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GadgetRescue
Virgin Media Staff
Virgin Media Staff

gadget rescue how it all works.png

Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has become a popular console with many gamers and families, and with games like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8, it's easy to see why. However, some people have experienced issues with its online gaming function, with the console reporting 'NAT Type F'. Nintendo’s advice is to enable DMZ and allow Port Forwarding, but we've continued to speak with customers reporting issues after doing this.

Our GadgetRescue team has investigated the issue further, and come up the following steps to help get you back online.

Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A PC with Internet Access.
  • An Ethernet Cable.
  • Nintendo Switch LAN Adapter.        

Why is it a good idea to purchase a wired LAN adapter for the Switch?

The console itself doesn't come with a built-in Ethernet port, so the dongle converts the built-in USB port into one, allowing you to use a wired connection - improving speed and NAT type.

Now, let’s get started fixing the issue:

First, locate MAC address of your Nintendo Switch:

  1. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down through the menu and select Internet.
  3. The Nintendo Switch console's MAC address will be listed under System MAC Address.
  4. Next, let's give your Nintendo Switch a static/permanent IP address.

On a PC:

  1. Click on the Windows icon and type cmd in the search bar
  2. Once the command line (cmd) is opened, type in ipconfig, and press Enter
  3. Locate and write down the following network information: IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway

On the Switch:

  1. From the detailed Internet settings page, select IP Address Settings.
  2. Select Manual.
  3. Select IP Address and then hold down the B Button to delete the existing IP address (it defaults to zeros).
  4. Enter the IP address you found on the network device in step a, but add 20 to the last section of digits, and then select OK. As an example, if your computer's IP address is displayed as 192.168.2.5, enter 192.168.2.25 on the Nintendo Switch. Every device on a network must have a different, unique IP address. (See image, below)

    GR_Switch1.jpg

  5. Select Subnet Mask, and then press the B Button to delete the existing Subnet Mask.
  6. Enter in the Subnet Mask as it appears in your network settings, and then select "OK."
    For most networks, the Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.000.
  7. Enter in the default gateway as it appears in your network settings, and then select "OK.".

Next, locate and write down the settings password located on your Virgin Media Hub:

  • Take a look at the sticker on the bottom of your Virgin Media hub and locate the settings password. It is written under the WiFi Password, and under the settings page URL: http://192.168.0.1.

Next, login to the Virgin Media Router Settings Page

  1. Open a Web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) and enter the address http://192.168.0.1.
  2. When prompted, enter the settings password you wrote down.
  3. Once you have opened the page, click on Advanced Settings, then click on Security, click on Mac Filtering.  See if the Nintendo Switch MAC address your wrote down in step #1 is listed there.  If not, click on Add New Rule, enter the MAC address and Add rule.
  4. Go back to Security and click on Port Forwarding.
  5. Enter the IP address you assigned to the console.
  6.  Within the port range, enter the starting port and the ending port to forward. For the Nintendo Switch console, this is port 1 through 65535. Starting port will be 1, and ending port will be 65535.
  7. Set the protocol as UDP.
  8. Check Enable or Apply to turn on this rule.
  9. Save the changes to the router.
  10. Go back to the main page and click on Modem Mode. Modem mode allows you to directly connect to your Switch to the modem, giving you better speed and quality. You will not be able to have WiFi when modem mode is enabled.
  11. Save the changes to the router

Next, connect your Switch using a wired connection

  1. Connect a wired LAN adapter to the Nintendo Switch dock.
  2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN adapter and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your VM hub.
  3. Place the Nintendo Switch console into the Nintendo Switch dock.
  4. On the Nintendo Switch console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu.

    GR_Switch2.jpg

  5. Select Internet and then Internet Settings.

    GR_Switch3.jpg

  6. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
  7. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
  8. The Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
    • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.

Once  a connection is established, Happy Gaming!

After you're finished playing, don't forget to enable router mode again so you can access WiFi. To do so, login to the Virgin Media Router Settings Page:

  1. Open a Web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) and enter the address http://192.168.100.1
  2. When prompted, enter the settings you wrote down in step 2
  3. Click on Modem Mode, enable Router Mode.
  4. Save the changes to the router

If you're still having problems, don't forget to ring VM Gadget Rescue for help! Our team is available 24/7 to help you with all the tech in your home.

Gadget Rescue is a 24/7 chargeable support service designed to fix issues with non-Virgin Media technology in your home. From tablets and mobiles to cameras and computers, 93% of issues are fixed first time. 
Gadget Rescue Subscription is £5 a month + a £20 set-up fee, with a minimum 6 month period). 
Gadget Rescue one-off fix is charged at £35, with a no fix - no fee guarantee. 
To chat live to a Gadget Rescue expert online just go to VirginMedia.com/gadgetrescue, or call free on 0800 014 7398.