If the way you use the internet has anything to do with any type of multiplayer and online gaming, you probably encountered some issues regarding NAT type. These issues can be even more prominent if you’re using any kind of gaming console made by Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo.
Depending on your ISP or Internet Service Provider, your experience of changing NAT type can range from easy to very difficult, sometimes even impossible.
AT&T, as ISP, can be very difficult when it comes to changing the NAT type, but stick around, and we will explain how to do it and what to do if you can’t.
But, before we dive into the process of changing the NAT type, let’s explain in more detail what it is so you can have a better understanding of the problem.
CONTENTS
What is NAT?
NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It has a dual purpose.
Firstly, it is a method for allowing multiple devices from one network to use a single public IP address to communicate with the internet.
Secondly, it acts as a firewall. And this firewall feature of the NAT is the source of your connectivity issues.
There are three NAT types:
Open or Type 1,
Moderate or Type 2, and
Strict or Type 3.
Suppose you’re having trouble connecting to the servers. In that case, your NAT type is probably set to Strict or Type 3, or there is another NAT on the ISP side that prevents unrestricted communication between your device and the server you are trying to connect with.
In some cases, you will solve the problem by changing the NAT type in your router to Open or Moderate. However, there will be some cases where that won’t be possible. We will give you a tip on what to do if that is your case at the end of this article.
But first, let’s see what you need to do to change the NAT type on your AT&T hotspot.
Simple Way to Change NAT Type on AT&T Hotspot
To do this, you will need a device with internet access and your AT&T credentials.
Open the internet browser on the device, go to http://attwifimanager and enter your credentials. Be patient since AT&T doesn’t have the fastest loading website in the world.
Once you log in, go to Settings and click on Router.
Find Basic settings and toggle the UPnP switch to ON.
UPnP stands for Universal Plug and Play. It is a protocol designed to help different devices discover each other on the network and communicate freely. Turning it on will change the NAT type from Strict to Moderate.
However, there is a good chance you won’t see or be able to use this option when you go to the AT&T website. This is because there are not many AT&T hotspot devices that support this feature.
Recommended reading:
- Why Is the AT&T Internet So Slow? (8 Ways To Fix)
- AT&T Wi-Fi Connected But Not Working (Troubleshooting AT&T Wi-Fi)
- How to Avoid the AT&T Early Termination Fee?
If you are one of the unlucky ones that can’t turn the UPnP on, contact AT&T and ask if they can change your device to a Nighthawk hotspot or some other device that supports this feature.
Now, if you are only gaming on a PC, there is another way to bypass NAT restrictions on your AT&T hotspot, but it will work only on a PC.
How to Change AT&T Hotspot NAT Type on a PC
This one is also quite simple. All you need to do is download and install VPN software.
VPN is, for those of you who are not familiar with the acronym, a piece of software that allows you to communicate with a computer across the internet, under the same rules as it would within your own network.
There are many VPN solutions on the internet, both paid and free. Find one that suits you best, download and install it.
Open the account and select a VPN server with the lowest possible ping outside your country.
Connect to that server and try running the game you previously couldn’t.
Your NAT type should now be Moderate, and you should be able to make it work.
The Downside of Changing the NAT via VPN Server
One relatively major downside of changing the NAT type by using the VPN server is lag. Depending on where you live, what kind of VPN software you find, and the type of games you play, this lag can range almost unnoticeable to a complete dealbreaker.
After all, it’s not the same thing to play RTS, RPG, or FPS with the ping of 100+ ms.
If you want to see how to use VPN to change the NAT type on your hotspot, check the video below:
Strict NAT Type | Mobile Hotspot Fix
Summary
AT&T hotspot can be very tricky when it comes to changing the NAT type from strict to anything else. This difficulty is due to the fact that there is another NAT on the ISP side. The process itself is quite simple, but not many hotspots support and allow this change. If you have a Nighthawk hotspot, log into the http://attwifimanager, find the UPnP option in the Settings, and turn it ON.
If you have a different hotspot, contact AT&T and ask for a device that supports the UPnP, or you won’t be able to change the NAT type.
Another solution is to change the NAT type on the AT&T hotspot, but it only works if you are a PC user. Gaming consoles will not be able to benefit from this.
Download and install VPN software and connect to a VPN server with the slightest ping outside the USA. Once you connect to the server, your NAT should change from strict to Moderate.
We hope we have helped you to solve your NAT type problem with the AT&T hotspot and wish you all the best!
Hey, I’m Jeremy Clifford. I hold a bachelor’s degree in information systems, and I’m a certified network specialist. I worked for several internet providers in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle over the past 21 years.
I worked as a customer service operator, field technician, network engineer, and network specialist. During my career in networking, I’ve come across numerous modems, gateways, routers, and other networking hardware. I’ve installed network equipment, fixed it, designed and administrated networks, etc.
Networking is my passion, and I’m eager to share everything I know with you. On this website, you can read my modem and router reviews, as well as various how-to guides designed to help you solve your network problems. I want to liberate you from the fear that most users feel when they have to deal with modem and router settings.
My favorite free-time activities are gaming, movie-watching, and cooking. I also enjoy fishing, although I’m not good at it. What I’m good at is annoying David when we are fishing together. Apparently, you’re not supposed to talk or laugh while fishing – it scares the fishes.