Virgin Media gamers frequently encounter a frustrating problem: double NAT. This networking issue causes failed connections, inability to join multiplayer sessions, voice chat problems, and the dreaded “Strict NAT” or “NAT Type 3” warnings.
Understanding double NAT and fixing it permanently transforms your gaming experience from frustrating to flawless. This guide explains exactly what’s happening and provides step-by-step solutions.
What Is Double NAT and Why Does It Matter?
NAT (Network Address Translation) translates between your private home network and the public internet. It’s essential for modern networking—without NAT, your home devices couldn’t share a single internet connection.
Normal NAT (How It Should Work)
“
Internet → Virgin Media Hub (ONE NAT) → Your Gaming Device
One NAT layer works perfectly. Your router handles translation cleanly.
Double NAT (The Problem)
`
Internet → Virgin Media Hub (FIRST NAT) → Your Gaming Router (SECOND NAT) → Your Gaming Device
Two NAT layers cause conflicts. The second router doesn't know which device behind it should receive incoming game connections, causing the first router to block traffic.
Result: Gaming chaos. Connection issues, matchmaking failures, voice chat problems, and "Strict NAT" warnings.
Why Virgin Media Causes Double NAT
Virgin Media users encounter double NAT more than other ISPs because:
Reason 1: Using Your Own Router
You've connected your own gaming router (ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link) to Virgin Media's Hub for better WiFi/features.
Problem: Virgin Media Hub still routes traffic (NAT layer 1). Your gaming router adds second NAT layer.
Reason 2: Network Equipment Stacking
Some setups stack multiple network devices:
- Virgin Media Hub
- Mesh WiFi system (like Google WiFi, Eero)
- Gaming router
- WiFi extender with routing capability
Each device potentially adds another NAT layer.
Reason 3: Virgin Media Hub Configuration
Virgin Media Hubs (Hub 3, Hub 4, Hub 5) run in router mode by default. They don't just pass-through your internet—they actively manage it, creating NAT.
How to Identify Double NAT
Method 1: Check Your Gaming Console
Xbox:
Settings → General → Network settings → Test NAT type
- Open NAT: Good (no double NAT)
- Moderate NAT: Might work, might not
- Strict NAT: Definitely double NAT or port forwarding issues
PlayStation:
Settings → Network → Connection Status → NAT Type
- Type 1: Best (rare on home networks)
- Type 2: Good (normal single NAT)
- Type 3: Bad (double NAT)
Method 2: Check IP Addresses
On Windows PC:
Open Command Prompt
Type: ipconfigNote your IPv4 address
Common IP ranges:
- 192.168.0.x (Virgin Media Hub default)
- 192.168.1.x (most aftermarket routers)
- 10.0.0.x (some routers)
Then check your router's WAN IP:
Log into your gaming router (not Virgin Media Hub)
Check WAN/Internet IP address
If it's 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x—you have double NAT
If it's a public IP (not private range)—single NAT
Private IP ranges:
- 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
- 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
Public IPs don't use these ranges.
The Permanent Fix: Modem Mode
Modem Mode converts your Virgin Media Hub into a simple modem, eliminating its NAT routing function.
Result: Internet → Virgin Media Hub (MODEM ONLY, no NAT) → Your Gaming Router (ONE NAT) → Gaming Devices
How to Enable Modem Mode on Virgin Media
Important: Only do this if you have your own router. Modem mode disables all Virgin Media Hub routing, WiFi, and network ports except one.
#### Step-by-Step Modem Mode Activation
1. Connect via Ethernethttp://192.168.0.1
- Use ethernet cable from PC to Virgin Media Hub
- WiFi won't work after modem mode enabled
- Log in at:
- Username:
- Password: On Hub's label (usually similar to WiFi password)
2. Navigate to Modem Mode Setting
- Click "Advanced Settings"
- Find "Modem Mode" or "Router Mode" option
- Location varies by Hub model:
- Hub 3: Advanced Settings → Modem Mode
- Hub 4: Advanced Settings → System → Modem Mode
- Hub 5: Settings → Modem Mode
3. Enable Modem Mode
- Toggle switch to "Enable" or "Modem Mode"
- Hub will warn that routing/WiFi will disable—confirm
- Hub reboots (takes 3-5 minutes)
4. Connect Your Router
- After reboot, only Hub's Port 1 (usually red) works
- Connect your gaming router's WAN/Internet port to Hub Port 1
- Power on your router
- It should get public IP directly from Virgin Media
5. Verify It Worked
- Log into your gaming router
- Check WAN IP—should be public IP now (not 192.168.x.x)
- Test gaming console NAT type—should show Open/Type 2
Modem Mode Requirements
You MUST have:
- Your own router (can't use Virgin Media Hub alone in modem mode)
- Router capable of handling your internet speed
- Knowledge of your router's configuration
Before enabling modem mode:
- Screenshot Virgin Media Hub settings
- Note WiFi names/passwords if needed elsewhere
- Ensure your router is configured and ready
Modem Mode Limitations
What stops working:
- Virgin Media Hub WiFi (completely disabled)
- Virgin Media Hub's ethernet ports 2-4 (only port 1 active)
- Virgin Media Hub's firewall (your router handles this now)
- Virgin Media Hub's parental controls
- Virgin Media Phone (if you have it—stays on Hub, not affected)
What still works:
- Internet connection (through your router)
- Virgin Media's TV service (independent of broadband)
- Your router's WiFi
- Your router's full feature set
Alternative Fix: DMZ Setup
If you can't use modem mode (don't have own router, or need Hub features), DMZ offers compromise.
What Is DMZ?
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tells Virgin Media Hub to forward ALL traffic to one specific device (your gaming router), essentially bypassing the first NAT layer.
Setup:
Internet → Virgin Media Hub (NAT but forwards everything) → Gaming Router (gets all traffic) → Gaming Devices
Not as clean as modem mode but solves double NAT problems.
Setting Up DMZ on Virgin Media Hub
1. Reserve IP for Your Routerhttp://192.168.0.1
- Log into Virgin Media Hub ()
- Go to Advanced Settings → DHCP
- Find your gaming router in connected devices list
- Note its MAC address
- Create DHCP reservation for that MAC to specific IP (e.g., 192.168.0.50)
2. Enable DMZ
- In Virgin Media Hub settings
- Navigate to Security → DMZ
- Enable DMZ
- Enter the IP address you reserved (192.168.0.50)
- Save settings
- Hub may reboot
3. Configure Your Gaming Router
- Some routers need special configuration when behind DMZ
- Disable UPnP on gaming router (optional, sometimes helps)
- Set static IP matching DMZ IP or keep DHCP reservation
4. Test Gaming
- Check console NAT type
- Should show Open (Xbox) or Type 2 (PlayStation)
DMZ Limitations
Potential issues:
- Security: DMZ device gets all traffic (ensure your router has good firewall)
- Virgin Media firmware updates sometimes reset DMZ settings
- Not quite as clean as modem mode
- Still technically double NAT (just hidden better)
Port Forwarding Alternative
If you can't use modem mode OR DMZ, manual port forwarding works but requires maintenance.
Gaming Ports to Forward
Xbox Live:
- Port 3074 (UDP and TCP)
- Port 88 (UDP)
- Port 500 (UDP)
- Port 3544 (UDP)
- Port 4500 (UDP)
PlayStation Network:
- Port 80 (TCP)
- Port 443 (TCP)
- Port 3478 (UDP)
- Port 3479 (UDP)
- Port 3480 (TCP)
PC Gaming (varies by game):
- Steam: 27015-27030 (UDP), 27036-27037 (TCP)
- Epic Games: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 5060, 5062, 6250, 12000-65000 (UDP)
- EA/Origin: Multiple ranges (check EA help site)
Port Forwarding on Virgin Media Hub
1. Set Static IP for Gaming Device
- In gaming console/PC network settings
- Set manual IP (e.g., 192.168.0.100)
- Use Hub's IP as gateway (192.168.0.1)
- DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
2. Forward Ports in Hubhttp://192.168.0.1`)
- Log into Hub (
– Advanced Settings → Port Forwarding
– Click Add Rule
– Enter:
– Service Name: “Xbox” or “PlayStation”
– Protocol: TCP, UDP, or Both (as specified)
– Start/End Port: Port numbers from list above
– Local IP: Your gaming device IP (192.168.0.100)
– Save and repeat for each port
3. Test Thoroughly
– Check NAT type on console
– Try joining multiplayer game
– Test voice chat
Port Forwarding Limitations
Problems:
– Tedious to set up all ports
– Only works for ONE device at that IP
– Breaks if device IP changes
– Different games need different ports
– Requires maintenance when games update
Mesh WiFi Systems and Double NAT
Popular mesh systems (Google WiFi, Eero, Deco) can cause double NAT too.
Fix for Mesh Systems
Option 1: Mesh in Bridge/Access Point Mode
Most mesh systems offer “bridge mode” or “AP mode”:
– Disables mesh system’s routing
– Mesh acts as WiFi only
– Virgin Media Hub handles routing
– Eliminates second NAT
How to enable:
– Google WiFi: Settings → Network & General → Advanced Networking → Bridge Mode
– Eero: Call support (must do via phone)
– TP-Link Deco: More → Advanced → Operation Mode → Access Point
Option 2: Virgin Media Hub in Modem Mode
– Put Hub in modem mode (as explained earlier)
– Mesh system becomes primary router
– Mesh handles all routing (single NAT)
Recommended: Option 2 if your mesh system is high-quality. Option 1 if you prefer Virgin Media Hub to route.
Specific Virgin Media Hub Models
Hub 3 (Superhub 3)
– Modem Mode: Advanced Settings → Modem Mode toggle
– DMZ: Security → DMZ
– Port Forwarding: Security → Port Forwarding
– Known issue: Sometimes reverts settings after firmware update
Hub 4
– Modem Mode: Advanced Settings → System → Modem Mode
– DMZ: Advanced Settings → Security → DMZ
– Port Forwarding: Advanced Settings → Security → Port Forwarding
– Improvement: More stable than Hub 3, fewer resets
Hub 5 (Latest)
– Modem Mode: Settings → Modem Mode (easier to find)
– DMZ: Settings → Security → DMZ
– Port Forwarding: Settings → Port Forwarding
– Best: Most stable firmware, recommended for modem mode
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Modem Mode Not Working
Problem: Enabled modem mode but router won’t get public IP
Solutions:
– Turn off Hub
– Turn off router
– Wait 2 minutes
– Turn on Hub, wait for online
– Turn on router
NAT Still Showing Strict
Problem: Fixed double NAT but still showing Strict NAT
Possible causes:
Lost Access to Hub After Modem Mode
Problem: Can’t reach Hub at 192.168.0.1 anymore
This is normal. In modem mode:
– Hub only accessible from device plugged directly into Port 1
– If you need to access Hub, temporarily unplug router and connect PC directly to Port 1
– Or, assign your router’s LAN as 192.168.0.x network and you might reach Hub at 192.168.0.1 (not guaranteed)
Virgin Media Phone Not Working
Problem: Enabled modem mode and phone service stopped
Solution: This shouldn’t happen—phone uses separate channel. BUT:
Best Router for Virgin Media Gaming
If buying router specifically for Virgin Media + gaming:
Budget Option (£50-100)
TP-Link Archer AX50
– WiFi 6 support
– Good gaming features
– Handles Virgin Media speeds up to 500 Mbps
– Easy setup
Mid-Range (£100-200)
ASUS RT-AX86U
– Excellent gaming features
– Adaptive QoS for gaming traffic
– Handles up to Gig1 speeds
– Gaming VPN support
Premium (£200-400)
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
– WiFi 6E
– Tri-band for multiple devices
– Best-in-class gaming optimization
– Overkill for most but incredible for serious gamers
Minimum requirements for Virgin Media router:
– WAN port supporting your package speed (1 Gbps port for 350+ Mbps packages)
– Supports DHCP on WAN (all modern routers do)
– Good QoS features for gaming
– Stable firmware
When to Contact Virgin Media
Contact support if:
– Can’t enable modem mode (option grayed out)
– Modem mode enabled but no internet at all
– Public IP not being assigned to router
– Multiple locations having issues (suggests area-wide problem)
What to tell them:
“I’ve enabled modem mode on my Hub [model] to use my own router for gaming. My router isn’t getting a public IP address.”
Avoid jargon like “double NAT”—tier 1 support may not understand. Focus on concrete issues.
Virgin Media’s double NAT gaming issues are completely fixable. The permanent solution—modem mode—takes 10 minutes to set up and transforms your gaming experience permanently.
If you have your own router: Use modem mode. Full stop. It’s the cleanest, most permanent solution with zero ongoing maintenance.
If you must use Virgin Media Hub only: Use DMZ pointing to your gaming console, or set up extensive port forwarding.
The frustration of Strict NAT, failed game invites, and voice chat dropout ends permanently once you fix the double NAT problem. Your gaming experience will match what other players on proper single-NAT networks enjoy.
Take 30 minutes today to fix this properly. Your future self (and your gaming squad) will thank you.
