nat
NAT TYPES & ONLINE MULTIPLAYER
§ Many Nintendo first party games (Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, etc...) use peer-to-peer connection in online multiplayer, this is affected by Network Address Translation (NAT) - a network protocol. NAT type rank from A > B > C > D, from best to worse.
Check your NAT type: System Settings ⚙️ > Internet > Test Connection.
■ Peer-to-peer Protocol
The way it works: The players in the same online multiplayer section communicate with each other directly. Therefore the section's quality (lag, delay) depends on each player's connection's quality.
■ NAT Type's Effects
With NAT Type C, D, or even B, you will have trouble connecting and often see Error Code: 2618-0516 - Unable to connect to other console(s)
■ To improve your NAT type, there are several methods:
● Using a LAN/Ethernet adapter for the dock (Please type !tag lan for more info. Although sometime, even with an adapter, it would still require you to use the solutions below.
● Setup DMZ (demilitarized zone) or Port-forwarding on your router. It does require certain networking knowledge to do so. Below are Nintendo's guides:
➤ How to place a Nintendo Switch console into a router's DMZ.
➤ How to Set Up a Router's Port Forwarding for a Nintendo Switch Console - Open all ports, essentially the same with DMZ.
⚠︎ Warning: DMZ or Port-forwarding won't open your network (or your console) to any security risk. Read more HERE.
※ Note: Sometime you cannot improve your NAT type by these methods This is due to your Internet Service Provider (ISP)'s config. In this case, give your ISP a call.
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