Changing NAT settings to be less restrictive

Unfortunately, the AirPorts are not listed as Xbox Live-compatible routers.

The following web blog does a great job explaining the NAT issues with Xbox Live. Basically what it comes down to is that although you can get an Internet connection for the Xbox 360 with the AirPorts, you may not get the necessary NAT setting (Moderate or Open) for the Xbox Live game that you want to play. As such, Port mapping may be required to allow Xbox Live access.

The following ports must be available for Xbox Live to operate correctly:
• UDP 88
• UDP 3074
• TCP 3074

To setup port mapping on an 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn), either connect to the AEBSn's wireless network or temporarily connect directly, using an Ethernet cable, to one of the LAN port of the AEBSn, and then use the AirPort Utility, in Manual Setup, to make these settings:

1. Reserve a DHCP-provided IP address for the host device.
Internet > DHCP tab
o On the DHCP tab, click the "+" (Add) button to enter DHCP Reservations.
o Description: <enter the desired description of the host device>
o Reserve address by: MAC Address
o Click Continue.
o MAC Address: <enter the MAC (what Apple calls Ethernet ID if you are using wired or AirPort ID if wireless) hardware address of the host computer>
o IPv4 Address: <enter the desired IP address>
o Click Done.

2. Setup Port Mapping on the AEBSn.
Advanced > Port Mapping tab
o Click the "+" (Add) button
o Service: <choose the appropriate service from the Service pop-up menu>
o Public UDP Port(s): <enter the appropriate UDP port values>
o Public TCP Port(s): <enter the appropriate TCP port values>
o Private IP Address: <enter the IP address of the host server>
o Private UDP Port(s): <enter the same as Public UDP Ports or your choice>
o Private TCP Port(s): <enter the same as Public TCP Ports or your choice>
o Click "Continue"

That would be the Xbox 360.

for something like an xbox which is basically a read only appliance, why not just make it a DMZ host?

How would I do that?

From the AirPort Utility, select Internet > NAT, and then, select "Enable default host at:." Enter the IP address of the Xbox 360 in the default host window. Note: By doing this, your XBox 360 is NOT protected by the AEBSn firewall and is totally exposed to the Internet.

Do you have another router upstream of the AEBSn? With the Xbox 360 set as the default host, the AEBSn's firewall is being bypassed with all of its ports opened for it.

If you temporarily connect your Xbox 360 directly to your ISP's modem does the "Strict NAT" warning go away?

I am confused by this also because on the AEBSn airport utility it doesn't have port mapping under the advanced it only has IPv6 and IPv6 Firewall.
Is this the same thing?

Per chance do you have your AEBSn configured as a bridge? If so, then the Port Mapping tab will not be present as all ports on the AEBSn will already be opened.

Yes connection sharing is set to off(bridge mode). My Xbox NAT works but my PS3 doesn't and gives me NAT-3.
What would be the best setup to get this to work? I can change the connection sharing to 1 IP address or a range but my ISP doesn't give me a range of static IP addresses. I can't just use one IP address for both my 360 and PS3 if I am playing on both at the same time (two rooms and kids), so I am confused by this.
Thanks for your help.

I suggest you start a new post and describe your current network completely including the make/model of your network equipment; what the problem(s) is(are); and what you have attempted, so far, to resolve them.

Thx!

It might be something that you can adjust with your DSL modem if you have access to its administration utility. What is the make/model of your modem?