Have you been lagging bad in online games? Are you having trouble connecting to gaming lobbies or matchmaking services? You aren't alone! A lot of people do not realize that simply connecting your game console to the internet does not guarantee you will be able to play properly against other players. The problem lies in your router, and how it blocks certain traffic. So, essentially, when you connect to a game lobby, your router has to communicate with each player besides yourself that is in the room. If your router is set to a stricter setting, you won't even be able to join lobbies, except with very few players.

All PlayStation 3 systems come default set to NAT type Strict (or type 3). So, to fix this problem, you will have to go into your router. Not physically, of course. What you will want to do is log into your router with your Internet browser on your PC. The goal is to get your PlayStation 3 to NAT type Moderate (type 2) or Open (type 1). In the URL bar, type in one of the following:

192.168.2.1 (for Belkin routers)
192.168.1.1 (for Linksys routers and most other brands)

You should now be at your router's settings page. From here, you have three choices. One will be the simple solution, placing your PlayStation 3 in the DMZ. It may be a dangerous option for a PC to be in the DMZ, but for a console it is safe. It is almost impossible for your PlayStation 3 to be hacked or get a virus. Another is a tiny bit more complicated, and involves making a static IP address for your PlayStation 3. The main choice, and most preferable, would be to simply activate your router's uPnP setting.

uPnP, or Universal Plug and Play, is an easy built-in way for your consoles to communicate with your router without the trouble of configuring. uPnP basically does it all for you. To activate this feature, look for it in the menu on the router settings page. Once it is toggled on your router, save the settings. At this time your router will reboot. Now, log onto your PlayStation 3, and head to the network settings tab in the systems settings area. You will see an option to enable or disable uPnP. Make sure it is enabled, and then run the connection test. You should come out with a NAT type of Moderate (type 2). Not all routers have this feature, so if you don't see it, don't worry. There are still two other options.

To place your PlayStation 3 into your router's DMZ, simply look in the menu for the option that says DMZ. Most routers have this option. Type in the IP address of your PlayStation 3, and click save. At this point, your router will reboot itself. Then, log onto your PlayStation 3 network settings in the system settings area. Run the connection test. You should come out as NAT type Open (or type 1). If you do not know the IP address of your PlayStation 3, you can find it both in your router settings and in the network settings in the system settings area of the PS3.

The third option is a bit more complex, and if you absolutely have to do the third option, there is a place that can really help. Port forwarding may seem complicated at first, but if you take your time and have a little patience, you will be a happy camper! Make sure before consulting the port forwarding site that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) allows such a thing. Believe it or not, it is a restriction that a few of the major providers actually enforce. Consequences could lead up to losing your service completely, so make sure you contact your ISP before you port forward to avoid any issues.

Back to the port forwarding issue before we close. You see, port forwarding is tricky at times, and it can take some trial and error. The last thing you honestly need are vague steps that may need a lot more explaining. Furthermore, the steps differ depending on your router brand, and which operating system you use. These variables just don't allow the time and care necessary to get it working for you. Google "port forward", and the very first result will be your main source of help.

Let's assume now that you have finally gotten your PlayStation 3 set to Open or Moderate. The next time you log into an online game from your PS3, you should immediately see a difference. Your connection quality will be much better, and you'll notice you are connecting to games much quicker. Matchmaking services will seem lightning fast, since you can now accept connections from more gamers. Your router is no longer excluding you from rooms with people filled with Open or Moderate NAT types. Congratulations, you are now set up for online gaming!