Does NAT type affect ping or latency?

Yes. NAT type decides which path your game traffic takes, and that path is where latency comes from. With Open NAT, your console or PC connects directly to other players, which is the shortest route available. When a strict or symmetric NAT blocks that direct peer-to-peer path, your traffic gets relayed through extra servers, and that detour adds real delay — the kind you feel as input lag, rubber-banding, and choppy voice chat. Improving your NAT type removes the relay hop, so in-game latency drops to what your connection actually allows, and it also unlocks more matches, lobbies, and hosting. The one exception: ping to a dedicated game server depends on distance and ISP routing, not your NAT type.

UPnP vs port forwarding vs DMZ: which should I use, and is it safe?

All three settings only work when your router is the final NAT device, so check CGNAT and double NAT first. If an ISP gateway or a second router sits in front of yours, the rules you set never receive inbound traffic and none of the three will change anything. On a clean setup, start with UPnP: it is convenient and safe on a trusted home network, and most games and consoles work with it. Switch to port forwarding when a game needs specific ports that UPnP does not open; forward only the documented TCP or UDP ports to a reserved LAN IP. Use DMZ as a fallback for a dedicated console, not your daily PC, because it exposes every port on that device. Used this way, all three are safe — the risk only grows when you expose more than the game actually needs.

Which VPN should I use for gaming or hosting?

Use Proton VPN's Moderate NAT for ordinary multiplayer and peer-to-peer rooms. If your game or app accepts one configurable inbound port, use Proton port forwarding instead. Choose PureVPN's paid Port Forwarding add-on when a game or self-hosted service needs several ports. Its All-Port Forwarding option avoids entering them one by one. Proton VPN's Moderate NAT and port forwarding cannot be active together.

I can join games but not host one. Should I use Proton VPN or PureVPN?

Use Proton VPN if the game or app needs one configurable inbound port. Choose PureVPN when it needs several ports; its paid add-on lets you open selected ports or enable All-Port Forwarding. If you mainly need help joining rooms, try Proton VPN's Moderate NAT first.

Can I use these VPNs on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch?

Yes. Both VPNs in this guide—Proton VPN and PureVPN—support compatible routers. This lets your console use the VPN through your home network without installing an app on the console. Not every router works, so check your exact router model and the provider's router guide before buying.

What should I do if I am behind CGNAT?

First, ask your ISP for a public IPv4 address or use native IPv6 when the application supports it. If neither is available, use a VPN with port forwarding for a simpler workaround or FRP for a specific inbound port. Repeating local port-forwarding rules will not bypass ISP-side CGNAT.

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Guide

8 min readSep 01, 2026

How to Improve NAT Type After a Bad Test: Router, VPN, and FRP Options

After a bad NAT type test, choose the right fix: router settings for real NAT changes, VPN for the quickest workaround, or FRP for specific ports.

Hi there! Like you, I’ve run into connection problems caused by a restrictive NAT type while gaming, using voice chat, or relying on other peer-to-peer features. After spending time learning about NAT types and how they affect connectivity, I built NAT Checker and wrote this guide to help you understand and improve your NAT type. Now, let’s look at how you can improve your NAT type.

Which NAT Fix Should You Try First?

1. Change router settings

Free if you control the router, but it will not work when CGNAT or double NAT blocks inbound access. In that case, choose the VPN or FRP path instead.

2. Use a VPN workaround

Simple and convenient, much like installing an app. It costs a little, but it is the better fit for users who do not want to wrestle with network settings.

3. Use FRP port tunneling

Usually cheaper than a VPN, but it requires a public server and hands-on network setup. A VPN is the easier choice for most users.

Method 1: Change Router Settings

Start here if you can log in to your router. This path is most likely to produce a real local NAT improvement, but it only works when your router is the final NAT device and has usable public reachability. CGNAT at the ISP or double NAT from another router can prevent local rules from receiving unsolicited inbound traffic.

Check if your router supports UPnP, Port Forwarding, or DMZ

Before changing settings, log in to your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and verify that it supports UPnP, Port Forwarding, or DMZ. Most retail routers provide all three under "Advanced", "NAT", or "WAN" settings. However, some ISP-supplied gateways, mesh nodes, or cellular routers lock down these features. If your router lacks these options, local NAT adjustments won't work—consider switching to the VPN or FRP methods below.

Try UPnP first

UPnP lets games and consoles request temporary port mappings automatically. It is convenient on a trusted home network, but keep router firmware updated and avoid enabling it on untrusted shared networks.

Use port forwarding for known ports

If the game or app documents its TCP or UDP ports, reserve a stable LAN IP for your device and forward only the required ports. Wrong protocol, wrong local IP, or a second NAT layer will make the rule fail.

Use DMZ only as a fallback

DMZ can expose one device more broadly. It may help a dedicated console, but it is risky for a general-purpose PC. Prefer UPnP or narrow port forwarding first.

Double NAT: Remove a second router layer

If an ISP modem-router and your own router both handle the connection, put the ISP device in bridge mode or the second router in access point mode, so only one device performs NAT.

Read the Double NAT check guide

Ask your ISP about CGNAT or public IPv4

If the router's WAN IP is private, shared, or different from your public IPv4, home port rules may be blocked upstream. Ask the provider for a public IPv4 address or removal from CGNAT.

Read the CGNAT check guide

Test your NAT again

After saving your router settings, run the NAT test again to check whether your NAT type has improved. Change one setting at a time so you can see what helps. Also test your game or app—port forwarding may improve its connection even if the NAT test result stays the same.

Test NAT Again

Method 2: Use a VPN Workaround

A VPN does not change your home router's NAT. NAT improvement features can make it easier to join or host multiplayer games by allowing direct peer-to-peer connections. Port forwarding lets other players reach a game or self-hosted service through a configured inbound port.

Choose a VPN That Fits Your NAT Setup

Not every VPN supports NAT improvement features or port forwarding. Our research confirmed that each provider's official documentation describes at least one of these features and publishes its refund or cancellation terms, so you can judge whether it fits your setup before buying.

Proton VPN

Best value for everyday players who want easier multiplayer with minimal setup.

Moderate NAT feature
Port Forwarding
Improve NAT on PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox, and mobile; consoles require a compatible router or hotspot sharing.
30-day money-back guarantee.

Choose Proton VPN

PureVPN

Get the best NAT type with All-Port Forwarding to minimize NAT-related connection problems during activities such as hosting games or services, joining games, or using other P2P features.

Improve NAT via port forwarding
All-Port Forwarding
Improve NAT on PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox, and mobile; consoles require a compatible router or hotspot sharing.
31-day money-back guarantee.

Choose PureVPN

Method 3: Use FRP Port Tunneling

FRP forwards a port on a public server to a game or service on your home network. Other people can then connect through the public server, even when CGNAT or double NAT blocks router port forwarding. It works best for self-hosted games and services with known TCP or UDP ports. You need a public-IP server and basic networking skills, and it may not help games that rely on platform relays or dynamic matchmaking.

Vultr

Best for broad global coverage and a straightforward first FRP server.

32+ data center locations make it easier to place the server close to users.
$300 promotional credit for eligible new accounts, usable during the first 30 days.
Hourly billing keeps short FRP tests easy to control.

Choose Vultr

DMIT

Best for premium Asia-Pacific routes and latency-sensitive services.

Optimized routes across Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.
Premium network options for China and wider Asia-Pacific traffic.
Eligible orders can receive a full refund within 3 days with usage under 30GB, or a partial refund within 30 days.

Choose DMIT

Which Method Should You Choose?

Goal	Best method	Why
Actually improve your local NAT type	Router settings	UPnP, port forwarding, and DMZ change how your own router handles inbound traffic.
Improve everyday multiplayer without router changes	Proton VPN Moderate NAT	It is designed for direct peer-to-peer connections; switch to port forwarding only when hosting needs inbound traffic.
Host a game or service that needs several ports	PureVPN All-Port Forwarding	Its paid add-on can open all incoming ports, so other players or users can connect to what you host.
Expose a known local service through a public IP	FRP tunnel	A public server can forward a specific external port back to your local program.

NAT Type Improvement FAQ

Yes, if you control the router and have a usable public IP address. UPnP, port forwarding, or other router settings can change how your local network handles inbound traffic. If CGNAT or another upstream router controls the connection, changing your home router alone may not change the result.

Test Again After Each Change

Change one thing at a time, restart the game or device when needed, then run the NAT test again. If router settings do not work and CGNAT is present, stop repeating the same local rules and choose either a VPN-style workaround or a public-server tunnel.

Check NAT Type Now →

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