Possible Fix: Failed to connect to instance

I am a windows 7 user, concurrently running Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes, along with the Windows Firewall, I have a Comcast router and a local network.

I think I have found a possible fix for the transition/zoning issues, as I've yet to disconnect since making the following change. ((I had this issue with battle net once also))



What did not work:
Making antivirus and network exceptions for Path of Exile, opening the appropriate ports and/or turning off the anti-virus did not help. (Turning off the firewall worked but is not an option)

Solution:

Under control panel, go to Windows Firewall and then Advanced Settings. Click Inbound settings and 'New Rule'. Name it Path of Exile and click 'allow the connection'. ***Critical*** Now click Advanced and under 'Edge Traversal' select 'Defer to Application'. This will allow NAT devices.

Since making this change, I have not had an issue connecting or zoning throughout Path of Exile. I hope this helps. I will continue to test this in conjunction with the aforementioned inbound and outbound exceptions, the suggested open port range, and anti-virus exceptions.

Cheers,

Pancake

EDIT: started a new character and managed to get to the prison before this issue resurfaced, where-upon I could not move to any zone that wasn't already cleared (i.e. terrace had reset and wouldn't load, nor would lioneye) I kept at it a couple hours, I physically changed my router to allow NAT to see if that would change it, and nothing worked on any of the three regional portals. Restarting does nothing, perhaps it was just a stroke of luck that I was able to play for a few hours before it started over again.