Solved GFWL Strict NAT

[SlasherIT]

Hey guys,

I'm having big issues with Games for Windows - LIVE and online gaming. It always says Strict. I guess I've tried a few things, but the only thing that has worked for me is to place my computer under the DMZ. Help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Slasher

 

[kf9vh]

I am no expert but I had that problem with Xbox live. The router is the culprit. I switched to a D-Link DR 655 and have "open" nat now.

 

[SlasherIT]

I doubt my router would be the culprit... I have a Belkin Wireless N router though.

 

[kf9vh]

When it comes to NAT, it is all about the router.

Xbox LIVE Compatibility | Xbox LIVE Compatible Routers - Xbox.com

 

[SlasherIT]

I have a Belkin F5D8631-4 v3 router...

EDIT: Just some more info about the problem... I am using Wi-Fi. The in-game GFWL client Network Information reports that my NAT Type is Strict, and that UPnP is available, but not used.

 

[MrNeeds]

Hello? Don't leave me on this one...

you need to log onto the router (192.168.2.1) and just click submit as belkin routers don't come with default passwords or login names.

then you need to try and find virtual servers, then enter these ports in the port forwarding section
Port 88 (UDP)
Port 3074 (UDP and TCP)
Port 53 (UDP and TCP)
Port 80 (TCP)

then enter your IP address as displayed on your network settings (should be something like 192.168.2.5 or something to that effect), then save and exit.

 

[SlasherIT]

Ya, sadly, I already did that. It still doesn't work .

 

[MrNeeds]

Then you'll need to find an option on the router to turn on uPnP, this will enable GFWL to send the ports required to your router as and when they are needed and set it up for you.

 

[SlasherIT]

UPnP is already on. GFWL says in the Network Information (ingame) that UPnP is on, but not being used.

 

[MrNeeds]

DMZ pool your IP address and use 3rd party firewall software then, sounds like you may have a faulty router :-/

 

[SlasherIT]

Placing my IP Address into the DMZ works, but its very insecure to do so. I use Windows Firewall...

My router is bad?

 

[MrNeeds]

Placing my IP Address into the DMZ works, but its very insecure to do so. I use Windows Firewall...

My router is bad?

uPnP is receiving port forwarding requests, but your ports aren't opening up, nor when you manually set them, seems like a faulty router

 

[SlasherIT]

Shit... I've been expecting this. The router doesn't always work well too... Any way to fix it?

 

[MrNeeds]

Shit... I've been expecting this. The router doesn't always work well too... Any way to fix it?

you could try a firmware update on your router

http://en-us-support.belkin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2605

 

[SlasherIT]

Latest version...

 

[MrNeeds]

Well, nothing shy of changing your router is going to fix your strict NAT, apart from using 3rd party firewall in the DMZ pool :-( sorry SlasherIT

 

[SlasherIT]

Damn it... What 3rd party firewall do you recommend in the meantime? Isn't Windows Firewall enough when configured via the Advanced UI?

 

[MrNeeds]

it should suffice, but keep real time anti-virus on if you have it

 

[SlasherIT]

Yeah, I do use Microsoft Security Essentials. One question, with the DMZ online, the firewall that the router has will go, meaning the things will pass down to the computer. Will a Software Firewall be able to filter out the stuff effectively like the router or not?

 

[MrNeeds]

Yeah, I do use Microsoft Security Essentials. One question, with the DMZ online, the firewall that the router has will go, meaning the things will pass down to the computer. Will a Software Firewall be able to filter out the stuff effectively like the router or not?

it should be more efficient at filtering out stuff as it has more power to do it, routers are purely software, there is no hard firewall in routers, so if you find a good enough firewall then sure