Network address translation (NAT) allows multiple computers on the same local area network (LAN) to communicate with other networks using a single Internet Protocol (IP) address. Within the LAN, the IP address server assigns different local addresses for each computer -- but all of them are seen as the same address from the rest of the world. Routers of the Netgear brand offer a secure configuration for filtering inbound network traffic to LAN computers. However, that configuration can cause problems for some time-sensitive applications such as online games. You can reconfigure your Netgear router to perform more open (less stringent) filtering on incoming NAT traffic.
Instructions
1. Connect your computer to any of the local ports (grouped together within the same metal plate) on the back of the Netgear router, using an Ethernet cable.
2. Launch a Web browser on the computer and navigate to the router's Web address. That address depends on the model; you can find it in the router's manual. For example, the address is "192.168.1.1" for a Netgear WPN824. Type the address in the browser's address bar and press "Enter." A router password prompt appears. Typically, the Netgear username is "admin" and the password is "password."
3. Navigate the configuration menus to the section that manages the router's connection to the outside world. For example, for a WPN824, click "Wan Setup" on the left side bar. Select "Open" in the "NAT Filtering" section, then click "Apply." The router will be operating with open NAT from that point on.
