To NAT or not

Hello All.,
I am this week, migrating to ZEN from Nildram. I have Speedtouch 510v4 router. Can someone please advise me whether it is best to set up with NAT configured or not?
Thanks for any replies.
mal

You will no doubt receive advice suggesting both options are best. (because there are pros and cons to each).

My preference is to use the security provided by choosing NAT and then forward any ports which you may need to any servers you may have. You can then have as many machines on you LAN as you like - and setting it all up is easy.

Sandgrounder,
thanks for your reply. I only have one computer connected and don't know about port forwarding. When I look at my router info. it says there are no NAPT entries.
Do you still think it necessary with one PC.
thanks,
mal

If you play online games, then NAT is a no-no really as you will need so many ports forwarding it would be just easier to disable it. If you simply browse online sites/check email, then NAT would be a wise option.

I hope that helps a little

only if your serving the games will you need to forward anything..
simply playing on other servers you wont need to forward anything

I have found some/many games will play up without NAT even if you are only playing them...

I only browse and check emails really.No online gaming.
Seems in those circumstances NAT is favoured.
Thanks to you all for the advice.
mal.

I game a lot and none of the games I play have a problem with NAT. Either you play games I haven't come across or your router is not doing NAT properly.

I've often wondered if there are any QoS issues using 1 IP vs 8, i.e. will the incoming bandwidth be split equally between the 8 IP or is it just first come first served.

Probably more the fact I play old games ;-)