
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MellowCedar47: I was worried double NAT would automatically break online games, but I’ll test router mode and compare the NAT status. The fact that rebooting the main router is the only current fix makes it seem like the issue is outside my access point.