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    Troubleshooting Issues Related to NAT

    Information on how to troubleshoot Nintendo Switch online connectivity issues related to a network's NAT type.

    Important:

    While troubleshooting NAT related issues, it is recommended that you test your internet connection after making any changes to the settings of your network to determine if the change improved your network's NAT type.

    Additional Information:

    • Networks with a more strict NAT type may prevent you from performing some online activities, such as connecting with other players online.
    • Both your NAT type and the NAT type any player you are attempting to connect with can affect the connection process. If you are having trouble connecting to a specific player, it is possible the issue may be caused by that player's NAT type.

    What to Do:

    1. Determine how your home network is configured, and what type(s) of network device(s) are being used.

      Most home networks use the following devices:

      • Combined Modem/Router - A device that both connects you directly to your internet service provider, usually through a cable TV or phone service, and allows multiple devices to connect (either wired or wireless). If you only have one network device, it is likely a combined modem/router (also called a "gateway").
      • Modem - A device that connects you directly to your internet service provider, usually through a cable TV or phone service, but only allows one other device to connect (usually a PC or a router).
      • Router - A device that allows multiple devices to connect (either wired or wireless), but does not connect directly to the internet. A router will connect to either a modem or a combined modem/router before it can connect to the internet.
      If you're not sure what type of devices you have, you may wish to contact your ISP or whomever provided you with the network devices.

    Which of the following best describes your network configuration?

    1. Power cycle both your router and modem.

      Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue. Ensure both devices power back on again prior to performing a connection test on the Nintendo Switch console.

    2. Within your router's settings, place the Nintendo Switch console into a "DMZ."

      Setting up a DMZ will allow the Nintendo Switch system to communicate directly to the internet and bypass the network firewall features of your router, which may be blocking some traffic necessary to connect with others.

      • Important:

        While Nintendo provides this information for our consumers' use, it is up to each consumer to determine what security needs they have for their own networks, and to decide how best to configure their network settings to meet those needs.

      • Important:

        If this does not resolve your issue and you continue to the next step, disable this setting on your router. A DMZ is not needed in combination with port forwarding.
    3. Within your router's settings, forward ports to the Nintendo Switch console.

      If your network is blocking traffic needed for online communication, setting up port forwarding may resolve this.

    Situation Not Resolved:

    If you are still unable to connect, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or router being used.

    If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:

    • Updating the router's firmware
    • Resetting the router back to its factory default settings

    1. Power cycle your gateway.

      Restarting your network device may resolve this issue. Ensure that it powers back on again prior to performing a connection test on the Nintendo Switch console.

    2. Within your gateway's settings, place the Nintendo Switch console into a "DMZ."

      Setting up a DMZ will allow the Nintendo Switch system to communicate directly to the internet and bypass the network firewall features of your gateway, which may be blocking some traffic necessary to connect with others.

      • Important:

        While Nintendo provides this information for our consumers' use, it is up to each consumer to determine what security needs they have for their own networks, and to decide how best to configure their network settings to meet those needs.

      • Important:

        If this does not resolve your issue and you continue to the next step, disable this setting on your router. A DMZ is not needed in combination with port forwarding.
    3. Within your gateway's settings, forward ports to the Nintendo Switch console.

      If your network is blocking traffic needed for online communication, setting up port forwarding may resolve this.

    Situation Not Resolved:

    If you are still unable to connect, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or wireless gateway being used.

    If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the gateway, contact the device's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:

    • Updating the gateway's firmware
    • Resetting the gateway back to its factory default settings

    1. Place the gateway into bridge mode.

      Both a router and gateway are designed to let multiple devices connect, and this means they both handle NAT. Connecting online through both devices' when both are attempting to address NAT for the network can cause issues. If you acess the gateway's settings and place it into bridge mode, the gateway will act as a modem, and then let the router handle NAT for the network.

      • If you would like instructions on how to place a gateway into bridge mode, please contact the gateway manufacturer, or your ISP, for additional assistance.
    2. Power cycle both your router and modem.

      Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue. Ensure both devices power back on again prior to performing a connection test on the Nintendo Switch console.

    3. Within your router's settings, place the Nintendo Switch console into a "DMZ."

      Setting up a DMZ will allow the Nintendo Switch system to communicate directly to the internet and bypass the network firewall features of your router, which may be blocking some traffic necessary to connect with others.

      • Important:

        While Nintendo provides this information for our consumers' use, it is up to each consumer to determine what security needs they have for their own networks, and to decide how best to configure their network settings to meet those needs.

      • Important:

        If this does not resolve your issue and you continue to the next step, disable this setting on your router. A DMZ is not needed in combination with port forwarding.
    4. Within your router's settings, forward ports to the Nintendo Switch console.

      If your network is blocking traffic needed for online communication, setting up port forwarding may resolve this.

    Situation Not Resolved:

    If you are still unable to connect, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or network devices being used.

    If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the network devices, contact the manufacturers for assistance with performing the following steps:

    • Updating the router or gateway firmware
    • Resetting the router or gateway to its factory default settings

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