When a PC behind your router makes a connection to a server on the internet, the router has to "remember" which connection from which PC the request came from, since you have only one external IP address, so that when the response comes back, it is routed to the same connection on the same PC. This information is kept in the "Network Address Translation" (NAT) table.

When the NAT table is full, the router can't remember any more connections and so appears to hang. The two primary culprits in filling the NAT table are torrents, and refreshing large server lists in gaming servers such as Steam.

Firmware 4.0.16.1.56.0.10.7 displayed the results in the Firewall Settings / Security Log with entries like "NAT Error : connection pool is full. No connection created". The recent 4.0.16.1.56.0.10.11.3 firmware release increased the size of the NAT table, but users are still reporting the same problem. The Security Log entries no longer display NAT pool connection errors.

There are a couple of solutions to the problem:

• If you are in the former GTE operating areas, you can try requesting the Westell 9000EM router. It solved the NAT table issue.
• If you are in the former Bell Atlantic operating area, the Rev. E Actiontec should solve the NAT problem.
• Run your own router. See this FAQ for a list of different ways you can run your own router: »Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »What are the tradeoffs between the various router configurations

feedback form

feedback form

Any feedback you provide (corrections, updates or suggestions) are sent to the owner of this FAQ
and anyone else involved in writing or editing this item.

by birdfeedr edited by More Fiber
last modified: 2009-08-22 22:24:40