Network Gaming Glossary
Complete dictionary of NAT types, gaming terminology, and network concepts
Essential reference for understanding gaming connectivity and network optimization
Quick Navigation
NAT & Connection Types
CGNAT (Carrier Grade NAT)
A large-scale NAT implementation used by ISPs to share IPv4 addresses among multiple customers. Often results in Strict NAT types that are difficult to change without ISP intervention.
Full Cone NAT (Type 1 / Open NAT)
The most permissive NAT type where any external host can send packets to the internal host through the established mapping. Provides the best gaming experience with unrestricted connectivity.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
A networking technique that translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses, allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP. NAT types determine how restrictive your network connection is for gaming and P2P applications.
Port Restricted Cone NAT
Similar to Restricted Cone NAT but also requires that external packets come from the same port the internal host sent packets to. Often grouped with Restricted Cone NAT as Type 2/Moderate.
Restricted Cone NAT (Type 2 / Moderate NAT)
A NAT type where external hosts can only send packets if the internal host has previously sent packets to that external IP address. Acceptable for most gaming scenarios.
Symmetric NAT (Type 3 / Strict NAT)
The most restrictive NAT type that creates different mappings for each external destination. Can cause significant gaming connectivity issues and should be avoided when possible.
Gaming Console Terms
Moderate NAT (Type 2)
Console terminology for Restricted/Port Restricted Cone NAT. Provides good gaming connectivity for most games but may have limitations with some P2P features.
Nintendo Switch NAT Types (A/B/C/D)
Nintendo's NAT classification system where Type A is Open, Type B is Moderate, and Types C/D are Strict with varying degrees of restriction.
Open NAT (Type 1)
Console terminology for Full Cone NAT. Indicates the best possible connectivity for gaming, allowing unrestricted communication with other players and game servers.
Strict NAT (Type 3)
Console terminology for Symmetric NAT. The most restrictive setting that can prevent joining certain game lobbies, party chat, or peer-to-peer features.
Router & Network Configuration
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
A router feature that places a specific device outside the firewall, giving it direct internet access. Provides Open NAT but reduces security protection.
Gaming Mode
A router feature that optimizes network settings for gaming by enabling UPnP, adjusting QoS, and sometimes reducing security features for better performance.
Port Forwarding
A networking technique that redirects communication from one IP address and port to another. Used to allow external connections to reach specific devices on a private network.
QoS (Quality of Service)
Network traffic management that prioritizes certain types of data over others. Gaming QoS ensures game traffic gets priority over other internet activities.
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
A protocol that allows devices to automatically configure port forwarding rules on routers. Enables gaming devices to open required ports without manual configuration.
Network Protocols & Technologies
ICE (Interactive Connectivity Establishment)
A framework that combines STUN and TURN to establish optimal connectivity between peers, especially through NATs and firewalls.
IPv4 vs IPv6
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (limited supply), while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (virtually unlimited). IPv6 can eliminate many NAT-related issues but isn't universally supported yet.
STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT)
A protocol used to discover the presence and type of NAT between a client and server. Essential for WebRTC applications and NAT type detection.
TURN (Traversal Using Relays around NAT)
A protocol that provides relay services for clients behind restrictive NATs. Used when direct peer-to-peer connection is not possible.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication)
A technology that enables real-time communication in web browsers and mobile applications. Uses STUN/TURN/ICE for NAT traversal.
Gaming Performance Terms
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given time. Gaming typically requires less bandwidth than streaming but benefits from stable, dedicated bandwidth.
Jitter
The variation in latency over time. High jitter causes inconsistent gaming performance and can make gameplay feel stuttery or unpredictable.
Latency / Ping
The time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower latency provides more responsive gaming.
Packet Loss
The percentage of data packets that fail to reach their destination. Even small amounts of packet loss can significantly impact gaming performance.
RTT (Round Trip Time)
The time it takes for a signal to travel to a destination and back to the source. Often used interchangeably with ping or latency in gaming contexts.
Network Security & Troubleshooting
Double NAT
A network configuration where a device goes through two NAT translations, often causing connectivity issues. Common when using a gaming router behind an ISP-provided modem/router combo.
Firewall
A security system that monitors and controls network traffic based on predetermined rules. Can block gaming connections if not properly configured.
MAC Address Filtering
A security feature that allows or denies network access based on device MAC addresses. Can cause connectivity issues if gaming devices aren't properly whitelisted.
Port Blocking
The practice of preventing network traffic on specific ports, either by ISPs or firewalls. Can cause gaming connectivity issues if gaming ports are blocked.
ISP & Connection Types
Dynamic IP vs Static IP
Dynamic IPs change periodically and are assigned automatically, while Static IPs remain constant. Static IPs can provide more stable gaming connections and easier port forwarding setup.
Fiber vs Cable vs DSL
Different internet connection types with varying performance characteristics. Fiber typically offers the best gaming performance with low latency and high bandwidth.
Public IP Address
A unique IP address that's directly accessible from the internet. Having a public IP can improve NAT type and gaming connectivity compared to shared IPs.
Throttling
The intentional limiting of internet bandwidth or speed by ISPs, often during peak hours or for specific types of traffic like gaming or streaming.
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