FAQs

BT HomeHub Strict NAT

Details

Written by Administrator

Some people using the BT Home Hub have a NAT status of Strict when running the Xbox 360 Live test. Whereas some people do not have any issues at all.

I believe this is because people are using different versions of firmware for the HomeHub and it takes time for all of the Hub's to be updated with later versions.

So you may find that you have an NAT of Open now, but when your Hub is updated automatically, it may go strict.

Here are the fixes too get you back to a NAT status of Open, you must ensure your Xbox IP Address is set to auto and not manual/static

Please note these instructions will NOT give you an Open NAT if you are connecting the Xbox to a wireless PC/Laptop and using ICS (Internet Connection Sharing).

You must be connected direct to the Homehub via ethernet or wireless, if you connect to a PC you must use Bridging.

Make sure you have the latest version of firmware

The biggest problem today with the use of the HomeHub is:-

• Out of date firmware
• People adding the Xbox live service when its not needed

To get the latest version of firmware for your Homehub, simply do the following:-

• Ensure the Homehub is powered on for up to 7 days
• Ensure you have no DMZ setup

To check the version of firmware running on your Homehub simply browse to http://192.168.1.254 and look at the banner at the bottom of the page)

Control when your firmware updates are installed

Users of the HomeHub will know that their firmware is automatically downloaded to their Hub and installed well... basically when it pleases, possibly whilst your playing an online game. Not anymore! You can now control when you get your Update with Hub Upgrade Manager

Pick the most convenient time for your upgrade from the available slots (if you want it) and leave the hub to do the rest. You can even cancel the upgrade if you change your mind.

BT HomeHub 1.0-1.5 (Older style)

Do not set-up the Xbox Live Service on the Hub!

Software version 6.2.6.C

Improvements have been made to this version of firmware around UPnP, therefore no reboots or sharing should be needed. If you have found problems with NAT using this version, please turn off any sharing. If you still have issues please contact me via the forum

If you do not have the latest version of firmware yet (check by browsing to http://192.168.1.254 and look at the banner at the bottom of the page) simply leave the Homehub powered up for at least 7 days, check it on the 6th day and every day forward until you have the update.


Software version 6.2.6.E & 6.2.6.H

As with version C, there is no need to set-up any services for Xbox live anymore, this revision contains more bug fixes. If you have set-up application/game sharing in the past, I'd suggest a factory reset to clear everything out and start afresh.

Please ensure: In the devices section you say Yes to the "Always use this ip address" option. The Xbox does not clear down its ports when using UPnP meaning over time your NAT status could change if allocated a different address. This will prevent this from happening.

BT HomeHub Wireless N 2.0

Software version 8.1.A.E (Type A) 8.1.H.G (Type A)

There is no need to add any Xbox Live Services, you will get an Open NAT on your Xbox(es) without changing any settings at all

Please ensure: In the devices section (Settings> Advanced> Home Network> Devices) you say Yes to the "Always use this ip address" option, as the Xbox does not clear down its ports when using UPnP meaning over time your NAT status could change if allocated a different IP address. This will prevent this from happening.

It has been known for people to still have NAT issues with some versions of HH2.0 firmware, if you are still having problems please do the following:-

Log onto the Hub's menu system http://192.168.1.254

• Go to Settings > Advanced > Application Sharing > Configuration
• Under the "Game or application" heading, select Xbox Live the drop down list.
• Then, under the "Device" heading, select the device to want the application to connect to, in other words the Xbox. Hopefully, the device will have a friendly name that you can recognise, but in some cases, you'll only see the device Mac address (e.g. "Unknown-01-1a-2b-3c-4d"). Each device that connects to your Hub will have a unique ID (the Mac address), which may be printed on the hardware. You can remove devices, or rename them to something more friendly from the Home Hub's Settings > Advanced > Home Network menu
• Once you've selected both the Xbox Live application and the device, press 'Add', then Apply.
• Reboot the Hub for good measure!

BT HomeHub 3 (Wireless N)

Software version 4.7.5.1.83.8.45 (Type A)

 
There is no need to add any Xbox Live Services, you will get an Open NAT on your Xbox(es) without changing any settings at all. You don't even need to enabled the 'Always use this IP address' address for your Xbox as its on by default

My NAT was open but it keeps changing and I have to reboot the HomeHub

(Please note this is not required on the Home Hub 3, it is set-up like this already for all devices using DHCP including the Xbox)

This is very common and is easily fixed:-

• Turn on the Xbox 360
• Open your web browser and enter http://bthomehub.home to open the Hub Manager
• Click the Settings tab
• Enter your password
• Click on Advanced Settings, followed by Home Network.
• Your Xbox will be listed on the devices table either by name (if you have named it already) or its MAC address (how do I find my Xbox Mac Address)
• Click on your Xbox  in the connections list to open a detailed information page.
• At the bottom of the page is an option to 'Always use this IP address'. Click Yes followed by Apply.
• Ensure the Xbox IP Addres is set to Auto
• Now reboot the Homehub
• Your NAT should now stay Open

Troubleshooting - Still stuck Part 1

Have you still got a strict NAT? If so you've missed a trick somewhere, here's a check list:-

• Ensure you have the latest version of firmware
• Ensure your Xbox IP Address is set to auto and not manual
• Reset your Xbox Network settings back to factory defaults, look here
• Try deleting the Xbox device from your device list and restarting the hub
• Factory reset the Homehub from the Homehub menu (Please note: You will loose any settings you have made to your hub since you first set it up including any settings for the Hub phone if used)
• Ensure you are connecting direct to the Homehub via Ethernet or via the official adapter, if you are connected via a PC and using ICS that is your problem, you should try using bridging.
• Please ensure: In the devices section you say Yes to the "Always use this ip address" option. The Xbox does not clear down its ports when using UPnP meaning over time your NAT status could change if allocated a different address, to configure this please see the section above.

If you can't login to the homehub using the admin username and admin password, try a different browser like Firefox instead.

Or if you have forgotten your login details you will have to carry out a factory reset as follows (please note this will clear all settings back to the defaults, SSID etc):-

• Push and hold the Wireless Association button (on the back panel) for 15 seconds, until all the lights light up - then release it.
• The reset process may then take several minutes.
• The Hub is reset and ready for use when the Broadband and Internet lights are steady green.

Troubleshooting - Still stuck Part 2

If your still not getting an Open NAT after all of the above you will have to use the Game & Application Sharing menus of the hub.

If you are you using the older style hub 1.0 - 1.5 please follow the instructions here BUT ensure you forward the ports on this page here AND port 2074 UDP & 2074 TCP

If you are you using the new Home Hub2.0 hub  please follow the instructions here BUT ensure you forward the ports on this page here AND port 2074 UDP & 2074 TCP

If you are still having problems despite trying all of the above please post on our forum and we'll help out.