My internet service provider or my router is preventing me from getting "OPEN" nat, i can only get "MODERATE".

So i was wondering what was preventing me from getting Open nat on live, next week i'm buying "20MEG Broadband from Virgin" one of the major companies in the United Kingdom, and then a week or so later, i shall be buying a new router also, (as my current one is 3-4 years old), so i'm wondering would this help my situation? thanks.

It's highly unlikely that your ISP is at fault. Your NAT is predominantly determined by your router. To have an open NAT, you have to 'open' various 'ports'. I can't remember which ones they are, but you can find out from Google easily enough. To open 'ports', you have to access your router interface by typing your I.P address into your browser. From there you can usually find an option to open ports. Google that sort of info and you'll come across what you need.

The reason that some routers have Open and Moderate NATs is because different routers come with different default settings. Most modern routers will allow Open NAT by default since online gaming has become so popular.

Basically, you could achieve an open NAT on your current router/modem, but you will most likely have an open NAT by default on a new router. If your routers 4 years old then I recommend updating anyway. Even if a new router still gives you a moderate NAT, than it's easy to fix. If all else fails, contact your ISP.

I hope this helps.

Thanks alot mate, you've helped out alot, i'll look into buying a new router ASAP.

Plug it staight into a modem instead of a router.

"Acheived Open NAT" - 50gs

Well it worked for me anyway.

i dont know, i had that issue too. thats why i just plugged straight into my router with a cable and it works flawlessly.