Changing NAT settings to be less restrictive

Question

I have a PS3 and Xbox360 and they both say my Airport Extreme is using a restrictive "type 3" NAT setting that can interfere with online gaming and chat. What settings can I change to get my APX to play nicer with my game consoles?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the AirPorts are not listed as Xbox Live-compatible routers.
The following web blog does a great job explaining the NAT issues with Xbox Live. Basically what it comes down to is that although you can get an Internet connection for the Xbox 360 with the AirPorts, you may not get the necessary NAT setting (Moderate or Open) for the Xbox Live game that you want to play. As such, Port mapping may be required to allow Xbox Live access.
The following ports must be available for Xbox Live to operate correctly:
• UDP 88
• UDP 3074
• TCP 3074
To setup port mapping on an 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn), either connect to the AEBSn's wireless network or temporarily connect directly, using an Ethernet cable, to one of the LAN port of the AEBSn, and then use the AirPort Utility, in Manual Setup, to make these settings:
1. Reserve a DHCP-provided IP address for the host device.
Internet > DHCP tab
o On the DHCP tab, click the "+" (Add) button to enter DHCP Reservations.
o Description: <enter the desired description of the host device>
o Reserve address by: MAC Address
o Click Continue.
o MAC Address: <enter the MAC (what Apple calls Ethernet ID if you are using wired or AirPort ID if wireless) hardware address of the host computer>
o IPv4 Address: <enter the desired IP address>
o Click Done.
2. Setup Port Mapping on the AEBSn.
Advanced > Port Mapping tab
o Click the "+" (Add) button
o Service: <choose the appropriate service from the Service pop-up menu>
o Public UDP Port(s): <enter the appropriate UDP port values>
o Public TCP Port(s): <enter the appropriate TCP port values>
o Private IP Address: <enter the IP address of the host server>
o Private UDP Port(s): <enter the same as Public UDP Ports or your choice>
o Private TCP Port(s): <enter the same as Public TCP Ports or your choice>
o Click "Continue"