What is the NAT type?
The NAT type indicates how well your console or device can connect to other devices on the internet.
This is especially important for online gaming, voice chat, and private lobbies.
Which NAT type is commonly used with SIM cards?
When using the Internet via a SIM card, a restricted NAT type is often displayed.
For the Nintendo Switch, for example, this is often NAT Type C or D.
When it comes to PlayStation or Xbox, people often refer to "moderate" or "strict" NAT types. This is similar to the situation with the Nintendo Switch: many online features may work, but there may be restrictions when it comes to certain games, private lobbies, voice chat, or direct connections to other players.
What usually works
The following often work with a SIM card:
Sign in to PSN
Download games
Install updates
Shop online
Streaming
many online games with their own servers
For example, games that rely heavily on central servers often cause fewer problems.
What can cause problems
Things get more complicated with features that require your PlayStation to connect directly to other players.
This can lead to problems with:
private parties
Voice Chat
private lobby groups
certain multiplayer games
Join friends
host a game yourself
Share Play / Remote Play
This means:
NAT Type C
Many online features may work, but there may be limitations with certain games, lobbies, or connections to other players.
NAT Type D
The connection is more restricted. Online gaming may work, but direct connections to other players, private lobbies, or voice chat may cause issues.
Can I play online with a SIM card?
Yes, in principle, online gaming works with a SIM card.
Many things work as usual, for example:
- Downloads and Updates
- Streaming
- Online Login
- many games with central servers
- regular browsing
However, there may be limitations with certain games or consoles, especially when direct connections to other players are required.
Why might there be restrictions?
SIM cards often use a private and dynamic IP address.
This means that your device isn't directly accessible from the internet. Multiple customers share a single public IP address on the mobile network. This isn't a problem for regular internet use, but it can cause connection issues for some online games.
What type of NAT will I get?
A specific NAT type cannot be guaranteed.
The NAT type may vary depending on the device, router, game, and network connection. For example, consoles may display a restricted NAT type.
Why does the NAT type sometimes change?
The NAT type is the result of a connection test. It may change if the connection is reestablished, the router restarts, the device switches between 4G and 5G, or the network routes traffic differently.
Will port forwarding, a DMZ, or UPnP help?
Not always. These settings usually only help if the router has its own public IP address. If it has a private IP address, the restriction is already in place within the mobile network.
Does Digital Republic offer a public or static IP address?
No. Digital Republic SIM cards use private and dynamic IP addresses. Public or static IP addresses are not currently available.
What can I do?
You can try the following:
- Restart the router
- Restart the console
- Enable UPnP on the router
- Place the router in a location with better reception
- Update router firmware
However, this does not guarantee an open NAT type.
In short
Internet access via a SIM card works without any problems for most applications.
When it comes to online gaming, there may be restrictions depending on the game or console. A specific NAT type or open NAT type cannot be guaranteed.
