NAT TYPE Strict

[AJ3]

HI,

I've been running into issues while gaming and traced  it back to the NAT TYPE being the issue. Technical support doesnt seem to know how to help. I need to change the NAT type from strict(type 3) to moderate(type 2). Does anyone know how to do that?

[Cptknives]

Hi,

ahh B02?. Unfortunately, I've run into the same problem. you have to access your router and create a port forward to you console's ip address. My issue is, one of the text boxes is not available, just not able to type in it, restricting me from adding half of the the udp or tcp

[AJ3 · Accepted solution]

Yes, BO2 exactly. I think ive figured out the issue. Virgin uses a CGNAT which gives you a private ip address. You would need a public ip address. Virgin does not offer a public ip address from what ive seen online. This is why we get a NAT TYPE STRICT. Public ip address helps alot with finding lobbies and port forwarding would probably not help in this case.

[Tom3]

I have exactly the same problem; I called customer service. No solution yet, and it's impossible to get a public IP address. Unfortunately, the next step might be to switch internet service providers. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

[AJ3]

Bell, according to tech support, also has the same private ip address stuff. Telus, runs on bell so i would assume its the same issue. Rogers has latency issues for gaming. Videotron might be the only option, but youd be paying more for less.

[BTFan]

Hello, I recently saw a post on here by @VirginPlusAlexander, which states the following:

Virgin Plus Internet services now operate behind CGNAT (Carrier Grade NAT). This means Virgin Plus Internet subscriptions receive a private IPv4 address on the WAN, which is translated to a shared public IPv4 address for outbound internet traffic.

With this transition, IPv4 features that require inbound connections—such as port forwarding, DMZ and hosting services like Plex servers—will no longer function.

We understand this change may impact some Members’ existing network setups. We want to reassure all Virgin Plus Internet Members that standard internet connectivity and typical home usage will continue to work as expected with the default configuration.

I spent countless hours trying to figure this out until I found that message, so I wish Virgin communicated this to customers, but I digress. The issue now is that my NAT is Strict/Type 3 on both Xbox and PS5 since this change was made. What's the solution to this?

Alexander's message claims that typical home usage will continue to work as expected - however online gaming is pretty typical these days and it's not working correctly. What's Virgin's solution to this?

[BTFan]

A week later and still no response. Why? Your comment said "typical usage" would not be affected. How is online gaming not typical usage? We deserve answers.

[BTFan]

So Virgin still can't be bothered to even respond...? Pathetic. Switching providers. 

@VirginPlusAntonie @VirginPlusAlexander 

[VirginPlusAlexander · Accepted solution]

Hello @BTFan , as @AJ3 shared above "Virgin uses a CGNAT which gives you a private IP address. You would need a public IP address."

Virgin Plus Internet services now operate behind CGNAT (Carrier Grade NAT). This means Virgin Plus Internet subscriptions receive a private IPv4 address on the WAN, which is translated to a shared public IPv4 address for outbound internet traffic.

With this transition, IPv4 features that require inbound connections—such as port forwarding, DMZ and hosting services like Plex servers—will no longer function.

"Typical Home Usage" generally includes actions under the default Virgin Plus configuration - standard outbound-reliant internet connectivity.

This includes:

• Standard web browsing and social media.
  
• Standard video and audio streaming (such as Netflix, YouTube, or music services).
  
• Standard smart home operations (such as smart thermostats or home assistants).
  
• General file downloads and online activities that do not depend on direct inbound connections from the public internet.
  

"Non-Typical or Advanced Usage" generally includes actions that require inbound connections. Actions that require a private IP rather than a shared/public IP for outbound or inbound connections:

This includes:

• Port forwarding
• DMZ settings
• Hosting local servers (such as a Plex media server)
• Inbound VoIP setups or legacy home-phone ATA adapters that lack IPv6 support
• Certain multiplayer gaming configurations which require both outbound and inbound connections - which can result in a "Strict/Type 3" NAT status.

[BTFan]

Thanks for finally responding, but can you please tell us what the solution is, instead of simply repeating that same message we already saw a few times? 

It's not "certain multiplayer games" - it's literally the PS5 and Xbox system settings that indicate the NAT type is Strict/Type 3. Can you please provide a fix? This is what we've been asking for months...

@VirginPlusAlexander @VirginPlusAntonie 

[VirginPlusAlexander · Accepted solution]

As detailed above; Virgin Plus Internet services now operate behind CGNAT (Carrier Grade NAT). The CGNAT is operating as it is intended to.  This functionality can result in a "Strict/Type 3" NAT status for certain multiplayer gaming configurations which require both outbound and inbound connections. 

[BTFan]

So despite asking 3 times for a solution, you prefer to just copy paste the same message over and over? I think we all get that this is “intended” now - we only had to dig through Google till we landed on a Virgin forum to find out (would’ve been nice if we found out earlier). The question that we are all asking is how we can fix the type 3/strict NAT issue. If you don’t have a solution, you can just say so - no need to politic. We just need a fix. Thanks

@VirginPlusAntonie @VirginPlusAlexander 

[VirginPlusAlexander]

@BTFan Please understand that there isn't a "fix" for your specific NAT question, as there is nothing to be fixed when in comes to the application and function of CGNAT on Virgin Plus Internet services. CGNAT is operating as it is intended to, and in this situation it results in a "Strict/Type 3" NAT status for the respective game and/or game system you are attempting to play and use.

[BTFan]

@VirginPlusAlexander so we won’t be able to play online video games with Virgin internet anymore…? Imagine removing a basic feature that millions of people use daily worldwide - without ever explaining why or providing a workaround. Horrible service. Will be switching ISPs. 

[BT]

To be clear.. what you're stating here is that preventing their customers from enjoying online gaming is the intended result that Virgin Plus wanted to achieve?