diff --git a/client/Dockerfile b/client/Dockerfile
index b2f627409..5cd459357 100644
--- a/client/Dockerfile
+++ b/client/Dockerfile
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 #   sudo podman build -t localhost/netbird:latest -f client/Dockerfile --ignorefile .dockerignore-client .
 #   sudo podman run --rm -it --cap-add={BPF,NET_ADMIN,NET_RAW} localhost/netbird:latest
 
-FROM alpine:3.22.0
+FROM alpine:3.22.2
 # iproute2: busybox doesn't display ip rules properly
 RUN apk add --no-cache \
     bash \
diff --git a/client/cmd/debug.go b/client/cmd/debug.go
index 18f3547ca..430012a17 100644
--- a/client/cmd/debug.go
+++ b/client/cmd/debug.go
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	client := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn)
 
-	stat, err := client.Status(cmd.Context(), &proto.StatusRequest{})
+	stat, err := client.Status(cmd.Context(), &proto.StatusRequest{ShouldRunProbes: true})
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to get status: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
@@ -303,12 +303,18 @@ func setSyncResponsePersistence(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 func getStatusOutput(cmd *cobra.Command, anon bool) string {
 	var statusOutputString string
-	statusResp, err := getStatus(cmd.Context())
+	statusResp, err := getStatus(cmd.Context(), true)
 	if err != nil {
 		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to get status: %v\n", err)
 	} else {
+		pm := profilemanager.NewProfileManager()
+		var profName string
+		if activeProf, err := pm.GetActiveProfile(); err == nil {
+			profName = activeProf.Name
+		}
+
 		statusOutputString = nbstatus.ParseToFullDetailSummary(
-			nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(statusResp, anon, "", nil, nil, nil, "", ""),
+			nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(statusResp, anon, "", nil, nil, nil, "", profName),
 		)
 	}
 	return statusOutputString
diff --git a/client/cmd/service_installer.go b/client/cmd/service_installer.go
index 075ead44e..2a87e538d 100644
--- a/client/cmd/service_installer.go
+++ b/client/cmd/service_installer.go
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"runtime"
 
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
 	"github.com/kardianos/service"
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 
@@ -81,6 +83,10 @@ func configurePlatformSpecificSettings(svcConfig *service.Config) error {
 				svcConfig.Option["LogDirectory"] = dir
 			}
 		}
+
+		if err := configureSystemdNetworkd(); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to configure systemd-networkd: %v", err)
+		}
 	}
 
 	if runtime.GOOS == "windows" {
@@ -160,6 +166,12 @@ var uninstallCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			return fmt.Errorf("uninstall service: %w", err)
 		}
 
+		if runtime.GOOS == "linux" {
+			if err := cleanupSystemdNetworkd(); err != nil {
+				log.Warnf("failed to cleanup systemd-networkd configuration: %v", err)
+			}
+		}
+
 		cmd.Println("NetBird service has been uninstalled")
 		return nil
 	},
@@ -245,3 +257,45 @@ func isServiceRunning() (bool, error) {
 
 	return status == service.StatusRunning, nil
 }
+
+const (
+	networkdConfDir     = "/etc/systemd/networkd.conf.d"
+	networkdConfFile    = "/etc/systemd/networkd.conf.d/99-netbird.conf"
+	networkdConfContent = `# Created by NetBird to prevent systemd-networkd from removing
+# routes and policy rules managed by NetBird.
+
+[Network]
+ManageForeignRoutes=no
+ManageForeignRoutingPolicyRules=no
+`
+)
+
+// configureSystemdNetworkd creates a drop-in configuration file to prevent
+// systemd-networkd from removing NetBird's routes and policy rules.
+func configureSystemdNetworkd() error {
+	parentDir := filepath.Dir(networkdConfDir)
+	if _, err := os.Stat(parentDir); os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		log.Debug("systemd networkd.conf.d parent directory does not exist, skipping configuration")
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// nolint:gosec // standard networkd permissions
+	if err := os.WriteFile(networkdConfFile, []byte(networkdConfContent), 0644); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("write networkd configuration: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// cleanupSystemdNetworkd removes the NetBird systemd-networkd configuration file.
+func cleanupSystemdNetworkd() error {
+	if _, err := os.Stat(networkdConfFile); os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := os.Remove(networkdConfFile); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove networkd configuration: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/cmd/status.go b/client/cmd/status.go
index 723f2367c..6e57ceb89 100644
--- a/client/cmd/status.go
+++ b/client/cmd/status.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	ctx := internal.CtxInitState(cmd.Context())
 
-	resp, err := getStatus(ctx)
+	resp, err := getStatus(ctx, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func getStatus(ctx context.Context) (*proto.StatusResponse, error) {
+func getStatus(ctx context.Context, shouldRunProbes bool) (*proto.StatusResponse, error) {
 	conn, err := DialClientGRPCServer(ctx, daemonAddr)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to connect to daemon error: %v\n"+
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ func getStatus(ctx context.Context) (*proto.StatusResponse, error) {
 	}
 	defer conn.Close()
 
-	resp, err := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn).Status(ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{GetFullPeerStatus: true, ShouldRunProbes: true})
+	resp, err := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn).Status(ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{GetFullPeerStatus: true, ShouldRunProbes: shouldRunProbes})
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("status failed: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
diff --git a/client/firewall/create.go b/client/firewall/create.go
index 7b265e1d1..24f12bc6d 100644
--- a/client/firewall/create.go
+++ b/client/firewall/create.go
@@ -15,13 +15,13 @@ import (
 )
 
 // NewFirewall creates a firewall manager instance
-func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, _ *statemanager.Manager, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, disableServerRoutes bool) (firewall.Manager, error) {
+func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, _ *statemanager.Manager, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, disableServerRoutes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
 	if !iface.IsUserspaceBind() {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("not implemented for this OS: %s", runtime.GOOS)
 	}
 
 	// use userspace packet filtering firewall
-	fm, err := uspfilter.Create(iface, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger)
+	fm, err := uspfilter.Create(iface, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
diff --git a/client/firewall/create_linux.go b/client/firewall/create_linux.go
index aa2f0d4d1..12dcaee8a 100644
--- a/client/firewall/create_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/create_linux.go
@@ -34,12 +34,12 @@ const SKIP_NFTABLES_ENV = "NB_SKIP_NFTABLES_CHECK"
 // FWType is the type for the firewall type
 type FWType int
 
-func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, disableServerRoutes bool) (firewall.Manager, error) {
+func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, disableServerRoutes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
 	// on the linux system we try to user nftables or iptables
 	// in any case, because we need to allow netbird interface traffic
 	// so we use AllowNetbird traffic from these firewall managers
 	// for the userspace packet filtering firewall
-	fm, err := createNativeFirewall(iface, stateManager, disableServerRoutes)
+	fm, err := createNativeFirewall(iface, stateManager, disableServerRoutes, mtu)
 
 	if !iface.IsUserspaceBind() {
 		return fm, err
@@ -48,11 +48,11 @@ func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, flowLogg
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to create native firewall: %v. Proceeding with userspace", err)
 	}
-	return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, fm, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger)
+	return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, fm, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 }
 
-func createNativeFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, routes bool) (firewall.Manager, error) {
-	fm, err := createFW(iface)
+func createNativeFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, routes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
+	fm, err := createFW(iface, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create firewall: %s", err)
 	}
@@ -64,26 +64,26 @@ func createNativeFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager,
 	return fm, nil
 }
 
-func createFW(iface IFaceMapper) (firewall.Manager, error) {
+func createFW(iface IFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
 	switch check() {
 	case IPTABLES:
 		log.Info("creating an iptables firewall manager")
-		return nbiptables.Create(iface)
+		return nbiptables.Create(iface, mtu)
 	case NFTABLES:
 		log.Info("creating an nftables firewall manager")
-		return nbnftables.Create(iface)
+		return nbnftables.Create(iface, mtu)
 	default:
 		log.Info("no firewall manager found, trying to use userspace packet filtering firewall")
 		return nil, errors.New("no firewall manager found")
 	}
 }
 
-func createUserspaceFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, fm firewall.Manager, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger) (firewall.Manager, error) {
+func createUserspaceFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, fm firewall.Manager, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
 	var errUsp error
 	if fm != nil {
-		fm, errUsp = uspfilter.CreateWithNativeFirewall(iface, fm, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger)
+		fm, errUsp = uspfilter.CreateWithNativeFirewall(iface, fm, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 	} else {
-		fm, errUsp = uspfilter.Create(iface, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger)
+		fm, errUsp = uspfilter.Create(iface, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 	}
 
 	if errUsp != nil {
diff --git a/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux.go b/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux.go
index 32103b7ec..2563a9052 100644
--- a/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux.go
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ type iFaceMapper interface {
 }
 
 // Create iptables firewall manager
-func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper) (*Manager, error) {
+func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
 	iptablesClient, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("init iptables: %w", err)
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper) (*Manager, error) {
 		ipv4Client: iptablesClient,
 	}
 
-	m.router, err = newRouter(iptablesClient, wgIface)
+	m.router, err = newRouter(iptablesClient, wgIface, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create router: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 			NameStr:       m.wgIface.Name(),
 			WGAddress:     m.wgIface.Address(),
 			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
+			MTU:           m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}
 	stateManager.RegisterState(state)
@@ -260,7 +261,7 @@ func (m *Manager) UpdateSet(set firewall.Set, prefixes []netip.Prefix) error {
 	return m.router.UpdateSet(set, prefixes)
 }
 
-// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services
+// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
 func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
@@ -268,7 +269,7 @@ func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protoco
 	return m.router.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
-// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule
+// RemoveInboundDNAT removes an inbound DNAT rule.
 func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
diff --git a/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux_test.go b/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux_test.go
index a5cc62feb..6b5401e2b 100644
--- a/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux_test.go
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	fw "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
 
@@ -53,7 +54,7 @@ func TestIptablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	// just check on the local interface
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 
@@ -114,7 +115,7 @@ func TestIptablesManagerDenyRules(t *testing.T) {
 	ipv4Client, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 
@@ -198,7 +199,7 @@ func TestIptablesManagerIPSet(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	// just check on the local interface
-	manager, err := Create(mock)
+	manager, err := Create(mock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 
@@ -264,7 +265,7 @@ func TestIptablesCreatePerformance(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, testMax := range []int{10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000} {
 		t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("Testing %d rules", testMax), func(t *testing.T) {
 			// just check on the local interface
-			manager, err := Create(mock)
+			manager, err := Create(mock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
 			require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 			time.Sleep(time.Second)
diff --git a/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux.go b/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux.go
index 343f5e05e..305b0bf28 100644
--- a/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux.go
@@ -30,17 +30,20 @@ const (
 
 	chainPOSTROUTING        = "POSTROUTING"
 	chainPREROUTING         = "PREROUTING"
+	chainFORWARD            = "FORWARD"
 	chainRTNAT              = "NETBIRD-RT-NAT"
 	chainRTFWDIN            = "NETBIRD-RT-FWD-IN"
 	chainRTFWDOUT           = "NETBIRD-RT-FWD-OUT"
 	chainRTPRE              = "NETBIRD-RT-PRE"
 	chainRTRDR              = "NETBIRD-RT-RDR"
+	chainRTMSSCLAMP         = "NETBIRD-RT-MSSCLAMP"
 	routingFinalForwardJump = "ACCEPT"
 	routingFinalNatJump     = "MASQUERADE"
 
 	jumpManglePre  = "jump-mangle-pre"
 	jumpNatPre     = "jump-nat-pre"
 	jumpNatPost    = "jump-nat-post"
+	jumpMSSClamp   = "jump-mss-clamp"
 	markManglePre  = "mark-mangle-pre"
 	markManglePost = "mark-mangle-post"
 	matchSet       = "--match-set"
@@ -48,6 +51,9 @@ const (
 	dnatSuffix = "_dnat"
 	snatSuffix = "_snat"
 	fwdSuffix  = "_fwd"
+
+	// ipTCPHeaderMinSize represents minimum IP (20) + TCP (20) header size for MSS calculation
+	ipTCPHeaderMinSize = 40
 )
 
 type ruleInfo struct {
@@ -77,16 +83,18 @@ type router struct {
 	ipsetCounter     *ipsetCounter
 	wgIface          iFaceMapper
 	legacyManagement bool
+	mtu              uint16
 
 	stateManager *statemanager.Manager
 	ipFwdState   *ipfwdstate.IPForwardingState
 }
 
-func newRouter(iptablesClient *iptables.IPTables, wgIface iFaceMapper) (*router, error) {
+func newRouter(iptablesClient *iptables.IPTables, wgIface iFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (*router, error) {
 	r := &router{
 		iptablesClient: iptablesClient,
 		rules:          make(map[string][]string),
 		wgIface:        wgIface,
+		mtu:            mtu,
 		ipFwdState:     ipfwdstate.NewIPForwardingState(),
 	}
 
@@ -392,6 +400,7 @@ func (r *router) cleanUpDefaultForwardRules() error {
 		{chainRTPRE, tableMangle},
 		{chainRTNAT, tableNat},
 		{chainRTRDR, tableNat},
+		{chainRTMSSCLAMP, tableMangle},
 	} {
 		ok, err := r.iptablesClient.ChainExists(chainInfo.table, chainInfo.chain)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -416,6 +425,7 @@ func (r *router) createContainers() error {
 		{chainRTPRE, tableMangle},
 		{chainRTNAT, tableNat},
 		{chainRTRDR, tableNat},
+		{chainRTMSSCLAMP, tableMangle},
 	} {
 		if err := r.iptablesClient.NewChain(chainInfo.table, chainInfo.chain); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("create chain %s in table %s: %w", chainInfo.chain, chainInfo.table, err)
@@ -438,6 +448,10 @@ func (r *router) createContainers() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("add jump rules: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := r.addMSSClampingRules(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add MSS clamping rules: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -518,6 +532,35 @@ func (r *router) addPostroutingRules() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// addMSSClampingRules adds MSS clamping rules to prevent fragmentation for forwarded traffic.
+// TODO: Add IPv6 support
+func (r *router) addMSSClampingRules() error {
+	mss := r.mtu - ipTCPHeaderMinSize
+
+	// Add jump rule from FORWARD chain in mangle table to our custom chain
+	jumpRule := []string{
+		"-j", chainRTMSSCLAMP,
+	}
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Insert(tableMangle, chainFORWARD, 1, jumpRule...); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add jump to MSS clamp chain: %w", err)
+	}
+	r.rules[jumpMSSClamp] = jumpRule
+
+	ruleOut := []string{
+		"-o", r.wgIface.Name(),
+		"-p", "tcp",
+		"--tcp-flags", "SYN,RST", "SYN",
+		"-j", "TCPMSS",
+		"--set-mss", fmt.Sprintf("%d", mss),
+	}
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Append(tableMangle, chainRTMSSCLAMP, ruleOut...); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add outbound MSS clamp rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	r.rules["mss-clamp-out"] = ruleOut
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 func (r *router) insertEstablishedRule(chain string) error {
 	establishedRule := getConntrackEstablished()
 
@@ -558,7 +601,7 @@ func (r *router) addJumpRules() error {
 }
 
 func (r *router) cleanJumpRules() error {
-	for _, ruleKey := range []string{jumpNatPost, jumpManglePre, jumpNatPre} {
+	for _, ruleKey := range []string{jumpNatPost, jumpManglePre, jumpNatPre, jumpMSSClamp} {
 		if rule, exists := r.rules[ruleKey]; exists {
 			var table, chain string
 			switch ruleKey {
@@ -571,6 +614,9 @@ func (r *router) cleanJumpRules() error {
 			case jumpNatPre:
 				table = tableNat
 				chain = chainPREROUTING
+			case jumpMSSClamp:
+				table = tableMangle
+				chain = chainFORWARD
 			default:
 				return fmt.Errorf("unknown jump rule: %s", ruleKey)
 			}
@@ -880,7 +926,7 @@ func (r *router) UpdateSet(set firewall.Set, prefixes []netip.Prefix) error {
 	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
-// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services
+// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
 func (r *router) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("inbound-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 
@@ -913,7 +959,7 @@ func (r *router) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol
 	return nil
 }
 
-// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule
+// RemoveInboundDNAT removes an inbound DNAT rule.
 func (r *router) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("inbound-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 
diff --git a/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux_test.go b/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux_test.go
index 3490c5dad..6707573be 100644
--- a/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/iptables/router_linux_test.go
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/test"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 )
 
@@ -30,7 +31,7 @@ func TestIptablesManager_RestoreOrCreateContainers(t *testing.T) {
 	iptablesClient, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "failed to init iptables client")
 
-	manager, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock)
+	manager, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "should return a valid iptables manager")
 	require.NoError(t, manager.init(nil))
 
@@ -38,7 +39,6 @@ func TestIptablesManager_RestoreOrCreateContainers(t *testing.T) {
 		assert.NoError(t, manager.Reset(), "shouldn't return error")
 	}()
 
-	// Now 5 rules:
 	// 1. established rule forward in
 	// 2. estbalished rule forward out
 	// 3. jump rule to POST nat chain
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ func TestIptablesManager_RestoreOrCreateContainers(t *testing.T) {
 	// 7. static return masquerade rule
 	// 8. mangle prerouting mark rule
 	// 9. mangle postrouting mark rule
-	require.Len(t, manager.rules, 9, "should have created rules map")
+	// 10. jump rule to MSS clamping chain
+	// 11. MSS clamping rule for outbound traffic
+	require.Len(t, manager.rules, 11, "should have created rules map")
 
 	exists, err := manager.iptablesClient.Exists(tableNat, chainPOSTROUTING, "-j", chainRTNAT)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "should be able to query the iptables %s table and %s chain", tableNat, chainPOSTROUTING)
@@ -82,7 +84,7 @@ func TestIptablesManager_AddNatRule(t *testing.T) {
 			iptablesClient, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 			require.NoError(t, err, "failed to init iptables client")
 
-			manager, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock)
+			manager, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(t, err, "shouldn't return error")
 			require.NoError(t, manager.init(nil))
 
@@ -155,7 +157,7 @@ func TestIptablesManager_RemoveNatRule(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Run(testCase.Name, func(t *testing.T) {
 			iptablesClient, _ := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 
-			manager, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock)
+			manager, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(t, err, "shouldn't return error")
 			require.NoError(t, manager.init(nil))
 			defer func() {
@@ -217,7 +219,7 @@ func TestRouter_AddRouteFiltering(t *testing.T) {
 	iptablesClient, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to create iptables client")
 
-	r, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock)
+	r, err := newRouter(iptablesClient, ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to create router manager")
 	require.NoError(t, r.init(nil))
 
diff --git a/client/firewall/iptables/state_linux.go b/client/firewall/iptables/state_linux.go
index 6ef159e01..c88774c1f 100644
--- a/client/firewall/iptables/state_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/iptables/state_linux.go
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"sync"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
 
@@ -11,6 +12,7 @@ type InterfaceState struct {
 	NameStr       string         `json:"name"`
 	WGAddress     wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
 	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
+	MTU           uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
 func (i *InterfaceState) Name() string {
@@ -42,7 +44,11 @@ func (s *ShutdownState) Name() string {
 }
 
 func (s *ShutdownState) Cleanup() error {
-	ipt, err := Create(s.InterfaceState)
+	mtu := s.InterfaceState.MTU
+	if mtu == 0 {
+		mtu = iface.DefaultMTU
+	}
+	ipt, err := Create(s.InterfaceState, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("create iptables manager: %w", err)
 	}
diff --git a/client/firewall/manager/firewall.go b/client/firewall/manager/firewall.go
index 7ee33118b..72e6a5c68 100644
--- a/client/firewall/manager/firewall.go
+++ b/client/firewall/manager/firewall.go
@@ -100,6 +100,9 @@ type Manager interface {
 	//
 	// If comment argument is empty firewall manager should set
 	// rule ID as comment for the rule
+	//
+	// Note: Callers should call Flush() after adding rules to ensure
+	// they are applied to the kernel and rule handles are refreshed.
 	AddPeerFiltering(
 		id []byte,
 		ip net.IP,
diff --git a/client/firewall/nftables/acl_linux.go b/client/firewall/nftables/acl_linux.go
index 9ff5b8c92..a9d066e2f 100644
--- a/client/firewall/nftables/acl_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/nftables/acl_linux.go
@@ -29,8 +29,6 @@ const (
 	chainNameForwardFilter     = "netbird-acl-forward-filter"
 	chainNameManglePrerouting  = "netbird-mangle-prerouting"
 	chainNameManglePostrouting = "netbird-mangle-postrouting"
-
-	allowNetbirdInputRuleID = "allow Netbird incoming traffic"
 )
 
 const flushError = "flush: %w"
@@ -195,25 +193,6 @@ func (m *AclManager) DeletePeerRule(rule firewall.Rule) error {
 // createDefaultAllowRules creates default allow rules for the input and output chains
 func (m *AclManager) createDefaultAllowRules() error {
 	expIn := []expr.Any{
-		&expr.Payload{
-			DestRegister: 1,
-			Base:         expr.PayloadBaseNetworkHeader,
-			Offset:       12,
-			Len:          4,
-		},
-		// mask
-		&expr.Bitwise{
-			SourceRegister: 1,
-			DestRegister:   1,
-			Len:            4,
-			Mask:           []byte{0, 0, 0, 0},
-			Xor:            []byte{0, 0, 0, 0},
-		},
-		// net address
-		&expr.Cmp{
-			Register: 1,
-			Data:     []byte{0, 0, 0, 0},
-		},
 		&expr.Verdict{
 			Kind: expr.VerdictAccept,
 		},
@@ -258,7 +237,7 @@ func (m *AclManager) addIOFiltering(
 	action firewall.Action,
 	ipset *nftables.Set,
 ) (*Rule, error) {
-	ruleId := generatePeerRuleId(ip, sPort, dPort, action, ipset)
+	ruleId := generatePeerRuleId(ip, proto, sPort, dPort, action, ipset)
 	if r, ok := m.rules[ruleId]; ok {
 		return &Rule{
 			nftRule:    r.nftRule,
@@ -357,11 +336,12 @@ func (m *AclManager) addIOFiltering(
 	}
 
 	if err := m.rConn.Flush(); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf(flushError, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("flush input rule %s: %v", ruleId, err)
 	}
 
 	ruleStruct := &Rule{
-		nftRule:    nftRule,
+		nftRule: nftRule,
+		// best effort mangle rule
 		mangleRule: m.createPreroutingRule(expressions, userData),
 		nftSet:     ipset,
 		ruleID:     ruleId,
@@ -420,12 +400,19 @@ func (m *AclManager) createPreroutingRule(expressions []expr.Any, userData []byt
 		},
 	)
 
-	return m.rConn.AddRule(&nftables.Rule{
+	nfRule := m.rConn.AddRule(&nftables.Rule{
 		Table:    m.workTable,
 		Chain:    m.chainPrerouting,
 		Exprs:    preroutingExprs,
 		UserData: userData,
 	})
+
+	if err := m.rConn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to flush mangle rule %s: %v", string(userData), err)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return nfRule
 }
 
 func (m *AclManager) createDefaultChains() (err error) {
@@ -697,8 +684,8 @@ func (m *AclManager) refreshRuleHandles(chain *nftables.Chain, mangle bool) erro
 	return nil
 }
 
-func generatePeerRuleId(ip net.IP, sPort *firewall.Port, dPort *firewall.Port, action firewall.Action, ipset *nftables.Set) string {
-	rulesetID := ":"
+func generatePeerRuleId(ip net.IP, proto firewall.Protocol, sPort *firewall.Port, dPort *firewall.Port, action firewall.Action, ipset *nftables.Set) string {
+	rulesetID := ":" + string(proto) + ":"
 	if sPort != nil {
 		rulesetID += sPort.String()
 	}
diff --git a/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux.go b/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux.go
index aa016e1c2..bd19f1067 100644
--- a/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux.go
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 package nftables
 
 import (
-	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 	"net/netip"
+	"os"
 	"sync"
 
 	"github.com/google/nftables"
@@ -19,13 +19,22 @@ import (
 )
 
 const (
-	// tableNameNetbird is the name of the table that is used for filtering by the Netbird client
+	// tableNameNetbird is the default name of the table that is used for filtering by the Netbird client
 	tableNameNetbird = "netbird"
+	// envTableName is the environment variable to override the table name
+	envTableName = "NB_NFTABLES_TABLE"
 
 	tableNameFilter = "filter"
 	chainNameInput  = "INPUT"
 )
 
+func getTableName() string {
+	if name := os.Getenv(envTableName); name != "" {
+		return name
+	}
+	return tableNameNetbird
+}
+
 // iFaceMapper defines subset methods of interface required for manager
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
@@ -44,16 +53,16 @@ type Manager struct {
 }
 
 // Create nftables firewall manager
-func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper) (*Manager, error) {
+func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
 	m := &Manager{
 		rConn:   &nftables.Conn{},
 		wgIface: wgIface,
 	}
 
-	workTable := &nftables.Table{Name: tableNameNetbird, Family: nftables.TableFamilyIPv4}
+	workTable := &nftables.Table{Name: getTableName(), Family: nftables.TableFamilyIPv4}
 
 	var err error
-	m.router, err = newRouter(workTable, wgIface)
+	m.router, err = newRouter(workTable, wgIface, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create router: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -93,6 +102,7 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 			NameStr:       m.wgIface.Name(),
 			WGAddress:     m.wgIface.Address(),
 			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
+			MTU:           m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to update state: %v", err)
@@ -197,44 +207,11 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
 
-	err := m.aclManager.createDefaultAllowRules()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to create default allow rules: %v", err)
+	if err := m.aclManager.createDefaultAllowRules(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create default allow rules: %w", err)
 	}
-
-	chains, err := m.rConn.ListChainsOfTableFamily(nftables.TableFamilyIPv4)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("list of chains: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	var chain *nftables.Chain
-	for _, c := range chains {
-		if c.Table.Name == tableNameFilter && c.Name == chainNameInput {
-			chain = c
-			break
-		}
-	}
-
-	if chain == nil {
-		log.Debugf("chain INPUT not found. Skipping add allow netbird rule")
-		return nil
-	}
-
-	rules, err := m.rConn.GetRules(chain.Table, chain)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to get rules for the INPUT chain: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	if rule := m.detectAllowNetbirdRule(rules); rule != nil {
-		log.Debugf("allow netbird rule already exists: %v", rule)
-		return nil
-	}
-
-	m.applyAllowNetbirdRules(chain)
-
-	err = m.rConn.Flush()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to flush allow input netbird rules: %v", err)
+	if err := m.rConn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("flush allow input netbird rules: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -250,10 +227,6 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
 
-	if err := m.resetNetbirdInputRules(); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("reset netbird input rules: %v", err)
-	}
-
 	if err := m.router.Reset(); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("reset router: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -273,49 +246,15 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (m *Manager) resetNetbirdInputRules() error {
-	chains, err := m.rConn.ListChains()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("list chains: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	m.deleteNetbirdInputRules(chains)
-
-	return nil
-}
-
-func (m *Manager) deleteNetbirdInputRules(chains []*nftables.Chain) {
-	for _, c := range chains {
-		if c.Table.Name == tableNameFilter && c.Name == chainNameInput {
-			rules, err := m.rConn.GetRules(c.Table, c)
-			if err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("get rules for chain %q: %v", c.Name, err)
-				continue
-			}
-
-			m.deleteMatchingRules(rules)
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-func (m *Manager) deleteMatchingRules(rules []*nftables.Rule) {
-	for _, r := range rules {
-		if bytes.Equal(r.UserData, []byte(allowNetbirdInputRuleID)) {
-			if err := m.rConn.DelRule(r); err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("delete rule: %v", err)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-}
-
 func (m *Manager) cleanupNetbirdTables() error {
 	tables, err := m.rConn.ListTables()
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("list tables: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	tableName := getTableName()
 	for _, t := range tables {
-		if t.Name == tableNameNetbird {
+		if t.Name == tableName {
 			m.rConn.DelTable(t)
 		}
 	}
@@ -376,7 +315,7 @@ func (m *Manager) UpdateSet(set firewall.Set, prefixes []netip.Prefix) error {
 	return m.router.UpdateSet(set, prefixes)
 }
 
-// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services
+// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
 func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
@@ -384,7 +323,7 @@ func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protoco
 	return m.router.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
-// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule
+// RemoveInboundDNAT removes an inbound DNAT rule.
 func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
@@ -398,55 +337,18 @@ func (m *Manager) createWorkTable() (*nftables.Table, error) {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("list of tables: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	tableName := getTableName()
 	for _, t := range tables {
-		if t.Name == tableNameNetbird {
+		if t.Name == tableName {
 			m.rConn.DelTable(t)
 		}
 	}
 
-	table := m.rConn.AddTable(&nftables.Table{Name: tableNameNetbird, Family: nftables.TableFamilyIPv4})
+	table := m.rConn.AddTable(&nftables.Table{Name: getTableName(), Family: nftables.TableFamilyIPv4})
 	err = m.rConn.Flush()
 	return table, err
 }
 
-func (m *Manager) applyAllowNetbirdRules(chain *nftables.Chain) {
-	rule := &nftables.Rule{
-		Table: chain.Table,
-		Chain: chain,
-		Exprs: []expr.Any{
-			&expr.Meta{Key: expr.MetaKeyIIFNAME, Register: 1},
-			&expr.Cmp{
-				Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
-				Register: 1,
-				Data:     ifname(m.wgIface.Name()),
-			},
-			&expr.Verdict{
-				Kind: expr.VerdictAccept,
-			},
-		},
-		UserData: []byte(allowNetbirdInputRuleID),
-	}
-	_ = m.rConn.InsertRule(rule)
-}
-
-func (m *Manager) detectAllowNetbirdRule(existedRules []*nftables.Rule) *nftables.Rule {
-	ifName := ifname(m.wgIface.Name())
-	for _, rule := range existedRules {
-		if rule.Table.Name == tableNameFilter && rule.Chain.Name == chainNameInput {
-			if len(rule.Exprs) < 4 {
-				if e, ok := rule.Exprs[0].(*expr.Meta); !ok || e.Key != expr.MetaKeyIIFNAME {
-					continue
-				}
-				if e, ok := rule.Exprs[1].(*expr.Cmp); !ok || e.Op != expr.CmpOpEq || !bytes.Equal(e.Data, ifName) {
-					continue
-				}
-				return rule
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 func insertReturnTrafficRule(conn *nftables.Conn, table *nftables.Table, chain *nftables.Chain) {
 	rule := &nftables.Rule{
 		Table: table,
diff --git a/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux_test.go b/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux_test.go
index c7f05dcb7..adec802c8 100644
--- a/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux_test.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
 	fw "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
 
@@ -56,7 +57,7 @@ func (i *iFaceMock) IsUserspaceBind() bool { return false }
 func TestNftablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// just check on the local interface
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 	time.Sleep(time.Second * 3)
@@ -168,7 +169,7 @@ func TestNftablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 func TestNftablesManagerRuleOrder(t *testing.T) {
 	// This test verifies rule insertion order in nftables peer ACLs
 	// We add accept rule first, then deny rule to test ordering behavior
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 
@@ -261,7 +262,7 @@ func TestNFtablesCreatePerformance(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, testMax := range []int{10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000} {
 		t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("Testing %d rules", testMax), func(t *testing.T) {
 			// just check on the local interface
-			manager, err := Create(mock)
+			manager, err := Create(mock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
 			require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 			time.Sleep(time.Second * 3)
@@ -345,7 +346,7 @@ func TestNftablesManagerCompatibilityWithIptables(t *testing.T) {
 	stdout, stderr := runIptablesSave(t)
 	verifyIptablesOutput(t, stdout, stderr)
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "failed to create manager")
 	require.NoError(t, manager.Init(nil))
 
diff --git a/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux.go b/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux.go
index 0c091da96..6192c92aa 100644
--- a/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/google/nftables/xt"
 	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
@@ -32,12 +33,17 @@ const (
 	chainNameRoutingNat    = "netbird-rt-postrouting"
 	chainNameRoutingRdr    = "netbird-rt-redirect"
 	chainNameForward       = "FORWARD"
+	chainNameMangleForward = "netbird-mangle-forward"
 
 	userDataAcceptForwardRuleIif = "frwacceptiif"
 	userDataAcceptForwardRuleOif = "frwacceptoif"
+	userDataAcceptInputRule      = "inputaccept"
 
 	dnatSuffix = "_dnat"
 	snatSuffix = "_snat"
+
+	// ipTCPHeaderMinSize represents minimum IP (20) + TCP (20) header size for MSS calculation
+	ipTCPHeaderMinSize = 40
 )
 
 const refreshRulesMapError = "refresh rules map: %w"
@@ -63,9 +69,10 @@ type router struct {
 	wgIface          iFaceMapper
 	ipFwdState       *ipfwdstate.IPForwardingState
 	legacyManagement bool
+	mtu              uint16
 }
 
-func newRouter(workTable *nftables.Table, wgIface iFaceMapper) (*router, error) {
+func newRouter(workTable *nftables.Table, wgIface iFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (*router, error) {
 	r := &router{
 		conn:       &nftables.Conn{},
 		workTable:  workTable,
@@ -73,6 +80,7 @@ func newRouter(workTable *nftables.Table, wgIface iFaceMapper) (*router, error)
 		rules:      make(map[string]*nftables.Rule),
 		wgIface:    wgIface,
 		ipFwdState: ipfwdstate.NewIPForwardingState(),
+		mtu:        mtu,
 	}
 
 	r.ipsetCounter = refcounter.New(
@@ -96,8 +104,8 @@ func newRouter(workTable *nftables.Table, wgIface iFaceMapper) (*router, error)
 func (r *router) init(workTable *nftables.Table) error {
 	r.workTable = workTable
 
-	if err := r.removeAcceptForwardRules(); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to clean up rules from FORWARD chain: %s", err)
+	if err := r.removeAcceptFilterRules(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to clean up rules from filter table: %s", err)
 	}
 
 	if err := r.createContainers(); err != nil {
@@ -111,15 +119,15 @@ func (r *router) init(workTable *nftables.Table) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// Reset cleans existing nftables default forward rules from the system
+// Reset cleans existing nftables filter table rules from the system
 func (r *router) Reset() error {
 	// clear without deleting the ipsets, the nf table will be deleted by the caller
 	r.ipsetCounter.Clear()
 
 	var merr *multierror.Error
 
-	if err := r.removeAcceptForwardRules(); err != nil {
-		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove accept forward rules: %w", err))
+	if err := r.removeAcceptFilterRules(); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove accept filter rules: %w", err))
 	}
 
 	if err := r.removeNatPreroutingRules(); err != nil {
@@ -220,11 +228,23 @@ func (r *router) createContainers() error {
 		Type:     nftables.ChainTypeFilter,
 	})
 
+	r.chains[chainNameMangleForward] = r.conn.AddChain(&nftables.Chain{
+		Name:     chainNameMangleForward,
+		Table:    r.workTable,
+		Hooknum:  nftables.ChainHookForward,
+		Priority: nftables.ChainPriorityMangle,
+		Type:     nftables.ChainTypeFilter,
+	})
+
 	// Add the single NAT rule that matches on mark
 	if err := r.addPostroutingRules(); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("add single nat rule: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := r.addMSSClampingRules(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add MSS clamping rules: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	if err := r.acceptForwardRules(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add accept rules for the forward chain: %s", err)
 	}
@@ -745,6 +765,83 @@ func (r *router) addPostroutingRules() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// addMSSClampingRules adds MSS clamping rules to prevent fragmentation for forwarded traffic.
+// TODO: Add IPv6 support
+func (r *router) addMSSClampingRules() error {
+	mss := r.mtu - ipTCPHeaderMinSize
+
+	exprsOut := []expr.Any{
+		&expr.Meta{
+			Key:      expr.MetaKeyOIFNAME,
+			Register: 1,
+		},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     ifname(r.wgIface.Name()),
+		},
+		&expr.Meta{
+			Key:      expr.MetaKeyL4PROTO,
+			Register: 1,
+		},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     []byte{unix.IPPROTO_TCP},
+		},
+		&expr.Payload{
+			DestRegister: 1,
+			Base:         expr.PayloadBaseTransportHeader,
+			Offset:       13,
+			Len:          1,
+		},
+		&expr.Bitwise{
+			DestRegister:   1,
+			SourceRegister: 1,
+			Len:            1,
+			Mask:           []byte{0x02},
+			Xor:            []byte{0x00},
+		},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpNeq,
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     []byte{0x00},
+		},
+		&expr.Counter{},
+		&expr.Exthdr{
+			DestRegister: 1,
+			Type:         2,
+			Offset:       2,
+			Len:          2,
+			Op:           expr.ExthdrOpTcpopt,
+		},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpGt,
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     binaryutil.BigEndian.PutUint16(uint16(mss)),
+		},
+		&expr.Immediate{
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     binaryutil.BigEndian.PutUint16(uint16(mss)),
+		},
+		&expr.Exthdr{
+			SourceRegister: 1,
+			Type:           2,
+			Offset:         2,
+			Len:            2,
+			Op:             expr.ExthdrOpTcpopt,
+		},
+	}
+
+	r.conn.AddRule(&nftables.Rule{
+		Table: r.workTable,
+		Chain: r.chains[chainNameMangleForward],
+		Exprs: exprsOut,
+	})
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // addLegacyRouteRule adds a legacy routing rule for mgmt servers pre route acls
 func (r *router) addLegacyRouteRule(pair firewall.RouterPair) error {
 	sourceExp, err := r.applyNetwork(pair.Source, nil, true)
@@ -840,6 +937,7 @@ func (r *router) RemoveAllLegacyRouteRules() error {
 // that our traffic is not dropped by existing rules there.
 // The existing FORWARD rules/policies decide outbound traffic towards our interface.
 // In case the FORWARD policy is set to "drop", we add an established/related rule to allow return traffic for the inbound rule.
+// This method also adds INPUT chain rules to allow traffic to the local interface.
 func (r *router) acceptForwardRules() error {
 	if r.filterTable == nil {
 		log.Debugf("table 'filter' not found for forward rules, skipping accept rules")
@@ -849,7 +947,7 @@ func (r *router) acceptForwardRules() error {
 	fw := "iptables"
 
 	defer func() {
-		log.Debugf("Used %s to add accept forward rules", fw)
+		log.Debugf("Used %s to add accept forward and input rules", fw)
 	}()
 
 	// Try iptables first and fallback to nftables if iptables is not available
@@ -859,22 +957,30 @@ func (r *router) acceptForwardRules() error {
 		log.Warnf("Will use nftables to manipulate the filter table because iptables is not available: %v", err)
 
 		fw = "nftables"
-		return r.acceptForwardRulesNftables()
+		return r.acceptFilterRulesNftables()
 	}
 
-	return r.acceptForwardRulesIptables(ipt)
+	return r.acceptFilterRulesIptables(ipt)
 }
 
-func (r *router) acceptForwardRulesIptables(ipt *iptables.IPTables) error {
+func (r *router) acceptFilterRulesIptables(ipt *iptables.IPTables) error {
 	var merr *multierror.Error
+
 	for _, rule := range r.getAcceptForwardRules() {
 		if err := ipt.Insert("filter", chainNameForward, 1, rule...); err != nil {
-			merr = multierror.Append(err, fmt.Errorf("add iptables rule: %v", err))
+			merr = multierror.Append(err, fmt.Errorf("add iptables forward rule: %v", err))
 		} else {
-			log.Debugf("added iptables rule: %v", rule)
+			log.Debugf("added iptables forward rule: %v", rule)
 		}
 	}
 
+	inputRule := r.getAcceptInputRule()
+	if err := ipt.Insert("filter", chainNameInput, 1, inputRule...); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(err, fmt.Errorf("add iptables input rule: %v", err))
+	} else {
+		log.Debugf("added iptables input rule: %v", inputRule)
+	}
+
 	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
@@ -886,10 +992,13 @@ func (r *router) getAcceptForwardRules() [][]string {
 	}
 }
 
-func (r *router) acceptForwardRulesNftables() error {
+func (r *router) getAcceptInputRule() []string {
+	return []string{"-i", r.wgIface.Name(), "-j", "ACCEPT"}
+}
+
+func (r *router) acceptFilterRulesNftables() error {
 	intf := ifname(r.wgIface.Name())
 
-	// Rule for incoming interface (iif) with counter
 	iifRule := &nftables.Rule{
 		Table: r.filterTable,
 		Chain: &nftables.Chain{
@@ -922,11 +1031,10 @@ func (r *router) acceptForwardRulesNftables() error {
 		},
 	}
 
-	// Rule for outgoing interface (oif) with counter
 	oifRule := &nftables.Rule{
 		Table: r.filterTable,
 		Chain: &nftables.Chain{
-			Name:     "FORWARD",
+			Name:     chainNameForward,
 			Table:    r.filterTable,
 			Type:     nftables.ChainTypeFilter,
 			Hooknum:  nftables.ChainHookForward,
@@ -935,35 +1043,60 @@ func (r *router) acceptForwardRulesNftables() error {
 		Exprs:    append(oifExprs, getEstablishedExprs(2)...),
 		UserData: []byte(userDataAcceptForwardRuleOif),
 	}
-
 	r.conn.InsertRule(oifRule)
 
+	inputRule := &nftables.Rule{
+		Table: r.filterTable,
+		Chain: &nftables.Chain{
+			Name:     chainNameInput,
+			Table:    r.filterTable,
+			Type:     nftables.ChainTypeFilter,
+			Hooknum:  nftables.ChainHookInput,
+			Priority: nftables.ChainPriorityFilter,
+		},
+		Exprs: []expr.Any{
+			&expr.Meta{Key: expr.MetaKeyIIFNAME, Register: 1},
+			&expr.Cmp{
+				Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+				Register: 1,
+				Data:     intf,
+			},
+			&expr.Counter{},
+			&expr.Verdict{Kind: expr.VerdictAccept},
+		},
+		UserData: []byte(userDataAcceptInputRule),
+	}
+	r.conn.InsertRule(inputRule)
+
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (r *router) removeAcceptForwardRules() error {
+func (r *router) removeAcceptFilterRules() error {
 	if r.filterTable == nil {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	// Try iptables first and fallback to nftables if iptables is not available
 	ipt, err := iptables.New()
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("Will use nftables to manipulate the filter table because iptables is not available: %v", err)
-		return r.removeAcceptForwardRulesNftables()
+		return r.removeAcceptFilterRulesNftables()
 	}
 
-	return r.removeAcceptForwardRulesIptables(ipt)
+	return r.removeAcceptFilterRulesIptables(ipt)
 }
 
-func (r *router) removeAcceptForwardRulesNftables() error {
+func (r *router) removeAcceptFilterRulesNftables() error {
 	chains, err := r.conn.ListChainsOfTableFamily(nftables.TableFamilyIPv4)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("list chains: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	for _, chain := range chains {
-		if chain.Table.Name != r.filterTable.Name || chain.Name != chainNameForward {
+		if chain.Table.Name != r.filterTable.Name {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		if chain.Name != chainNameForward && chain.Name != chainNameInput {
 			continue
 		}
 
@@ -974,7 +1107,8 @@ func (r *router) removeAcceptForwardRulesNftables() error {
 
 		for _, rule := range rules {
 			if bytes.Equal(rule.UserData, []byte(userDataAcceptForwardRuleIif)) ||
-				bytes.Equal(rule.UserData, []byte(userDataAcceptForwardRuleOif)) {
+				bytes.Equal(rule.UserData, []byte(userDataAcceptForwardRuleOif)) ||
+				bytes.Equal(rule.UserData, []byte(userDataAcceptInputRule)) {
 				if err := r.conn.DelRule(rule); err != nil {
 					return fmt.Errorf("delete rule: %v", err)
 				}
@@ -989,14 +1123,20 @@ func (r *router) removeAcceptForwardRulesNftables() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (r *router) removeAcceptForwardRulesIptables(ipt *iptables.IPTables) error {
+func (r *router) removeAcceptFilterRulesIptables(ipt *iptables.IPTables) error {
 	var merr *multierror.Error
+
 	for _, rule := range r.getAcceptForwardRules() {
 		if err := ipt.DeleteIfExists("filter", chainNameForward, rule...); err != nil {
-			merr = multierror.Append(err, fmt.Errorf("remove iptables rule: %v", err))
+			merr = multierror.Append(err, fmt.Errorf("remove iptables forward rule: %v", err))
 		}
 	}
 
+	inputRule := r.getAcceptInputRule()
+	if err := ipt.DeleteIfExists("filter", chainNameInput, inputRule...); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(err, fmt.Errorf("remove iptables input rule: %v", err))
+	}
+
 	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
@@ -1350,7 +1490,7 @@ func (r *router) UpdateSet(set firewall.Set, prefixes []netip.Prefix) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services
+// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
 func (r *router) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("inbound-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 
@@ -1426,7 +1566,7 @@ func (r *router) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol
 	return nil
 }
 
-// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule
+// RemoveInboundDNAT removes an inbound DNAT rule.
 func (r *router) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	if err := r.refreshRulesMap(); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf(refreshRulesMapError, err)
diff --git a/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux_test.go b/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux_test.go
index 4fdbf3505..3531b014b 100644
--- a/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/nftables/router_linux_test.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/test"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -36,7 +37,7 @@ func TestNftablesManager_AddNatRule(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, testCase := range test.InsertRuleTestCases {
 		t.Run(testCase.Name, func(t *testing.T) {
 			// need fw manager to init both acl mgr and router for all chains to be present
-			manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+			manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			t.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -125,7 +126,7 @@ func TestNftablesManager_RemoveNatRule(t *testing.T) {
 
 	for _, testCase := range test.RemoveRuleTestCases {
 		t.Run(testCase.Name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			manager, err := Create(ifaceMock)
+			manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			t.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -197,7 +198,7 @@ func TestRouter_AddRouteFiltering(t *testing.T) {
 
 	defer deleteWorkTable()
 
-	r, err := newRouter(workTable, ifaceMock)
+	r, err := newRouter(workTable, ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to create router")
 	require.NoError(t, r.init(workTable))
 
@@ -364,7 +365,7 @@ func TestNftablesCreateIpSet(t *testing.T) {
 
 	defer deleteWorkTable()
 
-	r, err := newRouter(workTable, ifaceMock)
+	r, err := newRouter(workTable, ifaceMock, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to create router")
 	require.NoError(t, r.init(workTable))
 
diff --git a/client/firewall/nftables/state_linux.go b/client/firewall/nftables/state_linux.go
index f805623d6..48b7b3741 100644
--- a/client/firewall/nftables/state_linux.go
+++ b/client/firewall/nftables/state_linux.go
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package nftables
 import (
 	"fmt"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
 
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@ type InterfaceState struct {
 	NameStr       string         `json:"name"`
 	WGAddress     wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
 	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
+	MTU           uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
 func (i *InterfaceState) Name() string {
@@ -33,7 +35,11 @@ func (s *ShutdownState) Name() string {
 }
 
 func (s *ShutdownState) Cleanup() error {
-	nft, err := Create(s.InterfaceState)
+	mtu := s.InterfaceState.MTU
+	if mtu == 0 {
+		mtu = iface.DefaultMTU
+	}
+	nft, err := Create(s.InterfaceState, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("create nftables manager: %w", err)
 	}
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/common.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/common.go
index bcf6d894b..7be0dd78f 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/common.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/common.go
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ type BaseConnTrack struct {
 	PacketsRx atomic.Uint64
 	BytesTx   atomic.Uint64
 	BytesRx   atomic.Uint64
+
+	DNATOrigPort atomic.Uint32
 }
 
 // these small methods will be inlined by the compiler
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp.go
index a2355e5c7..8d64412e0 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp.go
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ func NewTCPTracker(timeout time.Duration, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftyp
 	return tracker
 }
 
-func (t *TCPTracker) updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, direction nftypes.Direction, size int) (ConnKey, bool) {
+func (t *TCPTracker) updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, direction nftypes.Direction, size int) (ConnKey, uint16, bool) {
 	key := ConnKey{
 		SrcIP:   srcIP,
 		DstIP:   dstIP,
@@ -171,28 +171,30 @@ func (t *TCPTracker) updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort ui
 
 	if exists {
 		t.updateState(key, conn, flags, direction, size)
-		return key, true
+		return key, uint16(conn.DNATOrigPort.Load()), true
 	}
 
-	return key, false
+	return key, 0, false
 }
 
-// TrackOutbound records an outbound TCP connection
-func (t *TCPTracker) TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, size int) {
-	if _, exists := t.updateIfExists(dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort, flags, nftypes.Egress, size); !exists {
-		// if (inverted direction) conn is not tracked, track this direction
-		t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, flags, nftypes.Egress, nil, size)
+// TrackOutbound records an outbound TCP connection and returns the original port if DNAT reversal is needed
+func (t *TCPTracker) TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, size int) uint16 {
+	if _, origPort, exists := t.updateIfExists(dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort, flags, nftypes.Egress, size); exists {
+		return origPort
 	}
+	// if (inverted direction) conn is not tracked, track this direction
+	t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, flags, nftypes.Egress, nil, size, 0)
+	return 0
 }
 
 // TrackInbound processes an inbound TCP packet and updates connection state
-func (t *TCPTracker) TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, ruleID []byte, size int) {
-	t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, flags, nftypes.Ingress, ruleID, size)
+func (t *TCPTracker) TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, ruleID []byte, size int, dnatOrigPort uint16) {
+	t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, flags, nftypes.Ingress, ruleID, size, dnatOrigPort)
 }
 
 // track is the common implementation for tracking both inbound and outbound connections
-func (t *TCPTracker) track(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, direction nftypes.Direction, ruleID []byte, size int) {
-	key, exists := t.updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, flags, direction, size)
+func (t *TCPTracker) track(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint8, direction nftypes.Direction, ruleID []byte, size int, origPort uint16) {
+	key, _, exists := t.updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, flags, direction, size)
 	if exists || flags&TCPSyn == 0 {
 		return
 	}
@@ -210,8 +212,13 @@ func (t *TCPTracker) track(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, fla
 
 	conn.tombstone.Store(false)
 	conn.state.Store(int32(TCPStateNew))
+	conn.DNATOrigPort.Store(uint32(origPort))
 
-	t.logger.Trace2("New %s TCP connection: %s", direction, key)
+	if origPort != 0 {
+		t.logger.Trace4("New %s TCP connection: %s (port DNAT %d -> %d)", direction, key, origPort, dstPort)
+	} else {
+		t.logger.Trace2("New %s TCP connection: %s", direction, key)
+	}
 	t.updateState(key, conn, flags, direction, size)
 
 	t.mutex.Lock()
@@ -449,6 +456,21 @@ func (t *TCPTracker) cleanup() {
 	}
 }
 
+// GetConnection safely retrieves a connection state
+func (t *TCPTracker) GetConnection(srcIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstIP netip.Addr, dstPort uint16) (*TCPConnTrack, bool) {
+	t.mutex.RLock()
+	defer t.mutex.RUnlock()
+
+	key := ConnKey{
+		SrcIP:   srcIP,
+		DstIP:   dstIP,
+		SrcPort: srcPort,
+		DstPort: dstPort,
+	}
+	conn, exists := t.connections[key]
+	return conn, exists
+}
+
 // Close stops the cleanup routine and releases resources
 func (t *TCPTracker) Close() {
 	t.tickerCancel()
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp_test.go
index d01a8db4f..bb440f70a 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/tcp_test.go
@@ -603,7 +603,7 @@ func TestTCPInboundInitiatedConnection(t *testing.T) {
 	serverPort := uint16(80)
 
 	// 1. Client sends SYN (we receive it as inbound)
-	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPSyn, nil, 100)
+	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPSyn, nil, 100, 0)
 
 	key := ConnKey{
 		SrcIP:   clientIP,
@@ -623,12 +623,12 @@ func TestTCPInboundInitiatedConnection(t *testing.T) {
 	tracker.TrackOutbound(serverIP, clientIP, serverPort, clientPort, TCPSyn|TCPAck, 100)
 
 	// 3. Client sends ACK to complete handshake
-	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPAck, nil, 100)
+	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPAck, nil, 100, 0)
 	require.Equal(t, TCPStateEstablished, conn.GetState(), "Connection should be ESTABLISHED after handshake completion")
 
 	// 4. Test data transfer
 	// Client sends data
-	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPPush|TCPAck, nil, 1000)
+	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPPush|TCPAck, nil, 1000, 0)
 
 	// Server sends ACK for data
 	tracker.TrackOutbound(serverIP, clientIP, serverPort, clientPort, TCPAck, 100)
@@ -637,7 +637,7 @@ func TestTCPInboundInitiatedConnection(t *testing.T) {
 	tracker.TrackOutbound(serverIP, clientIP, serverPort, clientPort, TCPPush|TCPAck, 1500)
 
 	// Client sends ACK for data
-	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPAck, nil, 100)
+	tracker.TrackInbound(clientIP, serverIP, clientPort, serverPort, TCPAck, nil, 100, 0)
 
 	// Verify state and counters
 	require.Equal(t, TCPStateEstablished, conn.GetState())
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/udp.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/udp.go
index e7f49c46f..a3b6a418b 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/udp.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack/udp.go
@@ -58,20 +58,23 @@ func NewUDPTracker(timeout time.Duration, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftyp
 	return tracker
 }
 
-// TrackOutbound records an outbound UDP connection
-func (t *UDPTracker) TrackOutbound(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, size int) {
-	if _, exists := t.updateIfExists(dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort, nftypes.Egress, size); !exists {
-		// if (inverted direction) conn is not tracked, track this direction
-		t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, nftypes.Egress, nil, size)
+// TrackOutbound records an outbound UDP connection and returns the original port if DNAT reversal is needed
+func (t *UDPTracker) TrackOutbound(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, size int) uint16 {
+	_, origPort, exists := t.updateIfExists(dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort, nftypes.Egress, size)
+	if exists {
+		return origPort
 	}
+	// if (inverted direction) conn is not tracked, track this direction
+	t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, nftypes.Egress, nil, size, 0)
+	return 0
 }
 
 // TrackInbound records an inbound UDP connection
-func (t *UDPTracker) TrackInbound(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, ruleID []byte, size int) {
-	t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, nftypes.Ingress, ruleID, size)
+func (t *UDPTracker) TrackInbound(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, ruleID []byte, size int, dnatOrigPort uint16) {
+	t.track(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, nftypes.Ingress, ruleID, size, dnatOrigPort)
 }
 
-func (t *UDPTracker) updateIfExists(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, direction nftypes.Direction, size int) (ConnKey, bool) {
+func (t *UDPTracker) updateIfExists(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, direction nftypes.Direction, size int) (ConnKey, uint16, bool) {
 	key := ConnKey{
 		SrcIP:   srcIP,
 		DstIP:   dstIP,
@@ -86,15 +89,15 @@ func (t *UDPTracker) updateIfExists(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort
 	if exists {
 		conn.UpdateLastSeen()
 		conn.UpdateCounters(direction, size)
-		return key, true
+		return key, uint16(conn.DNATOrigPort.Load()), true
 	}
 
-	return key, false
+	return key, 0, false
 }
 
 // track is the common implementation for tracking both inbound and outbound connections
-func (t *UDPTracker) track(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, direction nftypes.Direction, ruleID []byte, size int) {
-	key, exists := t.updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, direction, size)
+func (t *UDPTracker) track(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, dstPort uint16, direction nftypes.Direction, ruleID []byte, size int, origPort uint16) {
+	key, _, exists := t.updateIfExists(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, direction, size)
 	if exists {
 		return
 	}
@@ -109,6 +112,7 @@ func (t *UDPTracker) track(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, d
 		SourcePort: srcPort,
 		DestPort:   dstPort,
 	}
+	conn.DNATOrigPort.Store(uint32(origPort))
 	conn.UpdateLastSeen()
 	conn.UpdateCounters(direction, size)
 
@@ -116,7 +120,11 @@ func (t *UDPTracker) track(srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16, d
 	t.connections[key] = conn
 	t.mutex.Unlock()
 
-	t.logger.Trace2("New %s UDP connection: %s", direction, key)
+	if origPort != 0 {
+		t.logger.Trace4("New %s UDP connection: %s (port DNAT %d -> %d)", direction, key, origPort, dstPort)
+	} else {
+		t.logger.Trace2("New %s UDP connection: %s", direction, key)
+	}
 	t.sendEvent(nftypes.TypeStart, conn, ruleID)
 }
 
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter.go
index e81042979..4e22bde3f 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter.go
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package uspfilter
 
 import (
+	"encoding/binary"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
@@ -27,7 +28,12 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
 )
 
-const layerTypeAll = 0
+const (
+	layerTypeAll = 0
+
+	// ipTCPHeaderMinSize represents minimum IP (20) + TCP (20) header size for MSS calculation
+	ipTCPHeaderMinSize = 40
+)
 
 // serviceKey represents a protocol/port combination for netstack service registry
 type serviceKey struct {
@@ -42,6 +48,9 @@ const (
 	// EnvDisableUserspaceRouting disables userspace routing, to-be-routed packets will be dropped.
 	EnvDisableUserspaceRouting = "NB_DISABLE_USERSPACE_ROUTING"
 
+	// EnvDisableMSSClamping disables TCP MSS clamping for forwarded traffic.
+	EnvDisableMSSClamping = "NB_DISABLE_MSS_CLAMPING"
+
 	// EnvForceUserspaceRouter forces userspace routing even if native routing is available.
 	EnvForceUserspaceRouter = "NB_FORCE_USERSPACE_ROUTER"
 
@@ -116,14 +125,16 @@ type Manager struct {
 	dnatMutex    sync.RWMutex
 	dnatBiMap    *biDNATMap
 
-	// Port-specific DNAT for SSH redirection
 	portDNATEnabled atomic.Bool
-	portDNATMap     *portDNATMap
+	portDNATRules   []portDNATRule
 	portDNATMutex   sync.RWMutex
-	portNATTracker  *portNATTracker
 
 	netstackServices     map[serviceKey]struct{}
 	netstackServiceMutex sync.RWMutex
+
+	mtu             uint16
+	mssClampValue   uint16
+	mssClampEnabled bool
 }
 
 // decoder for packages
@@ -137,19 +148,21 @@ type decoder struct {
 	icmp6   layers.ICMPv6
 	decoded []gopacket.LayerType
 	parser  *gopacket.DecodingLayerParser
+
+	dnatOrigPort uint16
 }
 
 // Create userspace firewall manager constructor
-func Create(iface common.IFaceMapper, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger) (*Manager, error) {
-	return create(iface, nil, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger)
+func Create(iface common.IFaceMapper, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
+	return create(iface, nil, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 }
 
-func CreateWithNativeFirewall(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.Manager, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger) (*Manager, error) {
+func CreateWithNativeFirewall(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.Manager, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
 	if nativeFirewall == nil {
 		return nil, errors.New("native firewall is nil")
 	}
 
-	mgr, err := create(iface, nativeFirewall, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger)
+	mgr, err := create(iface, nativeFirewall, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -157,8 +170,8 @@ func CreateWithNativeFirewall(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.
 	return mgr, nil
 }
 
-func parseCreateEnv() (bool, bool) {
-	var disableConntrack, enableLocalForwarding bool
+func parseCreateEnv() (bool, bool, bool) {
+	var disableConntrack, enableLocalForwarding, disableMSSClamping bool
 	var err error
 	if val := os.Getenv(EnvDisableConntrack); val != "" {
 		disableConntrack, err = strconv.ParseBool(val)
@@ -177,12 +190,18 @@ func parseCreateEnv() (bool, bool) {
 			log.Warnf("failed to parse %s: %v", EnvEnableLocalForwarding, err)
 		}
 	}
+	if val := os.Getenv(EnvDisableMSSClamping); val != "" {
+		disableMSSClamping, err = strconv.ParseBool(val)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to parse %s: %v", EnvDisableMSSClamping, err)
+		}
+	}
 
-	return disableConntrack, enableLocalForwarding
+	return disableConntrack, enableLocalForwarding, disableMSSClamping
 }
 
-func create(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.Manager, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger) (*Manager, error) {
-	disableConntrack, enableLocalForwarding := parseCreateEnv()
+func create(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.Manager, disableServerRoutes bool, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
+	disableConntrack, enableLocalForwarding, disableMSSClamping := parseCreateEnv()
 
 	m := &Manager{
 		decoders: sync.Pool{
@@ -211,16 +230,19 @@ func create(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.Manager, disableSe
 		netstack:            netstack.IsEnabled(),
 		localForwarding:     enableLocalForwarding,
 		dnatMappings:        make(map[netip.Addr]netip.Addr),
-		portDNATMap:         &portDNATMap{rules: make([]portDNATRule, 0)},
-		portNATTracker:      newPortNATTracker(),
+		portDNATRules:       []portDNATRule{},
 		netstackServices:    make(map[serviceKey]struct{}),
+		mtu:                 mtu,
 	}
 	m.routingEnabled.Store(false)
 
+	if !disableMSSClamping {
+		m.mssClampEnabled = true
+		m.mssClampValue = mtu - ipTCPHeaderMinSize
+	}
 	if err := m.localipmanager.UpdateLocalIPs(iface); err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("update local IPs: %w", err)
 	}
-
 	if disableConntrack {
 		log.Info("conntrack is disabled")
 	} else {
@@ -228,14 +250,11 @@ func create(iface common.IFaceMapper, nativeFirewall firewall.Manager, disableSe
 		m.icmpTracker = conntrack.NewICMPTracker(conntrack.DefaultICMPTimeout, m.logger, flowLogger)
 		m.tcpTracker = conntrack.NewTCPTracker(conntrack.DefaultTCPTimeout, m.logger, flowLogger)
 	}
-
-	// netstack needs the forwarder for local traffic
 	if m.netstack && m.localForwarding {
 		if err := m.initForwarder(); err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("failed to initialize forwarder: %v", err)
 		}
 	}
-
 	if err := iface.SetFilter(m); err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("set filter: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -338,7 +357,7 @@ func (m *Manager) initForwarder() error {
 		return errors.New("forwarding not supported")
 	}
 
-	forwarder, err := forwarder.New(m.wgIface, m.logger, m.flowLogger, m.netstack)
+	forwarder, err := forwarder.New(m.wgIface, m.logger, m.flowLogger, m.netstack, m.mtu)
 	if err != nil {
 		m.routingEnabled.Store(false)
 		return fmt.Errorf("create forwarder: %w", err)
@@ -351,22 +370,18 @@ func (m *Manager) initForwarder() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// Init initializes the firewall manager with state manager.
 func (m *Manager) Init(*statemanager.Manager) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// IsServerRouteSupported returns whether server routes are supported.
 func (m *Manager) IsServerRouteSupported() bool {
 	return true
 }
 
-// IsStateful returns whether the firewall manager tracks connection state.
 func (m *Manager) IsStateful() bool {
 	return m.stateful
 }
 
-// AddNatRule adds a routing firewall rule for NAT translation.
 func (m *Manager) AddNatRule(pair firewall.RouterPair) error {
 	if m.nativeRouter.Load() && m.nativeFirewall != nil {
 		return m.nativeFirewall.AddNatRule(pair)
@@ -648,13 +663,21 @@ func (m *Manager) filterOutbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if d.decoded[1] == layers.LayerTypeUDP && m.udpHooksDrop(uint16(d.udp.DstPort), dstIP, packetData) {
-		return true
+	switch d.decoded[1] {
+	case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
+		if m.udpHooksDrop(uint16(d.udp.DstPort), dstIP, packetData) {
+			return true
+		}
+	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
+		// Clamp MSS on all TCP SYN packets, including those from local IPs.
+		// SNATed routed traffic may appear as local IP but still requires clamping.
+		if m.mssClampEnabled {
+			m.clampTCPMSS(packetData, d)
+		}
 	}
 
-	m.trackOutbound(d, srcIP, dstIP, size)
+	m.trackOutbound(d, srcIP, dstIP, packetData, size)
 	m.translateOutboundDNAT(packetData, d)
-	m.translateOutboundPortReverse(packetData, d)
 
 	return false
 }
@@ -697,14 +720,117 @@ func getTCPFlags(tcp *layers.TCP) uint8 {
 	return flags
 }
 
-func (m *Manager) trackOutbound(d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, size int) {
+// clampTCPMSS clamps the TCP MSS option in SYN and SYN-ACK packets to prevent fragmentation.
+// Both sides advertise their MSS during connection establishment, so we need to clamp both.
+func (m *Manager) clampTCPMSS(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
+	if !d.tcp.SYN {
+		return false
+	}
+	if len(d.tcp.Options) == 0 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	mssOptionIndex := -1
+	var currentMSS uint16
+	for i, opt := range d.tcp.Options {
+		if opt.OptionType == layers.TCPOptionKindMSS && len(opt.OptionData) == 2 {
+			currentMSS = binary.BigEndian.Uint16(opt.OptionData)
+			if currentMSS > m.mssClampValue {
+				mssOptionIndex = i
+				break
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	if mssOptionIndex == -1 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	ipHeaderSize := int(d.ip4.IHL) * 4
+	if ipHeaderSize < 20 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	if !m.updateMSSOption(packetData, d, mssOptionIndex, ipHeaderSize) {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	m.logger.Trace2("Clamped TCP MSS from %d to %d", currentMSS, m.mssClampValue)
+	return true
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) updateMSSOption(packetData []byte, d *decoder, mssOptionIndex, ipHeaderSize int) bool {
+	tcpHeaderStart := ipHeaderSize
+	tcpOptionsStart := tcpHeaderStart + 20
+
+	optOffset := tcpOptionsStart
+	for j := 0; j < mssOptionIndex; j++ {
+		switch d.tcp.Options[j].OptionType {
+		case layers.TCPOptionKindEndList, layers.TCPOptionKindNop:
+			optOffset++
+		default:
+			optOffset += 2 + len(d.tcp.Options[j].OptionData)
+		}
+	}
+
+	mssValueOffset := optOffset + 2
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[mssValueOffset:mssValueOffset+2], m.mssClampValue)
+
+	m.recalculateTCPChecksum(packetData, d, tcpHeaderStart)
+	return true
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) recalculateTCPChecksum(packetData []byte, d *decoder, tcpHeaderStart int) {
+	tcpLayer := packetData[tcpHeaderStart:]
+	tcpLength := len(packetData) - tcpHeaderStart
+
+	tcpLayer[16] = 0
+	tcpLayer[17] = 0
+
+	var pseudoSum uint32
+	pseudoSum += uint32(d.ip4.SrcIP[0])<<8 | uint32(d.ip4.SrcIP[1])
+	pseudoSum += uint32(d.ip4.SrcIP[2])<<8 | uint32(d.ip4.SrcIP[3])
+	pseudoSum += uint32(d.ip4.DstIP[0])<<8 | uint32(d.ip4.DstIP[1])
+	pseudoSum += uint32(d.ip4.DstIP[2])<<8 | uint32(d.ip4.DstIP[3])
+	pseudoSum += uint32(d.ip4.Protocol)
+	pseudoSum += uint32(tcpLength)
+
+	var sum uint32 = pseudoSum
+	for i := 0; i < tcpLength-1; i += 2 {
+		sum += uint32(tcpLayer[i])<<8 | uint32(tcpLayer[i+1])
+	}
+	if tcpLength%2 == 1 {
+		sum += uint32(tcpLayer[tcpLength-1]) << 8
+	}
+
+	for sum > 0xFFFF {
+		sum = (sum & 0xFFFF) + (sum >> 16)
+	}
+
+	checksum := ^uint16(sum)
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(tcpLayer[16:18], checksum)
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) trackOutbound(d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, packetData []byte, size int) {
 	transport := d.decoded[1]
 	switch transport {
 	case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
-		m.udpTracker.TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.udp.SrcPort), uint16(d.udp.DstPort), size)
+		origPort := m.udpTracker.TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.udp.SrcPort), uint16(d.udp.DstPort), size)
+		if origPort == 0 {
+			break
+		}
+		if err := m.rewriteUDPPort(packetData, d, origPort, sourcePortOffset); err != nil {
+			m.logger.Error1("failed to rewrite UDP port: %v", err)
+		}
 	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
 		flags := getTCPFlags(&d.tcp)
-		m.tcpTracker.TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), flags, size)
+		origPort := m.tcpTracker.TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), flags, size)
+		if origPort == 0 {
+			break
+		}
+		if err := m.rewriteTCPPort(packetData, d, origPort, sourcePortOffset); err != nil {
+			m.logger.Error1("failed to rewrite TCP port: %v", err)
+		}
 	case layers.LayerTypeICMPv4:
 		m.icmpTracker.TrackOutbound(srcIP, dstIP, d.icmp4.Id, d.icmp4.TypeCode, d.icmp4.Payload, size)
 	}
@@ -714,13 +840,15 @@ func (m *Manager) trackInbound(d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, ruleID []byt
 	transport := d.decoded[1]
 	switch transport {
 	case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
-		m.udpTracker.TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.udp.SrcPort), uint16(d.udp.DstPort), ruleID, size)
+		m.udpTracker.TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.udp.SrcPort), uint16(d.udp.DstPort), ruleID, size, d.dnatOrigPort)
 	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
 		flags := getTCPFlags(&d.tcp)
-		m.tcpTracker.TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), flags, ruleID, size)
+		m.tcpTracker.TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP, uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), flags, ruleID, size, d.dnatOrigPort)
 	case layers.LayerTypeICMPv4:
 		m.icmpTracker.TrackInbound(srcIP, dstIP, d.icmp4.Id, d.icmp4.TypeCode, ruleID, d.icmp4.Payload, size)
 	}
+
+	d.dnatOrigPort = 0
 }
 
 // udpHooksDrop checks if any UDP hooks should drop the packet
@@ -782,10 +910,11 @@ func (m *Manager) filterInbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if translated := m.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData, d); translated {
+	// TODO: optimize port DNAT by caching matched rules in conntrack
+	if translated := m.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP); translated {
 		// Re-decode after port DNAT translation to update port information
 		if err := d.parser.DecodeLayers(packetData, &d.decoded); err != nil {
-			m.logger.Error1("Failed to re-decode packet after port DNAT: %v", err)
+			m.logger.Error1("failed to re-decode packet after port DNAT: %v", err)
 			return true
 		}
 		srcIP, dstIP = m.extractIPs(d)
@@ -794,7 +923,7 @@ func (m *Manager) filterInbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool {
 	if translated := m.translateInboundReverse(packetData, d); translated {
 		// Re-decode after translation to get original addresses
 		if err := d.parser.DecodeLayers(packetData, &d.decoded); err != nil {
-			m.logger.Error1("Failed to re-decode packet after reverse DNAT: %v", err)
+			m.logger.Error1("failed to re-decode packet after reverse DNAT: %v", err)
 			return true
 		}
 		srcIP, dstIP = m.extractIPs(d)
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_bench_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_bench_test.go
index 0cffcc1a7..5a2d0410f 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_bench_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_bench_test.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 
 	fw "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 )
 
@@ -169,7 +170,7 @@ func BenchmarkCoreFiltering(b *testing.B) {
 				// Create manager and basic setup
 				manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 					SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-				}, false, flowLogger)
+				}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 				defer b.Cleanup(func() {
 					require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 				})
@@ -209,7 +210,7 @@ func BenchmarkStateScaling(b *testing.B) {
 		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("conns_%d", count), func(b *testing.B) {
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -252,7 +253,7 @@ func BenchmarkEstablishmentOverhead(b *testing.B) {
 		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -410,7 +411,7 @@ func BenchmarkRoutedNetworkReturn(b *testing.B) {
 		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -537,7 +538,7 @@ func BenchmarkLongLivedConnections(b *testing.B) {
 
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			defer b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -620,7 +621,7 @@ func BenchmarkShortLivedConnections(b *testing.B) {
 
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			defer b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -731,7 +732,7 @@ func BenchmarkParallelLongLivedConnections(b *testing.B) {
 
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			defer b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -811,7 +812,7 @@ func BenchmarkParallelShortLivedConnections(b *testing.B) {
 
 			manager, _ := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			defer b.Cleanup(func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
 			})
@@ -896,38 +897,6 @@ func BenchmarkParallelShortLivedConnections(b *testing.B) {
 	}
 }
 
-// generateTCPPacketWithFlags creates a TCP packet with specific flags
-func generateTCPPacketWithFlags(b *testing.B, srcIP, dstIP net.IP, srcPort, dstPort, flags uint16) []byte {
-	b.Helper()
-
-	ipv4 := &layers.IPv4{
-		TTL:      64,
-		Version:  4,
-		SrcIP:    srcIP,
-		DstIP:    dstIP,
-		Protocol: layers.IPProtocolTCP,
-	}
-
-	tcp := &layers.TCP{
-		SrcPort: layers.TCPPort(srcPort),
-		DstPort: layers.TCPPort(dstPort),
-	}
-
-	// Set TCP flags
-	tcp.SYN = (flags & uint16(conntrack.TCPSyn)) != 0
-	tcp.ACK = (flags & uint16(conntrack.TCPAck)) != 0
-	tcp.PSH = (flags & uint16(conntrack.TCPPush)) != 0
-	tcp.RST = (flags & uint16(conntrack.TCPRst)) != 0
-	tcp.FIN = (flags & uint16(conntrack.TCPFin)) != 0
-
-	require.NoError(b, tcp.SetNetworkLayerForChecksum(ipv4))
-
-	buf := gopacket.NewSerializeBuffer()
-	opts := gopacket.SerializeOptions{ComputeChecksums: true, FixLengths: true}
-	require.NoError(b, gopacket.SerializeLayers(buf, opts, ipv4, tcp, gopacket.Payload("test")))
-	return buf.Bytes()
-}
-
 func BenchmarkRouteACLs(b *testing.B) {
 	manager := setupRoutedManager(b, "10.10.0.100/16")
 
@@ -990,3 +959,231 @@ func BenchmarkRouteACLs(b *testing.B) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// BenchmarkMSSClamping benchmarks the MSS clamping impact on filterOutbound.
+// This shows the overhead difference between the common case (non-SYN packets, fast path)
+// and the rare case (SYN packets that need clamping, expensive path).
+func BenchmarkMSSClamping(b *testing.B) {
+	scenarios := []struct {
+		name        string
+		description string
+		genPacket   func(*testing.B, net.IP, net.IP) []byte
+		frequency   string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:        "syn_needs_clamp",
+			description: "SYN packet needing MSS clamping",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateSYNPacketWithMSS(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, 1460)
+			},
+			frequency: "~0.1% of traffic - EXPENSIVE",
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "syn_no_clamp_needed",
+			description: "SYN packet with already-small MSS",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateSYNPacketWithMSS(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, 1200)
+			},
+			frequency: "~0.05% of traffic",
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "tcp_ack",
+			description: "Non-SYN TCP packet (ACK, data transfer)",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateTCPPacketWithFlags(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, uint16(conntrack.TCPAck))
+			},
+			frequency: "~60-70% of traffic - FAST PATH",
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "tcp_psh_ack",
+			description: "TCP data packet (PSH+ACK)",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateTCPPacketWithFlags(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, uint16(conntrack.TCPPush|conntrack.TCPAck))
+			},
+			frequency: "~10-20% of traffic - FAST PATH",
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "udp",
+			description: "UDP packet",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generatePacket(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, layers.IPProtocolUDP)
+			},
+			frequency: "~20-30% of traffic - FAST PATH",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, sc := range scenarios {
+		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
+			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
+			require.NoError(b, err)
+			defer func() {
+				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
+			}()
+
+			manager.mssClampEnabled = true
+			manager.mssClampValue = 1240
+
+			srcIP := net.ParseIP("100.64.0.2")
+			dstIP := net.ParseIP("8.8.8.8")
+			packet := sc.genPacket(b, srcIP, dstIP)
+
+			b.ReportAllocs()
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// BenchmarkMSSClampingOverhead compares overhead of MSS clamping enabled vs disabled
+// for the common case (non-SYN TCP packets).
+func BenchmarkMSSClampingOverhead(b *testing.B) {
+	scenarios := []struct {
+		name      string
+		enabled   bool
+		genPacket func(*testing.B, net.IP, net.IP) []byte
+	}{
+		{
+			name:    "disabled_tcp_ack",
+			enabled: false,
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateTCPPacketWithFlags(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, uint16(conntrack.TCPAck))
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "enabled_tcp_ack",
+			enabled: true,
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateTCPPacketWithFlags(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, uint16(conntrack.TCPAck))
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "disabled_syn_needs_clamp",
+			enabled: false,
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateSYNPacketWithMSS(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, 1460)
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "enabled_syn_needs_clamp",
+			enabled: true,
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateSYNPacketWithMSS(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, 1460)
+			},
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, sc := range scenarios {
+		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
+			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
+			require.NoError(b, err)
+			defer func() {
+				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
+			}()
+
+			manager.mssClampEnabled = sc.enabled
+			if sc.enabled {
+				manager.mssClampValue = 1240
+			}
+
+			srcIP := net.ParseIP("100.64.0.2")
+			dstIP := net.ParseIP("8.8.8.8")
+			packet := sc.genPacket(b, srcIP, dstIP)
+
+			b.ReportAllocs()
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// BenchmarkMSSClampingMemory measures memory allocations for common vs rare cases
+func BenchmarkMSSClampingMemory(b *testing.B) {
+	scenarios := []struct {
+		name      string
+		genPacket func(*testing.B, net.IP, net.IP) []byte
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "tcp_ack_fast_path",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateTCPPacketWithFlags(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, uint16(conntrack.TCPAck))
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name: "syn_needs_clamp",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generateSYNPacketWithMSS(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, 1460)
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name: "udp_fast_path",
+			genPacket: func(b *testing.B, src, dst net.IP) []byte {
+				return generatePacket(b, src, dst, 12345, 80, layers.IPProtocolUDP)
+			},
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, sc := range scenarios {
+		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
+			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
+			require.NoError(b, err)
+			defer func() {
+				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
+			}()
+
+			manager.mssClampEnabled = true
+			manager.mssClampValue = 1240
+
+			srcIP := net.ParseIP("100.64.0.2")
+			dstIP := net.ParseIP("8.8.8.8")
+			packet := sc.genPacket(b, srcIP, dstIP)
+
+			b.ReportAllocs()
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func generateSYNPacketNoMSS(b *testing.B, srcIP, dstIP net.IP, srcPort, dstPort uint16) []byte {
+	b.Helper()
+
+	ip := &layers.IPv4{
+		Version:  4,
+		IHL:      5,
+		TTL:      64,
+		Protocol: layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+		SrcIP:    srcIP,
+		DstIP:    dstIP,
+	}
+
+	tcp := &layers.TCP{
+		SrcPort: layers.TCPPort(srcPort),
+		DstPort: layers.TCPPort(dstPort),
+		SYN:     true,
+		Seq:     1000,
+		Window:  65535,
+	}
+
+	require.NoError(b, tcp.SetNetworkLayerForChecksum(ip))
+
+	buf := gopacket.NewSerializeBuffer()
+	opts := gopacket.SerializeOptions{
+		FixLengths:       true,
+		ComputeChecksums: true,
+	}
+
+	require.NoError(b, gopacket.SerializeLayers(buf, opts, ip, tcp, gopacket.Payload([]byte{})))
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_filter_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_filter_test.go
index 73f3face8..eb5aa3343 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_filter_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_filter_test.go
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	wgdevice "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/device"
 
 	fw "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/mocks"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
@@ -31,7 +32,7 @@ func TestPeerACLFiltering(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.NotNil(t, manager)
 
@@ -616,7 +617,7 @@ func setupRoutedManager(tb testing.TB, network string) *Manager {
 		},
 	}
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(tb, err)
 	require.NoError(tb, manager.EnableRouting())
 	require.NotNil(tb, manager)
@@ -1462,7 +1463,7 @@ func TestRouteACLSet(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_test.go
index 3eebba59c..120a9f418 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_test.go
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package uspfilter
 
 import (
+	"encoding/binary"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 	"net/netip"
@@ -17,6 +18,7 @@ import (
 	fw "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/log"
+	nbiface "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow"
@@ -67,7 +69,7 @@ func TestManagerCreate(t *testing.T) {
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 	}
 
-	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("failed to create Manager: %v", err)
 		return
@@ -87,7 +89,7 @@ func TestManagerAddPeerFiltering(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("failed to create Manager: %v", err)
 		return
@@ -120,7 +122,7 @@ func TestManagerDeleteRule(t *testing.T) {
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 	}
 
-	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("failed to create Manager: %v", err)
 		return
@@ -216,7 +218,7 @@ func TestAddUDPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
 			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
 
 			manager.AddUDPPacketHook(tt.in, tt.ip, tt.dPort, tt.hook)
@@ -266,7 +268,7 @@ func TestManagerReset(t *testing.T) {
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 	}
 
-	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("failed to create Manager: %v", err)
 		return
@@ -305,7 +307,7 @@ func TestNotMatchByIP(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("failed to create Manager: %v", err)
 		return
@@ -368,7 +370,7 @@ func TestRemovePacketHook(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	// creating manager instance
-	manager, err := Create(iface, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(iface, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Failed to create Manager: %s", err)
 	}
@@ -414,7 +416,7 @@ func TestRemovePacketHook(t *testing.T) {
 func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	manager.udpTracker.Close()
@@ -496,7 +498,7 @@ func TestUSPFilterCreatePerformance(t *testing.T) {
 			ifaceMock := &IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 			}
-			manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+			manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
 			time.Sleep(time.Second)
 
@@ -523,7 +525,7 @@ func TestUSPFilterCreatePerformance(t *testing.T) {
 func TestStatefulFirewall_UDPTracking(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	manager.udpTracker.Close() // Close the existing tracker
@@ -730,7 +732,7 @@ func TestUpdateSetMerge(t *testing.T) {
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 	}
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -816,7 +818,7 @@ func TestUpdateSetDeduplication(t *testing.T) {
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 	}
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -925,6 +927,195 @@ func TestUpdateSetDeduplication(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestMSSClamping(t *testing.T) {
+	ifaceMock := &IFaceMock{
+		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+		AddressFunc: func() wgaddr.Address {
+			return wgaddr.Address{
+				IP:      netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100"),
+				Network: netip.MustParsePrefix("100.10.0.0/16"),
+			}
+		},
+	}
+
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, 1280)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	defer func() {
+		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
+	}()
+
+	require.True(t, manager.mssClampEnabled, "MSS clamping should be enabled by default")
+	expectedMSSValue := uint16(1280 - ipTCPHeaderMinSize)
+	require.Equal(t, expectedMSSValue, manager.mssClampValue, "MSS clamp value should be MTU - 40")
+
+	err = manager.UpdateLocalIPs()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	srcIP := net.ParseIP("100.10.0.2")
+	dstIP := net.ParseIP("8.8.8.8")
+
+	t.Run("SYN packet with high MSS gets clamped", func(t *testing.T) {
+		highMSS := uint16(1460)
+		packet := generateSYNPacketWithMSS(t, srcIP, dstIP, 12345, 80, highMSS)
+
+		manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+
+		d := parsePacket(t, packet)
+		require.Len(t, d.tcp.Options, 1, "Should have MSS option")
+		require.Equal(t, uint8(layers.TCPOptionKindMSS), uint8(d.tcp.Options[0].OptionType))
+		actualMSS := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(d.tcp.Options[0].OptionData)
+		require.Equal(t, expectedMSSValue, actualMSS, "MSS should be clamped to MTU - 40")
+	})
+
+	t.Run("SYN packet with low MSS unchanged", func(t *testing.T) {
+		lowMSS := uint16(1200)
+		packet := generateSYNPacketWithMSS(t, srcIP, dstIP, 12345, 80, lowMSS)
+
+		manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+
+		d := parsePacket(t, packet)
+		require.Len(t, d.tcp.Options, 1, "Should have MSS option")
+		actualMSS := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(d.tcp.Options[0].OptionData)
+		require.Equal(t, lowMSS, actualMSS, "Low MSS should not be modified")
+	})
+
+	t.Run("SYN-ACK packet gets clamped", func(t *testing.T) {
+		highMSS := uint16(1460)
+		packet := generateSYNACKPacketWithMSS(t, srcIP, dstIP, 12345, 80, highMSS)
+
+		manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+
+		d := parsePacket(t, packet)
+		require.Len(t, d.tcp.Options, 1, "Should have MSS option")
+		actualMSS := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(d.tcp.Options[0].OptionData)
+		require.Equal(t, expectedMSSValue, actualMSS, "MSS in SYN-ACK should be clamped")
+	})
+
+	t.Run("Non-SYN packet unchanged", func(t *testing.T) {
+		packet := generateTCPPacketWithFlags(t, srcIP, dstIP, 12345, 80, uint16(conntrack.TCPAck))
+
+		manager.filterOutbound(packet, len(packet))
+
+		d := parsePacket(t, packet)
+		require.Empty(t, d.tcp.Options, "ACK packet should have no options")
+	})
+}
+
+func generateSYNPacketWithMSS(tb testing.TB, srcIP, dstIP net.IP, srcPort, dstPort uint16, mss uint16) []byte {
+	tb.Helper()
+
+	ipLayer := &layers.IPv4{
+		Version:  4,
+		TTL:      64,
+		Protocol: layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+		SrcIP:    srcIP,
+		DstIP:    dstIP,
+	}
+
+	tcpLayer := &layers.TCP{
+		SrcPort: layers.TCPPort(srcPort),
+		DstPort: layers.TCPPort(dstPort),
+		SYN:     true,
+		Window:  65535,
+		Options: []layers.TCPOption{
+			{
+				OptionType:   layers.TCPOptionKindMSS,
+				OptionLength: 4,
+				OptionData:   binary.BigEndian.AppendUint16(nil, mss),
+			},
+		},
+	}
+	err := tcpLayer.SetNetworkLayerForChecksum(ipLayer)
+	require.NoError(tb, err)
+
+	buf := gopacket.NewSerializeBuffer()
+	opts := gopacket.SerializeOptions{ComputeChecksums: true, FixLengths: true}
+	err = gopacket.SerializeLayers(buf, opts, ipLayer, tcpLayer, gopacket.Payload([]byte{}))
+	require.NoError(tb, err)
+
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+func generateSYNACKPacketWithMSS(tb testing.TB, srcIP, dstIP net.IP, srcPort, dstPort uint16, mss uint16) []byte {
+	tb.Helper()
+
+	ipLayer := &layers.IPv4{
+		Version:  4,
+		TTL:      64,
+		Protocol: layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+		SrcIP:    srcIP,
+		DstIP:    dstIP,
+	}
+
+	tcpLayer := &layers.TCP{
+		SrcPort: layers.TCPPort(srcPort),
+		DstPort: layers.TCPPort(dstPort),
+		SYN:     true,
+		ACK:     true,
+		Window:  65535,
+		Options: []layers.TCPOption{
+			{
+				OptionType:   layers.TCPOptionKindMSS,
+				OptionLength: 4,
+				OptionData:   binary.BigEndian.AppendUint16(nil, mss),
+			},
+		},
+	}
+	err := tcpLayer.SetNetworkLayerForChecksum(ipLayer)
+	require.NoError(tb, err)
+
+	buf := gopacket.NewSerializeBuffer()
+	opts := gopacket.SerializeOptions{ComputeChecksums: true, FixLengths: true}
+	err = gopacket.SerializeLayers(buf, opts, ipLayer, tcpLayer, gopacket.Payload([]byte{}))
+	require.NoError(tb, err)
+
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+func generateTCPPacketWithFlags(tb testing.TB, srcIP, dstIP net.IP, srcPort, dstPort uint16, flags uint16) []byte {
+	tb.Helper()
+
+	ipLayer := &layers.IPv4{
+		Version:  4,
+		TTL:      64,
+		Protocol: layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+		SrcIP:    srcIP,
+		DstIP:    dstIP,
+	}
+
+	tcpLayer := &layers.TCP{
+		SrcPort: layers.TCPPort(srcPort),
+		DstPort: layers.TCPPort(dstPort),
+		Window:  65535,
+	}
+
+	if flags&uint16(conntrack.TCPSyn) != 0 {
+		tcpLayer.SYN = true
+	}
+	if flags&uint16(conntrack.TCPAck) != 0 {
+		tcpLayer.ACK = true
+	}
+	if flags&uint16(conntrack.TCPFin) != 0 {
+		tcpLayer.FIN = true
+	}
+	if flags&uint16(conntrack.TCPRst) != 0 {
+		tcpLayer.RST = true
+	}
+	if flags&uint16(conntrack.TCPPush) != 0 {
+		tcpLayer.PSH = true
+	}
+
+	err := tcpLayer.SetNetworkLayerForChecksum(ipLayer)
+	require.NoError(tb, err)
+
+	buf := gopacket.NewSerializeBuffer()
+	opts := gopacket.SerializeOptions{ComputeChecksums: true, FixLengths: true}
+	err = gopacket.SerializeLayers(buf, opts, ipLayer, tcpLayer, gopacket.Payload([]byte{}))
+	require.NoError(tb, err)
+
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
 func TestShouldForward(t *testing.T) {
 	// Set up test addresses
 	wgIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.1")
@@ -939,7 +1130,7 @@ func TestShouldForward(t *testing.T) {
 		return wgaddr.Address{IP: wgIP, Network: netip.PrefixFrom(wgIP, 24)}
 	}
 
-	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+	manager, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/forwarder.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/forwarder.go
index 42a3e0800..00cb3f1df 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/forwarder.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/forwarder.go
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ type Forwarder struct {
 	netstack     bool
 }
 
-func New(iface common.IFaceMapper, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, netstack bool) (*Forwarder, error) {
+func New(iface common.IFaceMapper, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, netstack bool, mtu uint16) (*Forwarder, error) {
 	s := stack.New(stack.Options{
 		NetworkProtocols: []stack.NetworkProtocolFactory{ipv4.NewProtocol},
 		TransportProtocols: []stack.TransportProtocolFactory{
@@ -56,10 +56,6 @@ func New(iface common.IFaceMapper, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftypes.Flow
 		HandleLocal: false,
 	})
 
-	mtu, err := iface.GetDevice().MTU()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get MTU: %w", err)
-	}
 	nicID := tcpip.NICID(1)
 	endpoint := &endpoint{
 		logger: logger,
@@ -68,7 +64,7 @@ func New(iface common.IFaceMapper, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftypes.Flow
 	}
 
 	if err := s.CreateNIC(nicID, endpoint); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to create NIC: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create NIC: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	protoAddr := tcpip.ProtocolAddress{
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/udp.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/udp.go
index d146de5e4..55743d975 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/udp.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder/udp.go
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ type idleConn struct {
 	conn *udpPacketConn
 }
 
-func newUDPForwarder(mtu int, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger) *udpForwarder {
+func newUDPForwarder(mtu uint16, logger *nblog.Logger, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger) *udpForwarder {
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
 	f := &udpForwarder{
 		logger:     logger,
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat.go
index bf1c6feb5..13567872e 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat.go
@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
-	"sync"
-	"time"
+	"slices"
 
 	"github.com/google/gopacket"
 	"github.com/google/gopacket/layers"
@@ -21,10 +20,16 @@ var (
 )
 
 const (
-	errRewriteTCPDestinationPort = "rewrite TCP destination port: %v"
+	// Port offsets in TCP/UDP headers
+	sourcePortOffset      = 0
+	destinationPortOffset = 2
+
+	// IP address offsets in IPv4 header
+	sourceIPOffset      = 12
+	destinationIPOffset = 16
 )
 
-// ipv4Checksum calculates IPv4 header checksum using optimized parallel processing for performance.
+// ipv4Checksum calculates IPv4 header checksum.
 func ipv4Checksum(header []byte) uint16 {
 	if len(header) < 20 {
 		return 0
@@ -64,7 +69,7 @@ func ipv4Checksum(header []byte) uint16 {
 	return ^uint16(sum)
 }
 
-// icmpChecksum calculates ICMP checksum using parallel accumulation for high-performance processing.
+// icmpChecksum calculates ICMP checksum.
 func icmpChecksum(data []byte) uint16 {
 	var sum1, sum2, sum3, sum4 uint32
 	i := 0
@@ -102,116 +107,21 @@ func icmpChecksum(data []byte) uint16 {
 	return ^uint16(sum)
 }
 
-// biDNATMap maintains bidirectional DNAT mappings for efficient forward and reverse lookups.
+// biDNATMap maintains bidirectional DNAT mappings.
 type biDNATMap struct {
 	forward map[netip.Addr]netip.Addr
 	reverse map[netip.Addr]netip.Addr
 }
 
-// portDNATRule represents a port-specific DNAT rule
+// portDNATRule represents a port-specific DNAT rule.
 type portDNATRule struct {
 	protocol   gopacket.LayerType
-	sourcePort uint16
+	origPort   uint16
 	targetPort uint16
 	targetIP   netip.Addr
 }
 
-// portDNATMap manages port-specific DNAT rules
-type portDNATMap struct {
-	rules []portDNATRule
-}
-
-// ConnKey represents a connection 4-tuple for NAT tracking.
-type ConnKey struct {
-	SrcIP   netip.Addr
-	DstIP   netip.Addr
-	SrcPort uint16
-	DstPort uint16
-}
-
-// portNATConn tracks port NAT state for a specific connection.
-type portNATConn struct {
-	rule         portDNATRule
-	originalPort uint16
-	translatedAt time.Time
-}
-
-// portNATTracker tracks connection-specific port NAT state
-type portNATTracker struct {
-	connections map[ConnKey]*portNATConn
-	mutex       sync.RWMutex
-}
-
-// newPortNATTracker creates a new port NAT tracker for stateful connection tracking.
-func newPortNATTracker() *portNATTracker {
-	return &portNATTracker{
-		connections: make(map[ConnKey]*portNATConn),
-	}
-}
-
-// trackConnection tracks a connection that has port NAT applied using translated port as key.
-func (t *portNATTracker) trackConnection(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16, rule portDNATRule) {
-	t.mutex.Lock()
-	defer t.mutex.Unlock()
-
-	key := ConnKey{
-		SrcIP:   srcIP,
-		DstIP:   dstIP,
-		SrcPort: srcPort,
-		DstPort: rule.targetPort,
-	}
-
-	t.connections[key] = &portNATConn{
-		rule:         rule,
-		originalPort: dstPort,
-		translatedAt: time.Now(),
-	}
-}
-
-// getConnectionNAT returns NAT info for a connection if tracked, looking up by connection 4-tuple.
-func (t *portNATTracker) getConnectionNAT(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16) (*portNATConn, bool) {
-	t.mutex.RLock()
-	defer t.mutex.RUnlock()
-
-	key := ConnKey{
-		SrcIP:   srcIP,
-		DstIP:   dstIP,
-		SrcPort: srcPort,
-		DstPort: dstPort,
-	}
-
-	conn, exists := t.connections[key]
-	return conn, exists
-}
-
-// shouldApplyNAT checks if NAT should be applied to a new connection to prevent bidirectional conflicts.
-func (t *portNATTracker) shouldApplyNAT(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, dstPort uint16) bool {
-	t.mutex.RLock()
-	defer t.mutex.RUnlock()
-
-	for key, conn := range t.connections {
-		if key.SrcIP == dstIP && key.DstIP == srcIP &&
-			conn.rule.sourcePort == dstPort && conn.originalPort == dstPort {
-			return false
-		}
-	}
-	return true
-}
-
-// cleanupConnection removes a NAT connection based on original 4-tuple for connection cleanup.
-func (t *portNATTracker) cleanupConnection(srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16) {
-	t.mutex.Lock()
-	defer t.mutex.Unlock()
-
-	for key := range t.connections {
-		if key.SrcIP == srcIP && key.DstIP == dstIP && key.SrcPort == srcPort {
-			delete(t.connections, key)
-			return
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-// newBiDNATMap creates a new bidirectional DNAT mapping structure for efficient forward/reverse lookups.
+// newBiDNATMap creates a new bidirectional DNAT mapping structure.
 func newBiDNATMap() *biDNATMap {
 	return &biDNATMap{
 		forward: make(map[netip.Addr]netip.Addr),
@@ -219,7 +129,7 @@ func newBiDNATMap() *biDNATMap {
 	}
 }
 
-// set adds a bidirectional DNAT mapping between original and translated addresses for both directions.
+// set adds a bidirectional DNAT mapping between original and translated addresses.
 func (b *biDNATMap) set(original, translated netip.Addr) {
 	b.forward[original] = translated
 	b.reverse[translated] = original
@@ -233,13 +143,13 @@ func (b *biDNATMap) delete(original netip.Addr) {
 	}
 }
 
-// getTranslated returns the translated address for a given original address from forward mapping.
+// getTranslated returns the translated address for a given original address.
 func (b *biDNATMap) getTranslated(original netip.Addr) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 	translated, exists := b.forward[original]
 	return translated, exists
 }
 
-// getOriginal returns the original address for a given translated address from reverse mapping.
+// getOriginal returns the original address for a given translated address.
 func (b *biDNATMap) getOriginal(translated netip.Addr) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 	original, exists := b.reverse[translated]
 	return original, exists
@@ -261,7 +171,6 @@ func (m *Manager) AddInternalDNATMapping(originalAddr, translatedAddr netip.Addr
 	m.dnatMutex.Lock()
 	defer m.dnatMutex.Unlock()
 
-	// Initialize both maps together if either is nil
 	if m.dnatMappings == nil || m.dnatBiMap == nil {
 		m.dnatMappings = make(map[netip.Addr]netip.Addr)
 		m.dnatBiMap = newBiDNATMap()
@@ -295,7 +204,7 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInternalDNATMapping(originalAddr netip.Addr) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// getDNATTranslation returns the translated address if a mapping exists with fast-path optimization.
+// getDNATTranslation returns the translated address if a mapping exists.
 func (m *Manager) getDNATTranslation(addr netip.Addr) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 	if !m.dnatEnabled.Load() {
 		return addr, false
@@ -307,7 +216,7 @@ func (m *Manager) getDNATTranslation(addr netip.Addr) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 	return translated, exists
 }
 
-// findReverseDNATMapping finds original address for return traffic using reverse mapping.
+// findReverseDNATMapping finds original address for return traffic.
 func (m *Manager) findReverseDNATMapping(translatedAddr netip.Addr) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 	if !m.dnatEnabled.Load() {
 		return translatedAddr, false
@@ -319,16 +228,12 @@ func (m *Manager) findReverseDNATMapping(translatedAddr netip.Addr) (netip.Addr,
 	return original, exists
 }
 
-// translateOutboundDNAT applies DNAT translation to outbound packets for 1:1 IP mapping.
+// translateOutboundDNAT applies DNAT translation to outbound packets.
 func (m *Manager) translateOutboundDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
 	if !m.dnatEnabled.Load() {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
-		return false
-	}
-
 	dstIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[16], packetData[17], packetData[18], packetData[19]})
 
 	translatedIP, exists := m.getDNATTranslation(dstIP)
@@ -336,8 +241,8 @@ func (m *Manager) translateOutboundDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if err := m.rewritePacketDestination(packetData, d, translatedIP); err != nil {
-		m.logger.Error1("rewrite packet destination: %v", err)
+	if err := m.rewritePacketIP(packetData, d, translatedIP, destinationIPOffset); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error1("failed to rewrite packet destination: %v", err)
 		return false
 	}
 
@@ -345,16 +250,12 @@ func (m *Manager) translateOutboundDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
 	return true
 }
 
-// translateInboundReverse applies reverse DNAT to inbound return traffic for 1:1 IP mapping.
+// translateInboundReverse applies reverse DNAT to inbound return traffic.
 func (m *Manager) translateInboundReverse(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
 	if !m.dnatEnabled.Load() {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
-		return false
-	}
-
 	srcIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[12], packetData[13], packetData[14], packetData[15]})
 
 	originalIP, exists := m.findReverseDNATMapping(srcIP)
@@ -362,8 +263,8 @@ func (m *Manager) translateInboundReverse(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if err := m.rewritePacketSource(packetData, d, originalIP); err != nil {
-		m.logger.Error1("rewrite packet source: %v", err)
+	if err := m.rewritePacketIP(packetData, d, originalIP, sourceIPOffset); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error1("failed to rewrite packet source: %v", err)
 		return false
 	}
 
@@ -371,17 +272,17 @@ func (m *Manager) translateInboundReverse(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
 	return true
 }
 
-// rewritePacketDestination replaces destination IP in the packet and updates checksums.
-func (m *Manager) rewritePacketDestination(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newIP netip.Addr) error {
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 || !newIP.Is4() {
+// rewritePacketIP replaces an IP address (source or destination) in the packet and updates checksums.
+func (m *Manager) rewritePacketIP(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newIP netip.Addr, ipOffset int) error {
+	if !newIP.Is4() {
 		return ErrIPv4Only
 	}
 
-	var oldDst [4]byte
-	copy(oldDst[:], packetData[16:20])
-	newDst := newIP.As4()
+	var oldIP [4]byte
+	copy(oldIP[:], packetData[ipOffset:ipOffset+4])
+	newIPBytes := newIP.As4()
 
-	copy(packetData[16:20], newDst[:])
+	copy(packetData[ipOffset:ipOffset+4], newIPBytes[:])
 
 	ipHeaderLen := int(d.ip4.IHL) * 4
 	if ipHeaderLen < 20 || ipHeaderLen > len(packetData) {
@@ -395,9 +296,9 @@ func (m *Manager) rewritePacketDestination(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newIP
 	if len(d.decoded) > 1 {
 		switch d.decoded[1] {
 		case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
-			m.updateTCPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen, oldDst[:], newDst[:])
+			m.updateTCPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen, oldIP[:], newIPBytes[:])
 		case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
-			m.updateUDPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen, oldDst[:], newDst[:])
+			m.updateUDPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen, oldIP[:], newIPBytes[:])
 		case layers.LayerTypeICMPv4:
 			m.updateICMPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen)
 		}
@@ -406,42 +307,7 @@ func (m *Manager) rewritePacketDestination(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newIP
 	return nil
 }
 
-// rewritePacketSource replaces the source IP address in the packet and updates checksums.
-func (m *Manager) rewritePacketSource(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newIP netip.Addr) error {
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 || !newIP.Is4() {
-		return ErrIPv4Only
-	}
-
-	var oldSrc [4]byte
-	copy(oldSrc[:], packetData[12:16])
-	newSrc := newIP.As4()
-
-	copy(packetData[12:16], newSrc[:])
-
-	ipHeaderLen := int(d.ip4.IHL) * 4
-	if ipHeaderLen < 20 || ipHeaderLen > len(packetData) {
-		return errInvalidIPHeaderLength
-	}
-
-	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[10:12], 0)
-	ipChecksum := ipv4Checksum(packetData[:ipHeaderLen])
-	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[10:12], ipChecksum)
-
-	if len(d.decoded) > 1 {
-		switch d.decoded[1] {
-		case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
-			m.updateTCPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen, oldSrc[:], newSrc[:])
-		case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
-			m.updateUDPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen, oldSrc[:], newSrc[:])
-		case layers.LayerTypeICMPv4:
-			m.updateICMPChecksum(packetData, ipHeaderLen)
-		}
-	}
-
-	return nil
-}
-
-// updateTCPChecksum updates TCP checksum after IP address change using incremental update per RFC 1624.
+// updateTCPChecksum updates TCP checksum after IP address change per RFC 1624.
 func (m *Manager) updateTCPChecksum(packetData []byte, ipHeaderLen int, oldIP, newIP []byte) {
 	tcpStart := ipHeaderLen
 	if len(packetData) < tcpStart+18 {
@@ -454,7 +320,7 @@ func (m *Manager) updateTCPChecksum(packetData []byte, ipHeaderLen int, oldIP, n
 	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[checksumOffset:checksumOffset+2], newChecksum)
 }
 
-// updateUDPChecksum updates UDP checksum after IP address change using incremental update per RFC 1624.
+// updateUDPChecksum updates UDP checksum after IP address change per RFC 1624.
 func (m *Manager) updateUDPChecksum(packetData []byte, ipHeaderLen int, oldIP, newIP []byte) {
 	udpStart := ipHeaderLen
 	if len(packetData) < udpStart+8 {
@@ -472,7 +338,7 @@ func (m *Manager) updateUDPChecksum(packetData []byte, ipHeaderLen int, oldIP, n
 	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[checksumOffset:checksumOffset+2], newChecksum)
 }
 
-// updateICMPChecksum recalculates ICMP checksum after packet modification using full recalculation.
+// updateICMPChecksum recalculates ICMP checksum after packet modification.
 func (m *Manager) updateICMPChecksum(packetData []byte, ipHeaderLen int) {
 	icmpStart := ipHeaderLen
 	if len(packetData) < icmpStart+8 {
@@ -485,7 +351,7 @@ func (m *Manager) updateICMPChecksum(packetData []byte, ipHeaderLen int) {
 	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(icmpData[2:4], checksum)
 }
 
-// incrementalUpdate performs incremental checksum update per RFC 1624 for performance.
+// incrementalUpdate performs incremental checksum update per RFC 1624.
 func incrementalUpdate(oldChecksum uint16, oldBytes, newBytes []byte) uint16 {
 	sum := uint32(^oldChecksum)
 
@@ -536,25 +402,25 @@ func (m *Manager) DeleteDNATRule(rule firewall.Rule) error {
 	return m.nativeFirewall.DeleteDNATRule(rule)
 }
 
-// addPortRedirection adds port redirection rule for specified target IP, protocol and ports.
+// addPortRedirection adds a port redirection rule.
 func (m *Manager) addPortRedirection(targetIP netip.Addr, protocol gopacket.LayerType, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	m.portDNATMutex.Lock()
 	defer m.portDNATMutex.Unlock()
 
 	rule := portDNATRule{
 		protocol:   protocol,
-		sourcePort: sourcePort,
+		origPort:   sourcePort,
 		targetPort: targetPort,
 		targetIP:   targetIP,
 	}
 
-	m.portDNATMap.rules = append(m.portDNATMap.rules, rule)
+	m.portDNATRules = append(m.portDNATRules, rule)
 	m.portDNATEnabled.Store(true)
 
 	return nil
 }
 
-// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services on specific ports.
+// AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
 func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	var layerType gopacket.LayerType
 	switch protocol {
@@ -569,27 +435,23 @@ func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protoco
 	return m.addPortRedirection(localAddr, layerType, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
-// removePortRedirection removes port redirection rule for specified target IP, protocol and ports.
+// removePortRedirection removes a port redirection rule.
 func (m *Manager) removePortRedirection(targetIP netip.Addr, protocol gopacket.LayerType, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	m.portDNATMutex.Lock()
 	defer m.portDNATMutex.Unlock()
 
-	var filteredRules []portDNATRule
-	for _, rule := range m.portDNATMap.rules {
-		if !(rule.protocol == protocol && rule.sourcePort == sourcePort && rule.targetPort == targetPort && rule.targetIP.Compare(targetIP) == 0) {
-			filteredRules = append(filteredRules, rule)
-		}
-	}
-	m.portDNATMap.rules = filteredRules
+	m.portDNATRules = slices.DeleteFunc(m.portDNATRules, func(rule portDNATRule) bool {
+		return rule.protocol == protocol && rule.origPort == sourcePort && rule.targetPort == targetPort && rule.targetIP.Compare(targetIP) == 0
+	})
 
-	if len(m.portDNATMap.rules) == 0 {
+	if len(m.portDNATRules) == 0 {
 		m.portDNATEnabled.Store(false)
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
-// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule for specified local address and ports.
+// RemoveInboundDNAT removes an inbound DNAT rule.
 func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	var layerType gopacket.LayerType
 	switch protocol {
@@ -604,146 +466,55 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.removePortRedirection(localAddr, layerType, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
-// translateInboundPortDNAT applies stateful port-specific DNAT translation to inbound packets.
-func (m *Manager) translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
+// translateInboundPortDNAT applies port-specific DNAT translation to inbound packets.
+func (m *Manager) translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr) bool {
 	if !m.portDNATEnabled.Load() {
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
+	switch d.decoded[1] {
+	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
+		dstPort := uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
+		return m.applyPortRule(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP, dstPort, layers.LayerTypeTCP, m.rewriteTCPPort)
+	case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
+		dstPort := uint16(d.udp.DstPort)
+		return m.applyPortRule(packetData, d, netip.Addr{}, dstIP, dstPort, layers.LayerTypeUDP, m.rewriteUDPPort)
+	default:
 		return false
 	}
-
-	if len(d.decoded) < 2 || d.decoded[1] != layers.LayerTypeTCP {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	srcIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[12], packetData[13], packetData[14], packetData[15]})
-	dstIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[16], packetData[17], packetData[18], packetData[19]})
-	srcPort := uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort)
-	dstPort := uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
-
-	if m.handleReturnTraffic(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort) {
-		return true
-	}
-
-	return m.handleNewConnection(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort)
 }
 
-// handleReturnTraffic processes return traffic for existing NAT connections.
-func (m *Manager) handleReturnTraffic(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16) bool {
-	if m.isTranslatedPortTraffic(srcIP, srcPort) {
-		return false
-	}
+type portRewriteFunc func(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPort uint16, portOffset int) error
 
-	if handled := m.handleExistingNATConnection(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort); handled {
-		return true
-	}
-
-	return m.handleForwardTrafficInExistingConnections(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort)
-}
-
-// isTranslatedPortTraffic checks if traffic is from a translated port that should be handled by outbound reverse.
-func (m *Manager) isTranslatedPortTraffic(srcIP netip.Addr, srcPort uint16) bool {
+func (m *Manager) applyPortRule(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, port uint16, protocol gopacket.LayerType, rewriteFn portRewriteFunc) bool {
 	m.portDNATMutex.RLock()
 	defer m.portDNATMutex.RUnlock()
 
-	for _, rule := range m.portDNATMap.rules {
-		if rule.protocol == layers.LayerTypeTCP && rule.targetPort == srcPort &&
-			rule.targetIP.Unmap().Compare(srcIP.Unmap()) == 0 {
-			return true
+	for _, rule := range m.portDNATRules {
+		if rule.protocol != protocol || rule.targetIP.Compare(dstIP) != 0 {
+			continue
 		}
-	}
-	return false
-}
 
-// handleExistingNATConnection processes return traffic for existing NAT connections.
-func (m *Manager) handleExistingNATConnection(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16) bool {
-	if natConn, exists := m.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort); exists {
-		if err := m.rewriteTCPDestinationPort(packetData, d, natConn.originalPort); err != nil {
-			m.logger.Error1(errRewriteTCPDestinationPort, err)
+		if rule.targetPort == port && rule.targetIP.Compare(srcIP) == 0 {
 			return false
 		}
-		m.logger.Trace4("Inbound Port DNAT (return): %s:%d -> %s:%d", dstIP, srcPort, dstIP, natConn.originalPort)
-		return true
-	}
-	return false
-}
 
-// handleForwardTrafficInExistingConnections processes forward traffic in existing connections.
-func (m *Manager) handleForwardTrafficInExistingConnections(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16) bool {
-	m.portDNATMutex.RLock()
-	defer m.portDNATMutex.RUnlock()
-
-	for _, rule := range m.portDNATMap.rules {
-		if rule.protocol != layers.LayerTypeTCP || rule.sourcePort != dstPort {
-			continue
-		}
-		if rule.targetIP.Unmap().Compare(dstIP.Unmap()) != 0 {
+		if rule.origPort != port {
 			continue
 		}
 
-		if _, exists := m.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, rule.targetPort); !exists {
-			continue
-		}
-
-		if err := m.rewriteTCPDestinationPort(packetData, d, rule.targetPort); err != nil {
-			m.logger.Error1(errRewriteTCPDestinationPort, err)
+		if err := rewriteFn(packetData, d, rule.targetPort, destinationPortOffset); err != nil {
+			m.logger.Error1("failed to rewrite port: %v", err)
 			return false
 		}
+		d.dnatOrigPort = rule.origPort
 		return true
 	}
-
 	return false
 }
 
-// handleNewConnection processes new connections that match port DNAT rules.
-func (m *Manager) handleNewConnection(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16) bool {
-	m.portDNATMutex.RLock()
-	defer m.portDNATMutex.RUnlock()
-
-	for _, rule := range m.portDNATMap.rules {
-		if m.applyPortDNATRule(packetData, d, rule, srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort) {
-			return true
-		}
-	}
-	return false
-}
-
-// applyPortDNATRule applies a specific port DNAT rule if conditions are met.
-func (m *Manager) applyPortDNATRule(packetData []byte, d *decoder, rule portDNATRule, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, srcPort, dstPort uint16) bool {
-	if rule.protocol != layers.LayerTypeTCP || rule.sourcePort != dstPort {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if rule.targetIP.Unmap().Compare(dstIP.Unmap()) != 0 {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if !m.portNATTracker.shouldApplyNAT(srcIP, dstIP, dstPort) {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if err := m.rewriteTCPDestinationPort(packetData, d, rule.targetPort); err != nil {
-		m.logger.Error1(errRewriteTCPDestinationPort, err)
-		return false
-	}
-
-	m.portNATTracker.trackConnection(srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, rule)
-	m.logger.Trace8("Inbound Port DNAT (new): %s:%d -> %s:%d (tracked: %s:%d -> %s:%d)", dstIP, rule.sourcePort, dstIP, rule.targetPort, srcIP, srcPort, dstIP, rule.targetPort)
-	return true
-}
-
-// rewriteTCPDestinationPort rewrites the destination port in a TCP packet and updates checksum.
-func (m *Manager) rewriteTCPDestinationPort(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPort uint16) error {
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
-		return ErrIPv4Only
-	}
-
-	if len(d.decoded) < 2 || d.decoded[1] != layers.LayerTypeTCP {
-		return fmt.Errorf("not a TCP packet")
-	}
-
+// rewriteTCPPort rewrites a TCP port (source or destination) and updates checksum.
+func (m *Manager) rewriteTCPPort(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPort uint16, portOffset int) error {
 	ipHeaderLen := int(d.ip4.IHL) * 4
 	if ipHeaderLen < 20 || ipHeaderLen > len(packetData) {
 		return errInvalidIPHeaderLength
@@ -754,9 +525,9 @@ func (m *Manager) rewriteTCPDestinationPort(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPo
 		return fmt.Errorf("packet too short for TCP header")
 	}
 
-	oldPort := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[tcpStart+2 : tcpStart+4])
-
-	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[tcpStart+2:tcpStart+4], newPort)
+	portStart := tcpStart + portOffset
+	oldPort := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[portStart : portStart+2])
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[portStart:portStart+2], newPort)
 
 	if len(packetData) >= tcpStart+18 {
 		checksumOffset := tcpStart + 16
@@ -773,75 +544,34 @@ func (m *Manager) rewriteTCPDestinationPort(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPo
 	return nil
 }
 
-// rewriteTCPSourcePort rewrites the source port in a TCP packet and updates checksum.
-func (m *Manager) rewriteTCPSourcePort(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPort uint16) error {
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
-		return ErrIPv4Only
-	}
-
-	if len(d.decoded) < 2 || d.decoded[1] != layers.LayerTypeTCP {
-		return fmt.Errorf("not a TCP packet")
-	}
-
+// rewriteUDPPort rewrites a UDP port (source or destination) and updates checksum.
+func (m *Manager) rewriteUDPPort(packetData []byte, d *decoder, newPort uint16, portOffset int) error {
 	ipHeaderLen := int(d.ip4.IHL) * 4
 	if ipHeaderLen < 20 || ipHeaderLen > len(packetData) {
 		return errInvalidIPHeaderLength
 	}
 
-	tcpStart := ipHeaderLen
-	if len(packetData) < tcpStart+4 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("packet too short for TCP header")
+	udpStart := ipHeaderLen
+	if len(packetData) < udpStart+8 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("packet too short for UDP header")
 	}
 
-	oldPort := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[tcpStart : tcpStart+2])
+	portStart := udpStart + portOffset
+	oldPort := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[portStart : portStart+2])
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[portStart:portStart+2], newPort)
 
-	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[tcpStart:tcpStart+2], newPort)
-
-	if len(packetData) >= tcpStart+18 {
-		checksumOffset := tcpStart + 16
+	checksumOffset := udpStart + 6
+	if len(packetData) >= udpStart+8 {
 		oldChecksum := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[checksumOffset : checksumOffset+2])
+		if oldChecksum != 0 {
+			var oldPortBytes, newPortBytes [2]byte
+			binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(oldPortBytes[:], oldPort)
+			binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(newPortBytes[:], newPort)
 
-		var oldPortBytes, newPortBytes [2]byte
-		binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(oldPortBytes[:], oldPort)
-		binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(newPortBytes[:], newPort)
-
-		newChecksum := incrementalUpdate(oldChecksum, oldPortBytes[:], newPortBytes[:])
-		binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[checksumOffset:checksumOffset+2], newChecksum)
+			newChecksum := incrementalUpdate(oldChecksum, oldPortBytes[:], newPortBytes[:])
+			binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(packetData[checksumOffset:checksumOffset+2], newChecksum)
+		}
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
-
-// translateOutboundPortReverse applies stateful reverse port DNAT to outbound return traffic for SSH redirection.
-func (m *Manager) translateOutboundPortReverse(packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
-	if !m.portDNATEnabled.Load() {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if len(d.decoded) < 2 || d.decoded[1] != layers.LayerTypeTCP {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	srcIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[12], packetData[13], packetData[14], packetData[15]})
-	dstIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[16], packetData[17], packetData[18], packetData[19]})
-	srcPort := uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort)
-	dstPort := uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
-
-	// For outbound reverse, we need to find the connection using the same key as when it was stored
-	// Connection was stored as: srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, translatedPort
-	// So for return traffic (srcIP=server, dstIP=client), we need: dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort
-	if natConn, exists := m.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(dstIP, srcIP, dstPort, srcPort); exists {
-		if err := m.rewriteTCPSourcePort(packetData, d, natConn.rule.sourcePort); err != nil {
-			m.logger.Error1("rewrite TCP source port: %v", err)
-			return false
-		}
-
-		return true
-	}
-
-	return false
-}
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_bench_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_bench_test.go
index 16dba682e..d2599e577 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_bench_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_bench_test.go
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 )
 
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ func BenchmarkDNATTranslation(b *testing.B) {
 		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
 			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(b, err)
 			defer func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -125,7 +126,7 @@ func BenchmarkDNATTranslation(b *testing.B) {
 func BenchmarkDNATConcurrency(b *testing.B) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(b, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -197,7 +198,7 @@ func BenchmarkDNATScaling(b *testing.B) {
 		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("mappings_%d", count), func(b *testing.B) {
 			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger)
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 			require.NoError(b, err)
 			defer func() {
 				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -309,7 +310,7 @@ func BenchmarkChecksumUpdate(b *testing.B) {
 func BenchmarkDNATMemoryAllocations(b *testing.B) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(b, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -414,3 +415,127 @@ func BenchmarkChecksumOptimizations(b *testing.B) {
 		}
 	})
 }
+
+// BenchmarkPortDNAT measures the performance of port DNAT operations
+func BenchmarkPortDNAT(b *testing.B) {
+	scenarios := []struct {
+		name         string
+		proto        layers.IPProtocol
+		setupDNAT    bool
+		useMatchPort bool
+		description  string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:         "tcp_inbound_dnat_match",
+			proto:        layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+			setupDNAT:    true,
+			useMatchPort: true,
+			description:  "TCP inbound port DNAT translation (22 → 22022)",
+		},
+		{
+			name:         "tcp_inbound_dnat_nomatch",
+			proto:        layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+			setupDNAT:    true,
+			useMatchPort: false,
+			description:  "TCP inbound with DNAT configured but no port match",
+		},
+		{
+			name:         "tcp_inbound_no_dnat",
+			proto:        layers.IPProtocolTCP,
+			setupDNAT:    false,
+			useMatchPort: false,
+			description:  "TCP inbound without DNAT (baseline)",
+		},
+		{
+			name:         "udp_inbound_dnat_match",
+			proto:        layers.IPProtocolUDP,
+			setupDNAT:    true,
+			useMatchPort: true,
+			description:  "UDP inbound port DNAT translation (5353 → 22054)",
+		},
+		{
+			name:         "udp_inbound_dnat_nomatch",
+			proto:        layers.IPProtocolUDP,
+			setupDNAT:    true,
+			useMatchPort: false,
+			description:  "UDP inbound with DNAT configured but no port match",
+		},
+		{
+			name:         "udp_inbound_no_dnat",
+			proto:        layers.IPProtocolUDP,
+			setupDNAT:    false,
+			useMatchPort: false,
+			description:  "UDP inbound without DNAT (baseline)",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, sc := range scenarios {
+		b.Run(sc.name, func(b *testing.B) {
+			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+			}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
+			require.NoError(b, err)
+			defer func() {
+				require.NoError(b, manager.Close(nil))
+			}()
+
+			// Set logger to error level to reduce noise during benchmarking
+			manager.SetLogLevel(log.ErrorLevel)
+			defer func() {
+				// Restore to info level after benchmark
+				manager.SetLogLevel(log.InfoLevel)
+			}()
+
+			localAddr := netip.MustParseAddr("100.0.2.175")
+			clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.0.169.249")
+
+			var origPort, targetPort, testPort uint16
+			if sc.proto == layers.IPProtocolTCP {
+				origPort, targetPort = 22, 22022
+			} else {
+				origPort, targetPort = 5353, 22054
+			}
+
+			if sc.useMatchPort {
+				testPort = origPort
+			} else {
+				testPort = 443 // Different port
+			}
+
+			// Setup port DNAT mapping if needed
+			if sc.setupDNAT {
+				err := manager.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocolToFirewall(sc.proto), origPort, targetPort)
+				require.NoError(b, err)
+			}
+
+			// Pre-establish inbound connection for outbound reverse test
+			if sc.setupDNAT && sc.useMatchPort {
+				inboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(b, clientIP, localAddr, sc.proto, 54321, origPort)
+				manager.filterInbound(inboundPacket, 0)
+			}
+
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			b.ReportAllocs()
+
+			// Benchmark inbound DNAT translation
+			b.Run("inbound", func(b *testing.B) {
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					// Create fresh packet each time
+					packet := generateDNATTestPacket(b, clientIP, localAddr, sc.proto, 54321, testPort)
+					manager.filterInbound(packet, 0)
+				}
+			})
+
+			// Benchmark outbound reverse DNAT translation (only if DNAT is set up and port matches)
+			if sc.setupDNAT && sc.useMatchPort {
+				b.Run("outbound_reverse", func(b *testing.B) {
+					for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+						// Create fresh return packet (from target port)
+						packet := generateDNATTestPacket(b, localAddr, clientIP, sc.proto, targetPort, 54321)
+						manager.filterOutbound(packet, 0)
+					}
+				})
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_stateful_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_stateful_test.go
index 5c7853397..21c6da06e 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_stateful_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_stateful_test.go
@@ -7,15 +7,15 @@ import (
 	"github.com/google/gopacket/layers"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 )
 
-// TestStatefulNATBidirectionalSSH tests that stateful NAT prevents interference
-// when two peers try to SSH to each other simultaneously
-func TestStatefulNATBidirectionalSSH(t *testing.T) {
+// TestPortDNATBasic tests basic port DNAT functionality
+func TestPortDNATBasic(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -30,49 +30,28 @@ func TestStatefulNATBidirectionalSSH(t *testing.T) {
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	// Scenario: Peer A connects to Peer B on port 22 (should get NAT)
-	// This simulates: ssh user@100.10.0.51
 	packetAtoB := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerA, peerB, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	translatedAtoB := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetAtoB, parsePacket(t, packetAtoB))
+	d := parsePacket(t, packetAtoB)
+	translatedAtoB := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetAtoB, d, peerA, peerB)
 	require.True(t, translatedAtoB, "Peer A to Peer B should be translated (NAT applied)")
 
 	// Verify port was translated to 22022
-	d := parsePacket(t, packetAtoB)
+	d = parsePacket(t, packetAtoB)
 	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Port should be rewritten to 22022")
 
-	// Verify NAT connection is tracked (with translated port as key)
-	natConn, exists := manager.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(peerA, peerB, 54321, 22022)
-	require.True(t, exists, "NAT connection should be tracked")
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22), natConn.originalPort, "Original port should be stored")
-
-	// Scenario: Peer B tries to connect to Peer A on port 22 (should NOT get NAT)
-	// This simulates the reverse direction to prevent interference
-	packetBtoA := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerB, peerA, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54322, 22)
-	translatedBtoA := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetBtoA, parsePacket(t, packetBtoA))
-	require.False(t, translatedBtoA, "Peer B to Peer A should NOT be translated (prevent interference)")
-
-	// Verify port was NOT translated
-	d2 := parsePacket(t, packetBtoA)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22), uint16(d2.tcp.DstPort), "Port should remain 22 (no translation)")
-
-	// Verify no reverse NAT connection is tracked
-	_, reverseExists := manager.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(peerB, peerA, 54322, 22)
-	require.False(t, reverseExists, "Reverse NAT connection should NOT be tracked")
-
-	// Scenario: Return traffic from Peer B (SSH server) to Peer A (should be reverse translated)
+	// Scenario: Return traffic from Peer B to Peer A should NOT be translated
+	// (prevents double NAT - original port stored in conntrack)
 	returnPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerB, peerA, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 22022, 54321)
-	translatedReturn := manager.translateOutboundPortReverse(returnPacket, parsePacket(t, returnPacket))
-	require.True(t, translatedReturn, "Return traffic should be reverse translated")
-
-	// Verify return traffic port was translated back to 22
-	d3 := parsePacket(t, returnPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22), uint16(d3.tcp.SrcPort), "Return traffic source port should be 22")
+	d2 := parsePacket(t, returnPacket)
+	translatedReturn := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(returnPacket, d2, peerB, peerA)
+	require.False(t, translatedReturn, "Return traffic from same IP should not be translated")
 }
 
-// TestStatefulNATConnectionCleanup tests connection cleanup functionality
-func TestStatefulNATConnectionCleanup(t *testing.T) {
+// TestPortDNATMultipleRules tests multiple port DNAT rules
+func TestPortDNATMultipleRules(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -88,24 +67,19 @@ func TestStatefulNATConnectionCleanup(t *testing.T) {
 	err = manager.addPortRedirection(peerB, layers.LayerTypeTCP, 22, 22022)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
-	// Establish connection with NAT
-	packet := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerA, peerB, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packet, parsePacket(t, packet))
-	require.True(t, translated, "Initial connection should be translated")
+	// Test traffic to peer B gets translated
+	packetToB := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerA, peerB, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
+	d1 := parsePacket(t, packetToB)
+	translatedToB := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetToB, d1, peerA, peerB)
+	require.True(t, translatedToB, "Traffic to peer B should be translated")
+	d1 = parsePacket(t, packetToB)
+	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d1.tcp.DstPort), "Port should be 22022")
 
-	// Verify connection is tracked (using translated port as key)
-	_, exists := manager.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(peerA, peerB, 54321, 22022)
-	require.True(t, exists, "Connection should be tracked")
-
-	// Clean up connection
-	manager.portNATTracker.cleanupConnection(peerA, peerB, 54321)
-
-	// Verify connection is no longer tracked (using translated port as key)
-	_, stillExists := manager.portNATTracker.getConnectionNAT(peerA, peerB, 54321, 22022)
-	require.False(t, stillExists, "Connection should be cleaned up")
-
-	// Verify new connection from opposite direction now works
-	reversePacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerB, peerA, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54322, 22)
-	reverseTranslated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(reversePacket, parsePacket(t, reversePacket))
-	require.True(t, reverseTranslated, "Reverse connection should now work after cleanup")
+	// Test traffic to peer A gets translated
+	packetToA := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerB, peerA, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54322, 22)
+	d2 := parsePacket(t, packetToA)
+	translatedToA := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetToA, d2, peerB, peerA)
+	require.True(t, translatedToA, "Traffic to peer A should be translated")
+	d2 = parsePacket(t, packetToA)
+	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d2.tcp.DstPort), "Port should be 22022")
 }
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_test.go
index 4c43077bc..400d61020 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/nat_test.go
@@ -1,17 +1,15 @@
 package uspfilter
 
 import (
-	"io"
-	"net"
 	"net/netip"
 	"testing"
-	"time"
 
 	"github.com/google/gopacket"
 	"github.com/google/gopacket/layers"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 )
 
@@ -19,7 +17,7 @@ import (
 func TestDNATTranslationCorrectness(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -103,7 +101,7 @@ func parsePacket(t testing.TB, packetData []byte) *decoder {
 func TestDNATMappingManagement(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
@@ -148,521 +146,110 @@ func TestDNATMappingManagement(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Error(t, err, "Should error when removing non-existent mapping")
 }
 
-// TestSSHPortRedirection tests SSH port redirection functionality
-func TestSSHPortRedirection(t *testing.T) {
+func TestInboundPortDNAT(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 	}()
 
-	// Define NetBird network range
-	peerIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100")
+	localAddr := netip.MustParseAddr("100.0.2.175")
+	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.0.169.249")
 
-	// Add SSH port redirection rule
-	err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(peerIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
+	testCases := []struct {
+		name       string
+		protocol   layers.IPProtocol
+		sourcePort uint16
+		targetPort uint16
+	}{
+		{"TCP SSH", layers.IPProtocolTCP, 22, 22022},
+		{"UDP DNS", layers.IPProtocolUDP, 5353, 22054},
+	}
 
-	// Verify port DNAT is enabled
-	require.True(t, manager.portDNATEnabled.Load(), "Port DNAT should be enabled")
-	require.Len(t, manager.portDNATMap.rules, 1, "Should have one port DNAT rule")
+	for _, tc := range testCases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			err := manager.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocolToFirewall(tc.protocol), tc.sourcePort, tc.targetPort)
+			require.NoError(t, err)
 
-	// Verify the rule configuration
-	rule := manager.portDNATMap.rules[0]
-	require.Equal(t, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), rule.protocol)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22), rule.sourcePort)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), rule.targetPort)
-	require.Equal(t, peerIP, rule.targetIP)
+			inboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, localAddr, tc.protocol, 54321, tc.sourcePort)
+			d := parsePacket(t, inboundPacket)
 
-	// Test inbound SSH packet (client -> peer:22, should redirect to peer:22022)
-	inboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	originalInbound := make([]byte, len(inboundPacket))
-	copy(originalInbound, inboundPacket)
+			translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(inboundPacket, d, clientIP, localAddr)
+			require.True(t, translated, "Inbound packet should be translated")
 
-	// Process inbound packet
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(inboundPacket, parsePacket(t, inboundPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "Inbound SSH packet should be translated")
-
-	// Verify destination port was changed from 22 to 22022
-	d := parsePacket(t, inboundPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Destination port should be rewritten to 22022")
-
-	// Verify destination IP remains unchanged
-	dstIPAfter := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{inboundPacket[16], inboundPacket[17], inboundPacket[18], inboundPacket[19]})
-	require.Equal(t, peerIP, dstIPAfter, "Destination IP should remain unchanged")
-
-	// Test outbound return packet (peer:22022 -> client, should rewrite source port to 22)
-	outboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerIP, clientIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 22022, 54321)
-	originalOutbound := make([]byte, len(outboundPacket))
-	copy(originalOutbound, outboundPacket)
-
-	// Process outbound return packet
-	reversed := manager.translateOutboundPortReverse(outboundPacket, parsePacket(t, outboundPacket))
-	require.True(t, reversed, "Outbound return packet should be reverse translated")
-
-	// Verify source port was changed from 22022 to 22
-	d = parsePacket(t, outboundPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22), uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), "Source port should be rewritten to 22")
-
-	// Verify source IP remains unchanged
-	srcIPAfter := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{outboundPacket[12], outboundPacket[13], outboundPacket[14], outboundPacket[15]})
-	require.Equal(t, peerIP, srcIPAfter, "Source IP should remain unchanged")
-
-	// Test removal of SSH port redirection
-	err = manager.RemoveInboundDNAT(peerIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.False(t, manager.portDNATEnabled.Load(), "Port DNAT should be disabled after removal")
-	require.Len(t, manager.portDNATMap.rules, 0, "Should have no port DNAT rules after removal")
-}
-
-// TestSSHPortRedirectionNetworkFiltering tests that SSH redirection only applies to specified networks
-func TestSSHPortRedirectionNetworkFiltering(t *testing.T) {
-	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	defer func() {
-		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
-	}()
-
-	// Define NetBird network range
-	peerInNetwork := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.50")
-	peerOutsideNetwork := netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.1.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100")
-
-	// Add SSH port redirection rule for NetBird network only
-	err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(peerInNetwork, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	// Test SSH packet to peer within NetBird network (should be redirected)
-	inNetworkPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerInNetwork, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(inNetworkPacket, parsePacket(t, inNetworkPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "SSH packet to NetBird peer should be translated")
-
-	// Verify port was changed
-	d := parsePacket(t, inNetworkPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Port should be redirected for NetBird peer")
-
-	// Test SSH packet to peer outside NetBird network (should NOT be redirected)
-	outOfNetworkPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerOutsideNetwork, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	originalOutOfNetwork := make([]byte, len(outOfNetworkPacket))
-	copy(originalOutOfNetwork, outOfNetworkPacket)
-
-	notTranslated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(outOfNetworkPacket, parsePacket(t, outOfNetworkPacket))
-	require.False(t, notTranslated, "SSH packet to non-NetBird peer should NOT be translated")
-
-	// Verify packet was not modified
-	require.Equal(t, originalOutOfNetwork, outOfNetworkPacket, "Packet to non-NetBird peer should remain unchanged")
-}
-
-// TestSSHPortRedirectionNonTCPTraffic tests that only TCP traffic is affected
-func TestSSHPortRedirectionNonTCPTraffic(t *testing.T) {
-	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	defer func() {
-		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
-	}()
-
-	// Define NetBird network range
-	peerIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100")
-
-	// Add SSH port redirection rule
-	err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(peerIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	// Test UDP packet on port 22 (should NOT be redirected)
-	udpPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolUDP, 54321, 22)
-	originalUDP := make([]byte, len(udpPacket))
-	copy(originalUDP, udpPacket)
-
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(udpPacket, parsePacket(t, udpPacket))
-	require.False(t, translated, "UDP packet should NOT be translated by SSH port redirection")
-	require.Equal(t, originalUDP, udpPacket, "UDP packet should remain unchanged")
-
-	// Test ICMP packet (should NOT be redirected)
-	icmpPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolICMPv4, 0, 0)
-	originalICMP := make([]byte, len(icmpPacket))
-	copy(originalICMP, icmpPacket)
-
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(icmpPacket, parsePacket(t, icmpPacket))
-	require.False(t, translated, "ICMP packet should NOT be translated by SSH port redirection")
-	require.Equal(t, originalICMP, icmpPacket, "ICMP packet should remain unchanged")
-}
-
-// TestSSHPortRedirectionNonSSHPorts tests that only port 22 is redirected
-func TestSSHPortRedirectionNonSSHPorts(t *testing.T) {
-	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	defer func() {
-		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
-	}()
-
-	// Define NetBird network range
-	peerIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100")
-
-	// Add SSH port redirection rule
-	err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(peerIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	// Test TCP packet on port 80 (should NOT be redirected)
-	httpPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 80)
-	originalHTTP := make([]byte, len(httpPacket))
-	copy(originalHTTP, httpPacket)
-
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(httpPacket, parsePacket(t, httpPacket))
-	require.False(t, translated, "Non-SSH TCP packet should NOT be translated")
-	require.Equal(t, originalHTTP, httpPacket, "Non-SSH TCP packet should remain unchanged")
-
-	// Test TCP packet on port 443 (should NOT be redirected)
-	httpsPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 443)
-	originalHTTPS := make([]byte, len(httpsPacket))
-	copy(originalHTTPS, httpsPacket)
-
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(httpsPacket, parsePacket(t, httpsPacket))
-	require.False(t, translated, "Non-SSH TCP packet should NOT be translated")
-	require.Equal(t, originalHTTPS, httpsPacket, "Non-SSH TCP packet should remain unchanged")
-
-	// Test TCP packet on port 22 (SHOULD be redirected)
-	sshPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(sshPacket, parsePacket(t, sshPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "SSH TCP packet should be translated")
-
-	// Verify port was changed to 22022
-	d := parsePacket(t, sshPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "SSH port should be redirected to 22022")
-}
-
-// TestFlexiblePortRedirection tests the flexible port redirection functionality
-func TestFlexiblePortRedirection(t *testing.T) {
-	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	defer func() {
-		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
-	}()
-
-	// Define peer and client IPs
-	peerIP := netip.MustParseAddr("10.0.0.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("10.0.0.100")
-
-	// Add custom port redirection: TCP port 8080 -> 3000 for peer IP
-	err = manager.addPortRedirection(peerIP, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), 8080, 3000)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	// Verify port DNAT is enabled
-	require.True(t, manager.portDNATEnabled.Load(), "Port DNAT should be enabled")
-	require.Len(t, manager.portDNATMap.rules, 1, "Should have one port DNAT rule")
-
-	// Verify the rule configuration
-	rule := manager.portDNATMap.rules[0]
-	require.Equal(t, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), rule.protocol)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(8080), rule.sourcePort)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(3000), rule.targetPort)
-	require.Equal(t, peerIP, rule.targetIP)
-
-	// Test inbound packet (client -> peer:8080, should redirect to peer:3000)
-	inboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 8080)
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(inboundPacket, parsePacket(t, inboundPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "Inbound packet should be translated")
-
-	// Verify destination port was changed from 8080 to 3000
-	d := parsePacket(t, inboundPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(3000), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Destination port should be rewritten to 3000")
-
-	// Test outbound return packet (peer:3000 -> client, should rewrite source port to 8080)
-	outboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerIP, clientIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 3000, 54321)
-	reversed := manager.translateOutboundPortReverse(outboundPacket, parsePacket(t, outboundPacket))
-	require.True(t, reversed, "Outbound return packet should be reverse translated")
-
-	// Verify source port was changed from 3000 to 8080
-	d = parsePacket(t, outboundPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(8080), uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), "Source port should be rewritten to 8080")
-
-	// Test removal of port redirection
-	err = manager.removePortRedirection(peerIP, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), 8080, 3000)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.False(t, manager.portDNATEnabled.Load(), "Port DNAT should be disabled after removal")
-	require.Len(t, manager.portDNATMap.rules, 0, "Should have no port DNAT rules after removal")
-}
-
-// TestMultiplePortRedirections tests multiple port redirection rules
-func TestMultiplePortRedirections(t *testing.T) {
-	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	defer func() {
-		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
-	}()
-
-	// Define peer and client IPs
-	peerIP := netip.MustParseAddr("172.16.0.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("172.16.0.100")
-
-	// Add multiple port redirections for peer IP
-	err = manager.addPortRedirection(peerIP, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), 22, 22022) // SSH
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	err = manager.addPortRedirection(peerIP, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), 80, 8080) // HTTP
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	err = manager.addPortRedirection(peerIP, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), 443, 8443) // HTTPS
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	// Verify all rules are present
-	require.True(t, manager.portDNATEnabled.Load(), "Port DNAT should be enabled")
-	require.Len(t, manager.portDNATMap.rules, 3, "Should have three port DNAT rules")
-
-	// Test SSH redirection (22 -> 22022)
-	sshPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(sshPacket, parsePacket(t, sshPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "SSH packet should be translated")
-	d := parsePacket(t, sshPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "SSH should redirect to 22022")
-
-	// Test HTTP redirection (80 -> 8080)
-	httpPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 80)
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(httpPacket, parsePacket(t, httpPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "HTTP packet should be translated")
-	d = parsePacket(t, httpPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(8080), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "HTTP should redirect to 8080")
-
-	// Test HTTPS redirection (443 -> 8443)
-	httpsPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 443)
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(httpsPacket, parsePacket(t, httpsPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "HTTPS packet should be translated")
-	d = parsePacket(t, httpsPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(8443), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "HTTPS should redirect to 8443")
-
-	// Test removing one rule (HTTP)
-	err = manager.removePortRedirection(peerIP, gopacket.LayerType(layers.LayerTypeTCP), 80, 8080)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.Len(t, manager.portDNATMap.rules, 2, "Should have two rules after removing HTTP rule")
-
-	// Verify HTTP is no longer redirected
-	httpPacket2 := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 80)
-	originalHTTP := make([]byte, len(httpPacket2))
-	copy(originalHTTP, httpPacket2)
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(httpPacket2, parsePacket(t, httpPacket2))
-	require.False(t, translated, "HTTP packet should NOT be translated after rule removal")
-	require.Equal(t, originalHTTP, httpPacket2, "HTTP packet should remain unchanged")
-
-	// Verify SSH and HTTPS still work
-	sshPacket2 := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(sshPacket2, parsePacket(t, sshPacket2))
-	require.True(t, translated, "SSH should still be translated")
-
-	httpsPacket2 := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 443)
-	translated = manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(httpsPacket2, parsePacket(t, httpsPacket2))
-	require.True(t, translated, "HTTPS should still be translated")
-}
-
-// TestSSHPortRedirectionEndToEnd tests actual network delivery through sockets
-func TestSSHPortRedirectionEndToEnd(t *testing.T) {
-	// Start a mock SSH server on port 22022 (NetBird SSH server)
-	mockSSHServer, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:22022")
-	require.NoError(t, err, "Should be able to bind to NetBird SSH port")
-	defer func() {
-		require.NoError(t, mockSSHServer.Close())
-	}()
-
-	// Handle connections on the SSH server
-	serverReceivedData := make(chan string, 1)
-	go func() {
-		for {
-			conn, err := mockSSHServer.Accept()
-			if err != nil {
-				return // Server closed
+			d = parsePacket(t, inboundPacket)
+			var dstPort uint16
+			switch tc.protocol {
+			case layers.IPProtocolTCP:
+				dstPort = uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
+			case layers.IPProtocolUDP:
+				dstPort = uint16(d.udp.DstPort)
 			}
-			go func(conn net.Conn) {
-				defer func() {
-					require.NoError(t, conn.Close())
-				}()
 
-				buf := make([]byte, 1024)
-				n, err := conn.Read(buf)
-				if err != nil && err != io.EOF {
-					t.Logf("Server read error: %v", err)
-					return
-				}
+			require.Equal(t, tc.targetPort, dstPort, "Destination port should be rewritten to target port")
 
-				receivedData := string(buf[:n])
-				serverReceivedData <- receivedData
-
-				// Echo back a response
-				_, err = conn.Write([]byte("SSH-2.0-MockNetBirdSSH\r\n"))
-				if err != nil {
-					t.Logf("Server write error: %v", err)
-				}
-			}(conn)
-		}
-	}()
-
-	// Give server time to start
-	time.Sleep(100 * time.Millisecond)
-
-	// This test demonstrates what SHOULD happen after port redirection:
-	// 1. Client connects to 127.0.0.1:22 (standard SSH port)
-	// 2. Firewall redirects to 127.0.0.1:22022 (NetBird SSH server)
-	// 3. NetBird SSH server receives the connection
-
-	t.Run("DirectConnectionToNetBirdSSHPort", func(t *testing.T) {
-		// This simulates what should happen AFTER port redirection
-		// Connect directly to 22022 (where NetBird SSH server listens)
-		conn, err := net.DialTimeout("tcp", "127.0.0.1:22022", 5*time.Second)
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Should connect to NetBird SSH server")
-		defer func() {
-			require.NoError(t, conn.Close())
-		}()
-
-		// Send SSH client identification
-		testData := "SSH-2.0-TestClient\r\n"
-		_, err = conn.Write([]byte(testData))
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Should send data to SSH server")
-
-		// Verify server received the data
-		select {
-		case received := <-serverReceivedData:
-			require.Equal(t, testData, received, "Server should receive client data")
-		case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
-			t.Fatal("Server did not receive data within timeout")
-		}
-
-		// Read server response
-		buf := make([]byte, 1024)
-		if err := conn.SetReadDeadline(time.Now().Add(2 * time.Second)); err != nil {
-			t.Logf("failed to set read deadline: %v", err)
-		}
-		n, err := conn.Read(buf)
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Should read server response")
-
-		response := string(buf[:n])
-		require.Equal(t, "SSH-2.0-MockNetBirdSSH\r\n", response, "Should receive SSH server identification")
-	})
-
-	t.Run("PortRedirectionSimulation", func(t *testing.T) {
-		// This test simulates the port redirection process
-		// Note: This doesn't test the actual userspace packet interception,
-		// but demonstrates the expected behavior
-
-		t.Log("NOTE: This test demonstrates expected behavior after implementing")
-		t.Log("full userspace packet interception. Currently, we test packet")
-		t.Log("translation logic separately from actual network delivery.")
-
-		// In a real implementation with userspace packet interception:
-		// 1. Client would connect to 127.0.0.1:22
-		// 2. Userspace firewall would intercept packets
-		// 3. translateInboundPortDNAT would rewrite port 22 -> 22022
-		// 4. Packets would be delivered to 127.0.0.1:22022
-		// 5. NetBird SSH server would receive the connection
-
-		// For now, we verify that the packet translation logic works correctly
-		// (this is tested in other test functions) and that the target server
-		// is reachable (tested above)
-
-		clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("127.0.0.1")
-		serverIP := netip.MustParseAddr("127.0.0.1")
-
-		// Create manager with SSH port redirection
-		manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-			SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-		}, false, flowLogger)
-		require.NoError(t, err)
-		defer func() {
-			require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
-		}()
-
-		// Add SSH port redirection for localhost (for testing)
-		err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(netip.MustParseAddr("127.0.0.1"), firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
-		require.NoError(t, err)
-
-		// Generate packet: client connecting to server:22
-		sshPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, serverIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
-		originalPacket := make([]byte, len(sshPacket))
-		copy(originalPacket, sshPacket)
-
-		// Apply port redirection
-		translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(sshPacket, parsePacket(t, sshPacket))
-		require.True(t, translated, "SSH packet should be translated")
-
-		// Verify port was redirected from 22 to 22022
-		d := parsePacket(t, sshPacket)
-		require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Port should be redirected to NetBird SSH server")
-		require.NotEqual(t, originalPacket, sshPacket, "Packet should be modified")
-
-		t.Log("✓ Packet translation verified: port 22 redirected to 22022")
-		t.Log("✓ Target SSH server (port 22022) is reachable and responsive")
-		t.Log("→ Integration complete: SSH port redirection ready for userspace interception")
-	})
+			err = manager.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocolToFirewall(tc.protocol), tc.sourcePort, tc.targetPort)
+			require.NoError(t, err)
+		})
+	}
 }
 
-// TestFullSSHRedirectionWorkflow demonstrates the complete SSH redirection workflow
-func TestFullSSHRedirectionWorkflow(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Log("=== SSH Port Redirection Workflow Test ===")
-	t.Log("This test demonstrates the complete SSH redirection process:")
-	t.Log("1. Client connects to peer:22 (standard SSH)")
-	t.Log("2. Userspace firewall intercepts and redirects to peer:22022")
-	t.Log("3. NetBird SSH server receives connection on port 22022")
-	t.Log("4. Return traffic is reverse-translated (22022 -> 22)")
-
-	// Setup test environment
+func TestInboundPortDNATNegative(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-	}, false, flowLogger)
+	}, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 	}()
 
-	// Define NetBird network and peer IPs
-	peerIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.50")
-	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100")
+	localAddr := netip.MustParseAddr("100.0.2.175")
+	clientIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.0.169.249")
 
-	// Step 1: Configure SSH port redirection
-	err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(peerIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
+	err = manager.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewall.ProtocolTCP, 22, 22022)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	t.Log("✓ SSH port redirection configured for NetBird network")
 
-	// Step 2: Simulate inbound SSH connection (client -> peer:22)
-	t.Log("→ Simulating: ssh user@100.10.0.50")
-	inboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, clientIP, peerIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 54321, 22)
+	testCases := []struct {
+		name     string
+		protocol layers.IPProtocol
+		srcIP    netip.Addr
+		dstIP    netip.Addr
+		srcPort  uint16
+		dstPort  uint16
+	}{
+		{"Wrong port", layers.IPProtocolTCP, clientIP, localAddr, 54321, 80},
+		{"Wrong IP", layers.IPProtocolTCP, clientIP, netip.MustParseAddr("100.64.0.99"), 54321, 22},
+		{"Wrong protocol", layers.IPProtocolUDP, clientIP, localAddr, 54321, 22},
+		{"ICMP", layers.IPProtocolICMPv4, clientIP, localAddr, 0, 0},
+	}
 
-	// Step 3: Apply inbound port redirection
-	translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(inboundPacket, parsePacket(t, inboundPacket))
-	require.True(t, translated, "Inbound SSH packet should be redirected")
+	for _, tc := range testCases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			packet := generateDNATTestPacket(t, tc.srcIP, tc.dstIP, tc.protocol, tc.srcPort, tc.dstPort)
+			d := parsePacket(t, packet)
 
-	d := parsePacket(t, inboundPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22022), uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Should redirect to NetBird SSH server port")
-	t.Log("✓ Inbound packet redirected: 100.10.0.50:22 → 100.10.0.50:22022")
+			translated := manager.translateInboundPortDNAT(packet, d, tc.srcIP, tc.dstIP)
+			require.False(t, translated, "Packet should NOT be translated for %s", tc.name)
 
-	// Step 4: Simulate outbound return traffic (peer:22022 -> client)
-	t.Log("→ Simulating return traffic from NetBird SSH server")
-	outboundPacket := generateDNATTestPacket(t, peerIP, clientIP, layers.IPProtocolTCP, 22022, 54321)
-
-	// Step 5: Apply outbound reverse translation
-	reversed := manager.translateOutboundPortReverse(outboundPacket, parsePacket(t, outboundPacket))
-	require.True(t, reversed, "Outbound return packet should be reverse translated")
-
-	d = parsePacket(t, outboundPacket)
-	require.Equal(t, uint16(22), uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort), "Should restore original SSH port")
-	t.Log("✓ Outbound packet reverse translated: 100.10.0.50:22022 → 100.10.0.50:22")
-
-	// Step 6: Verify client sees standard SSH connection
-	srcIPAfter := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{outboundPacket[12], outboundPacket[13], outboundPacket[14], outboundPacket[15]})
-	require.Equal(t, peerIP, srcIPAfter, "Client should see traffic from peer IP")
-	t.Log("✓ Client receives traffic from 100.10.0.50:22 (transparent redirection)")
-
-	t.Log("=== SSH Port Redirection Workflow Complete ===")
-	t.Log("Result: Standard SSH clients can connect to NetBird peers using:")
-	t.Log("  ssh user@100.10.0.50")
-	t.Log("Instead of:")
-	t.Log("  ssh user@100.10.0.50 -p 22022")
+			d = parsePacket(t, packet)
+			if tc.protocol == layers.IPProtocolTCP {
+				require.Equal(t, tc.dstPort, uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), "Port should remain unchanged")
+			} else if tc.protocol == layers.IPProtocolUDP {
+				require.Equal(t, tc.dstPort, uint16(d.udp.DstPort), "Port should remain unchanged")
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func protocolToFirewall(proto layers.IPProtocol) firewall.Protocol {
+	switch proto {
+	case layers.IPProtocolTCP:
+		return firewall.ProtocolTCP
+	case layers.IPProtocolUDP:
+		return firewall.ProtocolUDP
+	default:
+		return firewall.ProtocolALL
+	}
 }
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer.go
index c75c0249d..c46a6581d 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer.go
@@ -16,25 +16,33 @@ type PacketStage int
 
 const (
 	StageReceived PacketStage = iota
+	StageInboundPortDNAT
+	StageInbound1to1NAT
 	StageConntrack
 	StagePeerACL
 	StageRouting
 	StageRouteACL
 	StageForwarding
 	StageCompleted
+	StageOutbound1to1NAT
+	StageOutboundPortReverse
 )
 
 const msgProcessingCompleted = "Processing completed"
 
 func (s PacketStage) String() string {
 	return map[PacketStage]string{
-		StageReceived:   "Received",
-		StageConntrack:  "Connection Tracking",
-		StagePeerACL:    "Peer ACL",
-		StageRouting:    "Routing",
-		StageRouteACL:   "Route ACL",
-		StageForwarding: "Forwarding",
-		StageCompleted:  "Completed",
+		StageReceived:            "Received",
+		StageInboundPortDNAT:     "Inbound Port DNAT",
+		StageInbound1to1NAT:      "Inbound 1:1 NAT",
+		StageConntrack:           "Connection Tracking",
+		StagePeerACL:             "Peer ACL",
+		StageRouting:             "Routing",
+		StageRouteACL:            "Route ACL",
+		StageForwarding:          "Forwarding",
+		StageCompleted:           "Completed",
+		StageOutbound1to1NAT:     "Outbound 1:1 NAT",
+		StageOutboundPortReverse: "Outbound DNAT Reverse",
 	}[s]
 }
 
@@ -261,6 +269,10 @@ func (m *Manager) TracePacket(packetData []byte, direction fw.RuleDirection) *Pa
 }
 
 func (m *Manager) traceInbound(packetData []byte, trace *PacketTrace, d *decoder, srcIP netip.Addr, dstIP netip.Addr) *PacketTrace {
+	if m.handleInboundDNAT(trace, packetData, d, &srcIP, &dstIP) {
+		return trace
+	}
+
 	if m.stateful && m.handleConntrackState(trace, d, srcIP, dstIP) {
 		return trace
 	}
@@ -400,7 +412,16 @@ func (m *Manager) addForwardingResult(trace *PacketTrace, action, remoteAddr str
 }
 
 func (m *Manager) traceOutbound(packetData []byte, trace *PacketTrace) *PacketTrace {
-	// will create or update the connection state
+	d := m.decoders.Get().(*decoder)
+	defer m.decoders.Put(d)
+
+	if err := d.parser.DecodeLayers(packetData, &d.decoded); err != nil {
+		trace.AddResult(StageCompleted, "Packet dropped - decode error", false)
+		return trace
+	}
+
+	m.handleOutboundDNAT(trace, packetData, d)
+
 	dropped := m.filterOutbound(packetData, 0)
 	if dropped {
 		trace.AddResult(StageCompleted, "Packet dropped by outgoing hook", false)
@@ -409,3 +430,199 @@ func (m *Manager) traceOutbound(packetData []byte, trace *PacketTrace) *PacketTr
 	}
 	return trace
 }
+
+func (m *Manager) handleInboundDNAT(trace *PacketTrace, packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP *netip.Addr) bool {
+	portDNATApplied := m.traceInboundPortDNAT(trace, packetData, d)
+	if portDNATApplied {
+		if err := d.parser.DecodeLayers(packetData, &d.decoded); err != nil {
+			trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, "Failed to re-decode after port DNAT", false)
+			return true
+		}
+		*srcIP, *dstIP = m.extractIPs(d)
+		trace.DestinationPort = m.getDestPort(d)
+	}
+
+	nat1to1Applied := m.traceInbound1to1NAT(trace, packetData, d)
+	if nat1to1Applied {
+		if err := d.parser.DecodeLayers(packetData, &d.decoded); err != nil {
+			trace.AddResult(StageInbound1to1NAT, "Failed to re-decode after 1:1 NAT", false)
+			return true
+		}
+		*srcIP, *dstIP = m.extractIPs(d)
+	}
+
+	return false
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) traceInboundPortDNAT(trace *PacketTrace, packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
+	if !m.portDNATEnabled.Load() {
+		trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, "Port DNAT not enabled", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
+		trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, "Not IPv4, skipping port DNAT", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	if len(d.decoded) < 2 {
+		trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, "No transport layer, skipping port DNAT", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	protocol := d.decoded[1]
+	if protocol != layers.LayerTypeTCP && protocol != layers.LayerTypeUDP {
+		trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, "Not TCP/UDP, skipping port DNAT", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	srcIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[12], packetData[13], packetData[14], packetData[15]})
+	dstIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[16], packetData[17], packetData[18], packetData[19]})
+	var originalPort uint16
+	if protocol == layers.LayerTypeTCP {
+		originalPort = uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
+	} else {
+		originalPort = uint16(d.udp.DstPort)
+	}
+
+	translated := m.translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData, d, srcIP, dstIP)
+	if translated {
+		ipHeaderLen := int((packetData[0] & 0x0F) * 4)
+		translatedPort := uint16(packetData[ipHeaderLen+2])<<8 | uint16(packetData[ipHeaderLen+3])
+
+		protoStr := "TCP"
+		if protocol == layers.LayerTypeUDP {
+			protoStr = "UDP"
+		}
+		msg := fmt.Sprintf("%s port DNAT applied: %s:%d -> %s:%d", protoStr, dstIP, originalPort, dstIP, translatedPort)
+		trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, msg, true)
+		return true
+	}
+
+	trace.AddResult(StageInboundPortDNAT, "No matching port DNAT rule", true)
+	return false
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) traceInbound1to1NAT(trace *PacketTrace, packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
+	if !m.dnatEnabled.Load() {
+		trace.AddResult(StageInbound1to1NAT, "1:1 NAT not enabled", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	srcIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[12], packetData[13], packetData[14], packetData[15]})
+
+	translated := m.translateInboundReverse(packetData, d)
+	if translated {
+		m.dnatMutex.RLock()
+		translatedIP, exists := m.dnatBiMap.getOriginal(srcIP)
+		m.dnatMutex.RUnlock()
+
+		if exists {
+			msg := fmt.Sprintf("1:1 NAT reverse applied: %s -> %s", srcIP, translatedIP)
+			trace.AddResult(StageInbound1to1NAT, msg, true)
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+
+	trace.AddResult(StageInbound1to1NAT, "No matching 1:1 NAT rule", true)
+	return false
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) handleOutboundDNAT(trace *PacketTrace, packetData []byte, d *decoder) {
+	m.traceOutbound1to1NAT(trace, packetData, d)
+	m.traceOutboundPortReverse(trace, packetData, d)
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) traceOutbound1to1NAT(trace *PacketTrace, packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
+	if !m.dnatEnabled.Load() {
+		trace.AddResult(StageOutbound1to1NAT, "1:1 NAT not enabled", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	dstIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[16], packetData[17], packetData[18], packetData[19]})
+
+	translated := m.translateOutboundDNAT(packetData, d)
+	if translated {
+		m.dnatMutex.RLock()
+		translatedIP, exists := m.dnatMappings[dstIP]
+		m.dnatMutex.RUnlock()
+
+		if exists {
+			msg := fmt.Sprintf("1:1 NAT applied: %s -> %s", dstIP, translatedIP)
+			trace.AddResult(StageOutbound1to1NAT, msg, true)
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+
+	trace.AddResult(StageOutbound1to1NAT, "No matching 1:1 NAT rule", true)
+	return false
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) traceOutboundPortReverse(trace *PacketTrace, packetData []byte, d *decoder) bool {
+	if !m.portDNATEnabled.Load() {
+		trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, "Port DNAT not enabled", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	if len(packetData) < 20 || d.decoded[0] != layers.LayerTypeIPv4 {
+		trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, "Not IPv4, skipping port reverse", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	if len(d.decoded) < 2 {
+		trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, "No transport layer, skipping port reverse", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	srcIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[12], packetData[13], packetData[14], packetData[15]})
+	dstIP := netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{packetData[16], packetData[17], packetData[18], packetData[19]})
+
+	var origPort uint16
+	transport := d.decoded[1]
+	switch transport {
+	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
+		srcPort := uint16(d.tcp.SrcPort)
+		dstPort := uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
+		conn, exists := m.tcpTracker.GetConnection(dstIP, dstPort, srcIP, srcPort)
+		if exists {
+			origPort = uint16(conn.DNATOrigPort.Load())
+		}
+		if origPort != 0 {
+			msg := fmt.Sprintf("TCP DNAT reverse (tracked connection): %s:%d -> %s:%d", srcIP, srcPort, srcIP, origPort)
+			trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, msg, true)
+			return true
+		}
+	case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
+		srcPort := uint16(d.udp.SrcPort)
+		dstPort := uint16(d.udp.DstPort)
+		conn, exists := m.udpTracker.GetConnection(dstIP, dstPort, srcIP, srcPort)
+		if exists {
+			origPort = uint16(conn.DNATOrigPort.Load())
+		}
+		if origPort != 0 {
+			msg := fmt.Sprintf("UDP DNAT reverse (tracked connection): %s:%d -> %s:%d", srcIP, srcPort, srcIP, origPort)
+			trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, msg, true)
+			return true
+		}
+	default:
+		trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, "Not TCP/UDP, skipping port reverse", true)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	trace.AddResult(StageOutboundPortReverse, "No tracked connection for DNAT reverse", true)
+	return false
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) getDestPort(d *decoder) uint16 {
+	if len(d.decoded) < 2 {
+		return 0
+	}
+	switch d.decoded[1] {
+	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
+		return uint16(d.tcp.DstPort)
+	case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
+		return uint16(d.udp.DstPort)
+	default:
+		return 0
+	}
+}
diff --git a/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer_test.go b/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer_test.go
index 46c115787..d9f9f1aa8 100644
--- a/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer_test.go
+++ b/client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer_test.go
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 	fw "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/conntrack"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/forwarder"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 		}
 
-		m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger)
+		m, err := Create(ifaceMock, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		if !statefulMode {
@@ -104,6 +105,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -126,6 +129,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -153,6 +158,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -179,6 +186,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -204,6 +213,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StageRouteACL,
@@ -228,6 +239,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StageRouteACL,
@@ -246,6 +259,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StageRouteACL,
@@ -264,6 +279,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StageCompleted,
@@ -287,6 +304,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageCompleted,
 			},
@@ -301,6 +320,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageOutbound1to1NAT,
+				StageOutboundPortReverse,
 				StageCompleted,
 			},
 			expectedAllow: true,
@@ -319,6 +340,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -340,6 +363,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -362,6 +387,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -382,6 +409,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageConntrack,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
@@ -406,6 +435,8 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
+				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageInbound1to1NAT,
 				StageRouting,
 				StagePeerACL,
 				StageCompleted,
diff --git a/client/grpc/dialer.go b/client/grpc/dialer.go
index 6aff53b92..7763f2417 100644
--- a/client/grpc/dialer.go
+++ b/client/grpc/dialer.go
@@ -4,12 +4,15 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"crypto/tls"
 	"crypto/x509"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
 	"runtime"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/cenkalti/backoff/v4"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc/connectivity"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/credentials"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/credentials/insecure"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/keepalive"
@@ -17,6 +20,9 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util/embeddedroots"
 )
 
+// ErrConnectionShutdown indicates that the connection entered shutdown state before becoming ready
+var ErrConnectionShutdown = errors.New("connection shutdown before ready")
+
 // Backoff returns a backoff configuration for gRPC calls
 func Backoff(ctx context.Context) backoff.BackOff {
 	b := backoff.NewExponentialBackOff()
@@ -25,6 +31,26 @@ func Backoff(ctx context.Context) backoff.BackOff {
 	return backoff.WithContext(b, ctx)
 }
 
+// waitForConnectionReady blocks until the connection becomes ready or fails.
+// Returns an error if the connection times out, is cancelled, or enters shutdown state.
+func waitForConnectionReady(ctx context.Context, conn *grpc.ClientConn) error {
+	conn.Connect()
+
+	state := conn.GetState()
+	for state != connectivity.Ready && state != connectivity.Shutdown {
+		if !conn.WaitForStateChange(ctx, state) {
+			return fmt.Errorf("wait state change from %s: %w", state, ctx.Err())
+		}
+		state = conn.GetState()
+	}
+
+	if state == connectivity.Shutdown {
+		return ErrConnectionShutdown
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // CreateConnection creates a gRPC client connection with the appropriate transport options.
 // The component parameter specifies the WebSocket proxy component path (e.g., "/management", "/signal").
 func CreateConnection(ctx context.Context, addr string, tlsEnabled bool, component string) (*grpc.ClientConn, error) {
@@ -42,22 +68,24 @@ func CreateConnection(ctx context.Context, addr string, tlsEnabled bool, compone
 		}))
 	}
 
-	connCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
-	defer cancel()
-
-	conn, err := grpc.DialContext(
-		connCtx,
+	conn, err := grpc.NewClient(
 		addr,
 		transportOption,
 		WithCustomDialer(tlsEnabled, component),
-		grpc.WithBlock(),
 		grpc.WithKeepaliveParams(keepalive.ClientParameters{
 			Time:    30 * time.Second,
 			Timeout: 10 * time.Second,
 		}),
 	)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Printf("DialContext error: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("new client: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	if err := waitForConnectionReady(ctx, conn); err != nil {
+		_ = conn.Close()
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
diff --git a/client/grpc/dialer_generic.go b/client/grpc/dialer_generic.go
index 96f347c64..479575996 100644
--- a/client/grpc/dialer_generic.go
+++ b/client/grpc/dialer_generic.go
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ import (
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 )
 
-func WithCustomDialer(tlsEnabled bool, component string) grpc.DialOption {
+func WithCustomDialer(_ bool, _ string) grpc.DialOption {
 	return grpc.WithContextDialer(func(ctx context.Context, addr string) (net.Conn, error) {
 		if runtime.GOOS == "linux" {
 			currentUser, err := user.Current()
@@ -36,7 +36,6 @@ func WithCustomDialer(tlsEnabled bool, component string) grpc.DialOption {
 
 		conn, err := nbnet.NewDialer().DialContext(ctx, "tcp", addr)
 		if err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("Failed to dial: %s", err)
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("nbnet.NewDialer().DialContext: %w", err)
 		}
 		return conn, nil
diff --git a/client/internal/acl/manager_test.go b/client/internal/acl/manager_test.go
index c276f445d..4bc0fd800 100644
--- a/client/internal/acl/manager_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/acl/manager_test.go
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/acl/mocks"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow"
@@ -52,7 +53,7 @@ func TestDefaultManager(t *testing.T) {
 	}).AnyTimes()
 	ifaceMock.EXPECT().GetWGDevice().Return(nil).AnyTimes()
 
-	fw, err := firewall.NewFirewall(ifaceMock, nil, flowLogger, false)
+	fw, err := firewall.NewFirewall(ifaceMock, nil, flowLogger, false, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		err = fw.Close(nil)
@@ -170,7 +171,7 @@ func TestDefaultManagerStateless(t *testing.T) {
 	}).AnyTimes()
 	ifaceMock.EXPECT().GetWGDevice().Return(nil).AnyTimes()
 
-	fw, err := firewall.NewFirewall(ifaceMock, nil, flowLogger, false)
+	fw, err := firewall.NewFirewall(ifaceMock, nil, flowLogger, false, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	defer func() {
 		err = fw.Close(nil)
diff --git a/client/internal/connect.go b/client/internal/connect.go
index 743307fd0..6ad5f264b 100644
--- a/client/internal/connect.go
+++ b/client/internal/connect.go
@@ -289,15 +289,18 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 		}
 
 		<-engineCtx.Done()
+
 		c.engineMutex.Lock()
-		if c.engine != nil && c.engine.wgInterface != nil {
-			log.Infof("ensuring %s is removed, Netbird engine context cancelled", c.engine.wgInterface.Name())
-			if err := c.engine.Stop(); err != nil {
+		engine := c.engine
+		c.engine = nil
+		c.engineMutex.Unlock()
+
+		if engine != nil && engine.wgInterface != nil {
+			log.Infof("ensuring %s is removed, Netbird engine context cancelled", engine.wgInterface.Name())
+			if err := engine.Stop(); err != nil {
 				log.Errorf("Failed to stop engine: %v", err)
 			}
-			c.engine = nil
 		}
-		c.engineMutex.Unlock()
 		c.statusRecorder.ClientTeardown()
 
 		backOff.Reset()
@@ -382,19 +385,12 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) Status() StatusType {
 }
 
 func (c *ConnectClient) Stop() error {
-	if c == nil {
-		return nil
+	engine := c.Engine()
+	if engine != nil {
+		if err := engine.Stop(); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("stop engine: %w", err)
+		}
 	}
-	c.engineMutex.Lock()
-	defer c.engineMutex.Unlock()
-
-	if c.engine == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	if err := c.engine.Stop(); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("stop engine: %w", err)
-	}
-
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/client/internal/debug/debug.go b/client/internal/debug/debug.go
index d39910cb4..c3d006a2b 100644
--- a/client/internal/debug/debug.go
+++ b/client/internal/debug/debug.go
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ nftables.txt: Anonymized nftables rules with packet counters, if --system-info f
 resolved_domains.txt: Anonymized resolved domain IP addresses from the status recorder.
 config.txt: Anonymized configuration information of the NetBird client.
 network_map.json: Anonymized sync response containing peer configurations, routes, DNS settings, and firewall rules.
-state.json: Anonymized client state dump containing netbird states.
+state.json: Anonymized client state dump containing netbird states for the active profile.
 mutex.prof: Mutex profiling information.
 goroutine.prof: Goroutine profiling information.
 block.prof: Block profiling information.
@@ -576,6 +576,8 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) addStateFile() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
+	log.Debugf("Adding state file from: %s", path)
+
 	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
 	if err != nil {
 		if errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go b/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go
index b06ba73ab..71badf0d4 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/exp/maps"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
 )
@@ -50,28 +51,21 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) supportCustomPort() bool {
 }
 
 func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
-	var err error
-
-	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{}); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to update shutdown state: %s", err)
-	}
-
 	var (
 		searchDomains []string
 		matchDomains  []string
 	)
 
-	err = s.recordSystemDNSSettings(true)
-	if err != nil {
+	if err := s.recordSystemDNSSettings(true); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("unable to update record of System's DNS config: %s", err.Error())
 	}
 
 	if config.RouteAll {
 		searchDomains = append(searchDomains, "\"\"")
-		err = s.addLocalDNS()
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Infof("failed to enable split DNS")
+		if err := s.addLocalDNS(); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add local DNS: %v", err)
 		}
+		s.updateState(stateManager)
 	}
 
 	for _, dConf := range config.Domains {
@@ -86,6 +80,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager *
 	}
 
 	matchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix)
+	var err error
 	if len(matchDomains) != 0 {
 		err = s.addMatchDomains(matchKey, strings.Join(matchDomains, " "), config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
 	} else {
@@ -95,6 +90,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager *
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("add match domains: %w", err)
 	}
+	s.updateState(stateManager)
 
 	searchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix)
 	if len(searchDomains) != 0 {
@@ -106,6 +102,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager *
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("add search domains: %w", err)
 	}
+	s.updateState(stateManager)
 
 	if err := s.flushDNSCache(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to flush DNS cache: %v", err)
@@ -114,6 +111,12 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager *
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (s *systemConfigurator) updateState(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) {
+	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{CreatedKeys: maps.Keys(s.createdKeys)}); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to update shutdown state: %s", err)
+	}
+}
+
 func (s *systemConfigurator) string() string {
 	return "scutil"
 }
@@ -167,18 +170,20 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) removeKeyFromSystemConfig(key string) error {
 func (s *systemConfigurator) addLocalDNS() error {
 	if !s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP.IsValid() || len(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains) == 0 {
 		if err := s.recordSystemDNSSettings(true); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("Unable to get system DNS configuration")
 			return fmt.Errorf("recordSystemDNSSettings(): %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 	localKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, localSuffix)
-	if s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP.IsValid() && len(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains) != 0 {
-		err := s.addSearchDomains(localKey, strings.Join(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains, " "), s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP, s.systemDNSSettings.ServerPort)
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("couldn't add local network DNS conf: %w", err)
-		}
-	} else {
+	if !s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP.IsValid() || len(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains) == 0 {
 		log.Info("Not enabling local DNS server")
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := s.addSearchDomains(
+		localKey,
+		strings.Join(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains, " "), s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP, s.systemDNSSettings.ServerPort,
+	); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add search domains: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_darwin_test.go b/client/internal/dns/host_darwin_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c4efd17b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_darwin_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+//go:build !ios
+
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"net/netip"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
+)
+
+func TestDarwinDNSUncleanShutdownCleanup(t *testing.T) {
+	if testing.Short() {
+		t.Skip("skipping scutil integration test in short mode")
+	}
+
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+	stateFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "state.json")
+
+	sm := statemanager.New(stateFile)
+	sm.RegisterState(&ShutdownState{})
+	sm.Start()
+	defer func() {
+		require.NoError(t, sm.Stop(context.Background()))
+	}()
+
+	configurator := &systemConfigurator{
+		createdKeys: make(map[string]struct{}),
+	}
+
+	config := HostDNSConfig{
+		ServerIP:   netip.MustParseAddr("100.64.0.1"),
+		ServerPort: 53,
+		RouteAll:   true,
+		Domains: []DomainConfig{
+			{Domain: "example.com", MatchOnly: true},
+		},
+	}
+
+	err := configurator.applyDNSConfig(config, sm)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	require.NoError(t, sm.PersistState(context.Background()))
+
+	searchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix)
+	matchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix)
+	localKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, localSuffix)
+
+	defer func() {
+		for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+			_ = removeTestDNSKey(key)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+		exists, err := checkDNSKeyExists(key)
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		if exists {
+			t.Logf("Key %s exists before cleanup", key)
+		}
+	}
+
+	sm2 := statemanager.New(stateFile)
+	sm2.RegisterState(&ShutdownState{})
+	err = sm2.LoadState(&ShutdownState{})
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	state := sm2.GetState(&ShutdownState{})
+	if state == nil {
+		t.Skip("State not saved, skipping cleanup test")
+	}
+
+	shutdownState, ok := state.(*ShutdownState)
+	require.True(t, ok)
+
+	err = shutdownState.Cleanup()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+		exists, err := checkDNSKeyExists(key)
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		assert.False(t, exists, "Key %s should NOT exist after cleanup", key)
+	}
+}
+
+func checkDNSKeyExists(key string) (bool, error) {
+	cmd := exec.Command(scutilPath)
+	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader("show " + key + "\nquit\n")
+	output, err := cmd.CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		if strings.Contains(string(output), "No such key") {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return !strings.Contains(string(output), "No such key"), nil
+}
+
+func removeTestDNSKey(key string) error {
+	cmd := exec.Command(scutilPath)
+	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader("remove " + key + "\nquit\n")
+	_, err := cmd.CombinedOutput()
+	return err
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go b/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go
index a14a01f40..01b7edc48 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/winregistry"
 )
 
 var (
@@ -178,13 +179,7 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager
 		log.Infof("removed %s as main DNS forwarder for this peer", config.ServerIP)
 	}
 
-	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{
-		Guid:           r.guid,
-		GPO:            r.gpo,
-		NRPTEntryCount: r.nrptEntryCount,
-	}); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to update shutdown state: %s", err)
-	}
+	r.updateState(stateManager)
 
 	var searchDomains, matchDomains []string
 	for _, dConf := range config.Domains {
@@ -197,6 +192,10 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager
 		matchDomains = append(matchDomains, "."+strings.TrimSuffix(dConf.Domain, "."))
 	}
 
+	if err := r.removeDNSMatchPolicies(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("cleanup old dns match policies: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	if len(matchDomains) != 0 {
 		count, err := r.addDNSMatchPolicy(matchDomains, config.ServerIP)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -204,19 +203,10 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager
 		}
 		r.nrptEntryCount = count
 	} else {
-		if err := r.removeDNSMatchPolicies(); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("remove dns match policies: %w", err)
-		}
 		r.nrptEntryCount = 0
 	}
 
-	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{
-		Guid:           r.guid,
-		GPO:            r.gpo,
-		NRPTEntryCount: r.nrptEntryCount,
-	}); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to update shutdown state: %s", err)
-	}
+	r.updateState(stateManager)
 
 	if err := r.updateSearchDomains(searchDomains); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("update search domains: %w", err)
@@ -227,6 +217,16 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (r *registryConfigurator) updateState(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) {
+	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{
+		Guid:           r.guid,
+		GPO:            r.gpo,
+		NRPTEntryCount: r.nrptEntryCount,
+	}); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to update shutdown state: %s", err)
+	}
+}
+
 func (r *registryConfigurator) addDNSSetupForAll(ip netip.Addr) error {
 	if err := r.setInterfaceRegistryKeyStringValue(interfaceConfigNameServerKey, ip.String()); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("adding dns setup for all failed: %w", err)
@@ -273,9 +273,9 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) configureDNSPolicy(policyPath string, domains []s
 		return fmt.Errorf("remove existing dns policy: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	regKey, _, err := registry.CreateKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, policyPath, registry.SET_VALUE)
+	regKey, _, err := winregistry.CreateVolatileKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, policyPath, registry.SET_VALUE)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("create registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s: %w", policyPath, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("create volatile registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s: %w", policyPath, err)
 	}
 	defer closer(regKey)
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_windows_test.go b/client/internal/dns/host_windows_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..19496bf5a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_windows_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/windows/registry"
+)
+
+// TestNRPTEntriesCleanupOnConfigChange tests that old NRPT entries are properly cleaned up
+// when the number of match domains decreases between configuration changes.
+func TestNRPTEntriesCleanupOnConfigChange(t *testing.T) {
+	if testing.Short() {
+		t.Skip("skipping registry integration test in short mode")
+	}
+
+	defer cleanupRegistryKeys(t)
+	cleanupRegistryKeys(t)
+
+	testIP := netip.MustParseAddr("100.64.0.1")
+
+	// Create a test interface registry key so updateSearchDomains doesn't fail
+	testGUID := "{12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789ABC}"
+	interfacePath := `SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\` + testGUID
+	testKey, _, err := registry.CreateKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, interfacePath, registry.SET_VALUE)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "Should create test interface registry key")
+	testKey.Close()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = registry.DeleteKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, interfacePath)
+	}()
+
+	cfg := &registryConfigurator{
+		guid: testGUID,
+		gpo:  false,
+	}
+
+	config5 := HostDNSConfig{
+		ServerIP: testIP,
+		Domains: []DomainConfig{
+			{Domain: "domain1.com", MatchOnly: true},
+			{Domain: "domain2.com", MatchOnly: true},
+			{Domain: "domain3.com", MatchOnly: true},
+			{Domain: "domain4.com", MatchOnly: true},
+			{Domain: "domain5.com", MatchOnly: true},
+		},
+	}
+
+	err = cfg.applyDNSConfig(config5, nil)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Verify all 5 entries exist
+	for i := 0; i < 5; i++ {
+		exists, err := registryKeyExists(fmt.Sprintf("%s-%d", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, i))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		assert.True(t, exists, "Entry %d should exist after first config", i)
+	}
+
+	config2 := HostDNSConfig{
+		ServerIP: testIP,
+		Domains: []DomainConfig{
+			{Domain: "domain1.com", MatchOnly: true},
+			{Domain: "domain2.com", MatchOnly: true},
+		},
+	}
+
+	err = cfg.applyDNSConfig(config2, nil)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Verify first 2 entries exist
+	for i := 0; i < 2; i++ {
+		exists, err := registryKeyExists(fmt.Sprintf("%s-%d", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, i))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		assert.True(t, exists, "Entry %d should exist after second config", i)
+	}
+
+	// Verify entries 2-4 are cleaned up
+	for i := 2; i < 5; i++ {
+		exists, err := registryKeyExists(fmt.Sprintf("%s-%d", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, i))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		assert.False(t, exists, "Entry %d should NOT exist after reducing to 2 domains", i)
+	}
+}
+
+func registryKeyExists(path string) (bool, error) {
+	k, err := registry.OpenKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, path, registry.QUERY_VALUE)
+	if err != nil {
+		if err == registry.ErrNotExist {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		return false, err
+	}
+	k.Close()
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+func cleanupRegistryKeys(*testing.T) {
+	cfg := &registryConfigurator{nrptEntryCount: 10}
+	_ = cfg.removeDNSMatchPolicies()
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server.go b/client/internal/dns/server.go
index 8cb886203..afaf0579f 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server.go
@@ -65,8 +65,9 @@ type hostManagerWithOriginalNS interface {
 
 // DefaultServer dns server object
 type DefaultServer struct {
-	ctx       context.Context
-	ctxCancel context.CancelFunc
+	ctx        context.Context
+	ctxCancel  context.CancelFunc
+	shutdownWg sync.WaitGroup
 	// disableSys disables system DNS management (e.g., /etc/resolv.conf updates) while keeping the DNS service running.
 	// This is different from ServiceEnable=false from management which completely disables the DNS service.
 	disableSys         bool
@@ -318,6 +319,7 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) DnsIP() netip.Addr {
 // Stop stops the server
 func (s *DefaultServer) Stop() {
 	s.ctxCancel()
+	s.shutdownWg.Wait()
 
 	s.mux.Lock()
 	defer s.mux.Unlock()
@@ -507,8 +509,9 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) applyConfiguration(update nbdns.Config) error {
 
 	s.applyHostConfig()
 
+	s.shutdownWg.Add(1)
 	go func() {
-		// persist dns state right away
+		defer s.shutdownWg.Done()
 		if err := s.stateManager.PersistState(s.ctx); err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("Failed to persist dns state: %v", err)
 		}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server_test.go b/client/internal/dns/server_test.go
index 11575d500..451b83f92 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server_test.go
@@ -944,7 +944,7 @@ func createWgInterfaceWithBind(t *testing.T) (*iface.WGIface, error) {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	pf, err := uspfilter.Create(wgIface, false, flowLogger)
+	pf, err := uspfilter.Create(wgIface, false, flowLogger, iface.DefaultMTU)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("failed to create uspfilter: %v", err)
 		return nil, err
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go
index 9bbdd2b56..f51b5cf8d 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 type ShutdownState struct {
+	CreatedKeys []string
 }
 
 func (s *ShutdownState) Name() string {
@@ -19,6 +20,10 @@ func (s *ShutdownState) Cleanup() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("create host manager: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	for _, key := range s.CreatedKeys {
+		manager.createdKeys[key] = struct{}{}
+	}
+
 	if err := manager.restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("restore unclean shutdown dns: %w", err)
 	}
diff --git a/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder.go b/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder.go
index 7a262fa4c..aef16a8cf 100644
--- a/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder.go
+++ b/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder.go
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
@@ -33,7 +34,7 @@ type firewaller interface {
 }
 
 type DNSForwarder struct {
-	listenAddress  string
+	listenAddress  netip.AddrPort
 	ttl            uint32
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 
@@ -47,9 +48,11 @@ type DNSForwarder struct {
 	firewall   firewaller
 	resolver   resolver
 	cache      *cache
+
+	wgIface wgIface
 }
 
-func NewDNSForwarder(listenAddress string, ttl uint32, firewall firewaller, statusRecorder *peer.Status) *DNSForwarder {
+func NewDNSForwarder(listenAddress netip.AddrPort, ttl uint32, firewall firewaller, statusRecorder *peer.Status, wgIface wgIface) *DNSForwarder {
 	log.Debugf("creating DNS forwarder with listen_address=%s ttl=%d", listenAddress, ttl)
 	return &DNSForwarder{
 		listenAddress:  listenAddress,
@@ -58,30 +61,46 @@ func NewDNSForwarder(listenAddress string, ttl uint32, firewall firewaller, stat
 		statusRecorder: statusRecorder,
 		resolver:       net.DefaultResolver,
 		cache:          newCache(),
+		wgIface:        wgIface,
 	}
 }
 
 func (f *DNSForwarder) Listen(entries []*ForwarderEntry) error {
-	log.Infof("starting DNS forwarder on address=%s", f.listenAddress)
+	var netstackNet *netstack.Net
+	if f.wgIface != nil {
+		netstackNet = f.wgIface.GetNet()
+	}
+
+	addrDesc := f.listenAddress.String()
+	if netstackNet != nil {
+		addrDesc = fmt.Sprintf("netstack %s", f.listenAddress)
+	}
+	log.Infof("starting DNS forwarder on address=%s", addrDesc)
+
+	udpLn, err := f.createUDPListener(netstackNet)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create UDP listener: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	tcpLn, err := f.createTCPListener(netstackNet)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create TCP listener: %w", err)
+	}
 
-	// UDP server
 	mux := dns.NewServeMux()
 	f.mux = mux
 	mux.HandleFunc(".", f.handleDNSQueryUDP)
 	f.dnsServer = &dns.Server{
-		Addr:    f.listenAddress,
-		Net:     "udp",
-		Handler: mux,
+		PacketConn: udpLn,
+		Handler:    mux,
 	}
 
-	// TCP server
 	tcpMux := dns.NewServeMux()
 	f.tcpMux = tcpMux
 	tcpMux.HandleFunc(".", f.handleDNSQueryTCP)
 	f.tcpServer = &dns.Server{
-		Addr:    f.listenAddress,
-		Net:     "tcp",
-		Handler: tcpMux,
+		Listener: tcpLn,
+		Handler:  tcpMux,
 	}
 
 	f.UpdateDomains(entries)
@@ -89,18 +108,33 @@ func (f *DNSForwarder) Listen(entries []*ForwarderEntry) error {
 	errCh := make(chan error, 2)
 
 	go func() {
-		log.Infof("DNS UDP listener running on %s", f.listenAddress)
-		errCh <- f.dnsServer.ListenAndServe()
+		log.Infof("DNS UDP listener running on %s", addrDesc)
+		errCh <- f.dnsServer.ActivateAndServe()
 	}()
 	go func() {
-		log.Infof("DNS TCP listener running on %s", f.listenAddress)
-		errCh <- f.tcpServer.ListenAndServe()
+		log.Infof("DNS TCP listener running on %s", addrDesc)
+		errCh <- f.tcpServer.ActivateAndServe()
 	}()
 
-	// return the first error we get (e.g. bind failure or shutdown)
 	return <-errCh
 }
 
+func (f *DNSForwarder) createUDPListener(netstackNet *netstack.Net) (net.PacketConn, error) {
+	if netstackNet != nil {
+		return netstackNet.ListenUDPAddrPort(f.listenAddress)
+	}
+
+	return net.ListenUDP("udp", net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(f.listenAddress))
+}
+
+func (f *DNSForwarder) createTCPListener(netstackNet *netstack.Net) (net.Listener, error) {
+	if netstackNet != nil {
+		return netstackNet.ListenTCPAddrPort(f.listenAddress)
+	}
+
+	return net.ListenTCP("tcp", net.TCPAddrFromAddrPort(f.listenAddress))
+}
+
 func (f *DNSForwarder) UpdateDomains(entries []*ForwarderEntry) {
 	f.mutex.Lock()
 	defer f.mutex.Unlock()
diff --git a/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder_test.go b/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder_test.go
index c1c95a2c1..4d0b96a75 100644
--- a/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder_test.go
@@ -297,7 +297,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_UnauthorizedDomainAccess(t *testing.T) {
 				mockResolver.On("LookupNetIP", mock.Anything, "ip4", dns.Fqdn(tt.queryDomain)).Return([]netip.Addr{fakeIP}, nil)
 			}
 
-			forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{})
+			forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 			forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 			d, err := domain.FromString(tt.configuredDomain)
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_FirewallSetUpdates(t *testing.T) {
 			mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
 
 			// Set up forwarder
-			forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{})
+			forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 			forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 			// Create entries and track sets
@@ -489,7 +489,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_MultipleIPsInSingleUpdate(t *testing.T) {
 	mockFirewall := &MockFirewall{}
 	mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
 
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 	forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 	// Configure a single domain
@@ -584,7 +584,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_ResponseCodes(t *testing.T) {
 
 	for _, tt := range tests {
 		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, nil, &peer.Status{})
+			forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, nil, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 
 			d, err := domain.FromString(tt.configured)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
@@ -616,7 +616,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_ResponseCodes(t *testing.T) {
 func TestDNSForwarder_TCPTruncation(t *testing.T) {
 	// Test that large UDP responses are truncated with TC bit set
 	mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, nil, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, nil, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 	forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 	d, _ := domain.FromString("example.com")
@@ -652,7 +652,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_TCPTruncation(t *testing.T) {
 // a subsequent upstream failure still returns a successful response from cache.
 func TestDNSForwarder_ServeFromCacheOnUpstreamFailure(t *testing.T) {
 	mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, nil, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, nil, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 	forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 	d, err := domain.FromString("example.com")
@@ -696,7 +696,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_ServeFromCacheOnUpstreamFailure(t *testing.T) {
 // Verifies that cache normalization works across casing and trailing dot variations.
 func TestDNSForwarder_CacheNormalizationCasingAndDot(t *testing.T) {
 	mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, nil, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, nil, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 	forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 	d, err := domain.FromString("ExAmPlE.CoM")
@@ -742,7 +742,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_MultipleOverlappingPatterns(t *testing.T) {
 	mockFirewall := &MockFirewall{}
 	mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
 
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 	forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 	// Set up complex overlapping patterns
@@ -804,7 +804,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_NodataVsNxdomain(t *testing.T) {
 	mockFirewall := &MockFirewall{}
 	mockResolver := &MockResolver{}
 
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, mockFirewall, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 	forwarder.resolver = mockResolver
 
 	d, err := domain.FromString("example.com")
@@ -925,7 +925,7 @@ func TestDNSForwarder_NodataVsNxdomain(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestDNSForwarder_EmptyQuery(t *testing.T) {
 	// Test handling of malformed query with no questions
-	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder("127.0.0.1:0", 300, nil, &peer.Status{})
+	forwarder := NewDNSForwarder(netip.MustParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:0"), 300, nil, &peer.Status{}, nil)
 
 	query := &dns.Msg{}
 	// Don't set any question
diff --git a/client/internal/dnsfwd/manager.go b/client/internal/dnsfwd/manager.go
index a3a4ba40f..58b88d9ef 100644
--- a/client/internal/dnsfwd/manager.go
+++ b/client/internal/dnsfwd/manager.go
@@ -4,27 +4,34 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
-	"sync"
+	"net/netip"
+	"os"
+	"strconv"
 
 	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
+	nftypes "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow/types"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
+	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/domain"
 )
 
-var (
-	// ListenPort is the port that the DNS forwarder listens on. It has been used by the client peers also
-	listenPort   uint16 = 5353
-	listenPortMu sync.RWMutex
+const (
+	dnsTTL        = 60
+	envServerPort = "NB_DNS_FORWARDER_PORT"
 )
 
-const (
-	dnsTTL = 60 //seconds
-)
+// wgIface defines the interface for WireGuard interface operations needed by the DNS forwarder.
+type wgIface interface {
+	GetNet() *netstack.Net
+	Address() wgaddr.Address
+}
 
 // ForwarderEntry is a mapping from a domain to a resource ID and a hash of the parent domain list.
 type ForwarderEntry struct {
@@ -36,28 +43,30 @@ type ForwarderEntry struct {
 type Manager struct {
 	firewall       firewall.Manager
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
+	wgIface        wgIface
+	serverPort     uint16
 
 	fwRules      []firewall.Rule
 	tcpRules     []firewall.Rule
 	dnsForwarder *DNSForwarder
 }
 
-func ListenPort() uint16 {
-	listenPortMu.RLock()
-	defer listenPortMu.RUnlock()
-	return listenPort
-}
+func NewManager(fw firewall.Manager, statusRecorder *peer.Status, wgIface wgIface) *Manager {
+	serverPort := nbdns.ForwarderServerPort
+	if envPort := os.Getenv(envServerPort); envPort != "" {
+		if port, err := strconv.ParseUint(envPort, 10, 16); err == nil && port > 0 {
+			serverPort = uint16(port)
+			log.Infof("using custom DNS forwarder port from %s: %d", envServerPort, serverPort)
+		} else {
+			log.Warnf("invalid %s value %q, using default %d", envServerPort, envPort, nbdns.ForwarderServerPort)
+		}
+	}
 
-func SetListenPort(port uint16) {
-	listenPortMu.Lock()
-	listenPort = port
-	listenPortMu.Unlock()
-}
-
-func NewManager(fw firewall.Manager, statusRecorder *peer.Status) *Manager {
 	return &Manager{
 		firewall:       fw,
 		statusRecorder: statusRecorder,
+		wgIface:        wgIface,
+		serverPort:     serverPort,
 	}
 }
 
@@ -71,7 +80,25 @@ func (m *Manager) Start(fwdEntries []*ForwarderEntry) error {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	m.dnsForwarder = NewDNSForwarder(fmt.Sprintf(":%d", ListenPort()), dnsTTL, m.firewall, m.statusRecorder)
+	localAddr := m.wgIface.Address().IP
+
+	if localAddr.IsValid() && m.firewall != nil {
+		if err := m.firewall.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewall.ProtocolUDP, nbdns.ForwarderClientPort, m.serverPort); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add DNS UDP DNAT rule: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Infof("added DNS UDP DNAT rule: %s:%d -> %s:%d", localAddr, nbdns.ForwarderClientPort, localAddr, m.serverPort)
+		}
+
+		if err := m.firewall.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewall.ProtocolTCP, nbdns.ForwarderClientPort, m.serverPort); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add DNS TCP DNAT rule: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Infof("added DNS TCP DNAT rule: %s:%d -> %s:%d", localAddr, nbdns.ForwarderClientPort, localAddr, m.serverPort)
+		}
+	}
+
+	listenAddress := netip.AddrPortFrom(localAddr, m.serverPort)
+	m.dnsForwarder = NewDNSForwarder(listenAddress, dnsTTL, m.firewall, m.statusRecorder, m.wgIface)
+
 	go func() {
 		if err := m.dnsForwarder.Listen(fwdEntries); err != nil {
 			// todo handle close error if it is exists
@@ -96,6 +123,20 @@ func (m *Manager) Stop(ctx context.Context) error {
 	}
 
 	var mErr *multierror.Error
+
+	localAddr := m.wgIface.Address().IP
+	if localAddr.IsValid() && m.firewall != nil {
+		if err := m.firewall.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewall.ProtocolUDP, nbdns.ForwarderClientPort, m.serverPort); err != nil {
+			mErr = multierror.Append(mErr, fmt.Errorf("remove DNS UDP DNAT rule: %w", err))
+		}
+
+		if err := m.firewall.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewall.ProtocolTCP, nbdns.ForwarderClientPort, m.serverPort); err != nil {
+			mErr = multierror.Append(mErr, fmt.Errorf("remove DNS TCP DNAT rule: %w", err))
+		}
+	}
+
+	m.unregisterNetstackServices()
+
 	if err := m.dropDNSFirewall(); err != nil {
 		mErr = multierror.Append(mErr, err)
 	}
@@ -111,7 +152,7 @@ func (m *Manager) Stop(ctx context.Context) error {
 func (m *Manager) allowDNSFirewall() error {
 	dport := &firewall.Port{
 		IsRange: false,
-		Values:  []uint16{ListenPort()},
+		Values:  []uint16{m.serverPort},
 	}
 
 	if m.firewall == nil {
@@ -120,21 +161,50 @@ func (m *Manager) allowDNSFirewall() error {
 
 	dnsRules, err := m.firewall.AddPeerFiltering(nil, net.IP{0, 0, 0, 0}, firewall.ProtocolUDP, nil, dport, firewall.ActionAccept, "")
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to add allow DNS router rules, err: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add udp firewall rule: %w", err)
 	}
-	m.fwRules = dnsRules
 
 	tcpRules, err := m.firewall.AddPeerFiltering(nil, net.IP{0, 0, 0, 0}, firewall.ProtocolTCP, nil, dport, firewall.ActionAccept, "")
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to add allow DNS router rules, err: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add tcp firewall rule: %w", err)
 	}
+
+	if err := m.firewall.Flush(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("flush: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	m.fwRules = dnsRules
 	m.tcpRules = tcpRules
 
+	m.registerNetstackServices()
+
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (m *Manager) registerNetstackServices() {
+	if netstackNet := m.wgIface.GetNet(); netstackNet != nil {
+		if registrar, ok := m.firewall.(interface {
+			RegisterNetstackService(protocol nftypes.Protocol, port uint16)
+		}); ok {
+			registrar.RegisterNetstackService(nftypes.TCP, m.serverPort)
+			registrar.RegisterNetstackService(nftypes.UDP, m.serverPort)
+			log.Debugf("registered DNS forwarder service with netstack for UDP/TCP:%d", m.serverPort)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) unregisterNetstackServices() {
+	if netstackNet := m.wgIface.GetNet(); netstackNet != nil {
+		if registrar, ok := m.firewall.(interface {
+			UnregisterNetstackService(protocol nftypes.Protocol, port uint16)
+		}); ok {
+			registrar.UnregisterNetstackService(nftypes.TCP, m.serverPort)
+			registrar.UnregisterNetstackService(nftypes.UDP, m.serverPort)
+			log.Debugf("unregistered DNS forwarder service with netstack for UDP/TCP:%d", m.serverPort)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
 func (m *Manager) dropDNSFirewall() error {
 	var mErr *multierror.Error
 	for _, rule := range m.fwRules {
diff --git a/client/internal/engine.go b/client/internal/engine.go
index ed47c0cee..1deb3d3cf 100644
--- a/client/internal/engine.go
+++ b/client/internal/engine.go
@@ -202,11 +202,12 @@ type Engine struct {
 	flowManager         nftypes.FlowManager
 
 	// WireGuard interface monitor
-	wgIfaceMonitor   *WGIfaceMonitor
-	wgIfaceMonitorWg sync.WaitGroup
+	wgIfaceMonitor *WGIfaceMonitor
 
-	// dns forwarder port
-	dnsFwdPort uint16
+	// shutdownWg tracks all long-running goroutines to ensure clean shutdown
+	shutdownWg sync.WaitGroup
+
+	probeStunTurn *relay.StunTurnProbe
 }
 
 // Peer is an instance of the Connection Peer
@@ -248,7 +249,7 @@ func NewEngine(
 		statusRecorder: statusRecorder,
 		checks:         checks,
 		connSemaphore:  semaphoregroup.NewSemaphoreGroup(connInitLimit),
-		dnsFwdPort:     dnsfwd.ListenPort(),
+		probeStunTurn:  relay.NewStunTurnProbe(relay.DefaultCacheTTL),
 	}
 
 	sm := profilemanager.NewServiceManager("")
@@ -307,17 +308,12 @@ func (e *Engine) Stop() error {
 		e.ingressGatewayMgr = nil
 	}
 
+	e.stopDNSForwarder()
+
 	if e.routeManager != nil {
 		e.routeManager.Stop(e.stateManager)
 	}
 
-	if e.dnsForwardMgr != nil {
-		if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Stop(context.Background()); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("failed to stop DNS forward: %v", err)
-		}
-		e.dnsForwardMgr = nil
-	}
-
 	if e.srWatcher != nil {
 		e.srWatcher.Close()
 	}
@@ -334,10 +330,6 @@ func (e *Engine) Stop() error {
 		e.cancel()
 	}
 
-	// very ugly but we want to remove peers from the WireGuard interface first before removing interface.
-	// Removing peers happens in the conn.Close() asynchronously
-	time.Sleep(500 * time.Millisecond)
-
 	e.close()
 
 	// stop flow manager after wg interface is gone
@@ -345,8 +337,6 @@ func (e *Engine) Stop() error {
 		e.flowManager.Close()
 	}
 
-	log.Infof("stopped Netbird Engine")
-
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 3*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 
@@ -357,12 +347,52 @@ func (e *Engine) Stop() error {
 		log.Errorf("failed to persist state: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	// Stop WireGuard interface monitor and wait for it to exit
-	e.wgIfaceMonitorWg.Wait()
+	timeout := e.calculateShutdownTimeout()
+	log.Debugf("waiting for goroutines to finish with timeout: %v", timeout)
+	shutdownCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), timeout)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	if err := waitWithContext(shutdownCtx, &e.shutdownWg); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("shutdown timeout exceeded after %v, some goroutines may still be running", timeout)
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("stopped Netbird Engine")
 
 	return nil
 }
 
+// calculateShutdownTimeout returns shutdown timeout: 10s base + 100ms per peer, capped at 30s.
+func (e *Engine) calculateShutdownTimeout() time.Duration {
+	peerCount := len(e.peerStore.PeersPubKey())
+
+	baseTimeout := 10 * time.Second
+	perPeerTimeout := time.Duration(peerCount) * 100 * time.Millisecond
+	timeout := baseTimeout + perPeerTimeout
+
+	maxTimeout := 30 * time.Second
+	if timeout > maxTimeout {
+		timeout = maxTimeout
+	}
+
+	return timeout
+}
+
+// waitWithContext waits for WaitGroup with timeout, returns ctx.Err() on timeout.
+func waitWithContext(ctx context.Context, wg *sync.WaitGroup) error {
+	done := make(chan struct{})
+	go func() {
+		wg.Wait()
+		close(done)
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-done:
+		return nil
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		return ctx.Err()
+	}
+}
+
 // Start creates a new WireGuard tunnel interface and listens to events from Signal and Management services
 // Connections to remote peers are not established here.
 // However, they will be established once an event with a list of peers to connect to will be received from Management Service
@@ -492,14 +522,14 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 
 	// monitor WireGuard interface lifecycle and restart engine on changes
 	e.wgIfaceMonitor = NewWGIfaceMonitor()
-	e.wgIfaceMonitorWg.Add(1)
+	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
 
 	go func() {
-		defer e.wgIfaceMonitorWg.Done()
+		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
 
 		if shouldRestart, err := e.wgIfaceMonitor.Start(e.ctx, e.wgInterface.Name()); shouldRestart {
 			log.Infof("WireGuard interface monitor: %s, restarting engine", err)
-			e.restartEngine()
+			e.triggerClientRestart()
 		} else if err != nil {
 			log.Warnf("WireGuard interface monitor: %s", err)
 		}
@@ -515,7 +545,7 @@ func (e *Engine) createFirewall() error {
 	}
 
 	var err error
-	e.firewall, err = firewall.NewFirewall(e.wgInterface, e.stateManager, e.flowManager.GetLogger(), e.config.DisableServerRoutes)
+	e.firewall, err = firewall.NewFirewall(e.wgInterface, e.stateManager, e.flowManager.GetLogger(), e.config.DisableServerRoutes, e.config.MTU)
 	if err != nil || e.firewall == nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed creating firewall manager: %s", err)
 		return nil
@@ -899,7 +929,9 @@ func (e *Engine) updateConfig(conf *mgmProto.PeerConfig) error {
 // receiveManagementEvents connects to the Management Service event stream to receive updates from the management service
 // E.g. when a new peer has been registered and we are allowed to connect to it.
 func (e *Engine) receiveManagementEvents() {
+	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
 	go func() {
+		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
 		info, err := system.GetInfoWithChecks(e.ctx, e.checks)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Warnf("failed to get system info with checks: %v", err)
@@ -1014,10 +1046,14 @@ func (e *Engine) updateNetworkMap(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) error {
 		protoDNSConfig = &mgmProto.DNSConfig{}
 	}
 
-	if err := e.dnsServer.UpdateDNSServer(serial, toDNSConfig(protoDNSConfig, e.wgInterface.Address().Network)); err != nil {
+	dnsConfig := toDNSConfig(protoDNSConfig, e.wgInterface.Address().Network)
+
+	if err := e.dnsServer.UpdateDNSServer(serial, dnsConfig); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to update dns server, err: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	e.routeManager.SetDNSForwarderPort(dnsConfig.ForwarderPort)
+
 	// apply routes first, route related actions might depend on routing being enabled
 	routes := toRoutes(networkMap.GetRoutes())
 	serverRoutes, clientRoutes := e.routeManager.ClassifyRoutes(routes)
@@ -1038,7 +1074,7 @@ func (e *Engine) updateNetworkMap(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) error {
 	}
 
 	fwdEntries := toRouteDomains(e.config.WgPrivateKey.PublicKey().String(), routes)
-	e.updateDNSForwarder(dnsRouteFeatureFlag, fwdEntries, uint16(protoDNSConfig.ForwarderPort))
+	e.updateDNSForwarder(dnsRouteFeatureFlag, fwdEntries)
 
 	// Ingress forward rules
 	forwardingRules, err := e.updateForwardRules(networkMap.GetForwardingRules())
@@ -1156,10 +1192,16 @@ func toRouteDomains(myPubKey string, routes []*route.Route) []*dnsfwd.ForwarderE
 }
 
 func toDNSConfig(protoDNSConfig *mgmProto.DNSConfig, network netip.Prefix) nbdns.Config {
+	forwarderPort := uint16(protoDNSConfig.GetForwarderPort())
+	if forwarderPort == 0 {
+		forwarderPort = nbdns.ForwarderClientPort
+	}
+
 	dnsUpdate := nbdns.Config{
 		ServiceEnable:    protoDNSConfig.GetServiceEnable(),
 		CustomZones:      make([]nbdns.CustomZone, 0),
 		NameServerGroups: make([]*nbdns.NameServerGroup, 0),
+		ForwarderPort:    forwarderPort,
 	}
 
 	for _, zone := range protoDNSConfig.GetCustomZones() {
@@ -1316,7 +1358,9 @@ func (e *Engine) createPeerConn(pubKey string, allowedIPs []netip.Prefix, agentV
 
 // receiveSignalEvents connects to the Signal Service event stream to negotiate connection with remote peers
 func (e *Engine) receiveSignalEvents() {
+	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
 	go func() {
+		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
 		// connect to a stream of messages coming from the signal server
 		err := e.signal.Receive(e.ctx, func(msg *sProto.Message) error {
 			e.syncMsgMux.Lock()
@@ -1613,7 +1657,7 @@ func (e *Engine) getRosenpassAddr() string {
 
 // RunHealthProbes executes health checks for Signal, Management, Relay and WireGuard services
 // and updates the status recorder with the latest states.
-func (e *Engine) RunHealthProbes() bool {
+func (e *Engine) RunHealthProbes(waitForResult bool) bool {
 	e.syncMsgMux.Lock()
 
 	signalHealthy := e.signal.IsHealthy()
@@ -1645,8 +1689,12 @@ func (e *Engine) RunHealthProbes() bool {
 	}
 
 	e.syncMsgMux.Unlock()
-
-	results := e.probeICE(stuns, turns)
+	var results []relay.ProbeResult
+	if waitForResult {
+		results = e.probeStunTurn.ProbeAllWaitResult(e.ctx, stuns, turns)
+	} else {
+		results = e.probeStunTurn.ProbeAll(e.ctx, stuns, turns)
+	}
 	e.statusRecorder.UpdateRelayStates(results)
 
 	relayHealthy := true
@@ -1663,15 +1711,10 @@ func (e *Engine) RunHealthProbes() bool {
 	return allHealthy
 }
 
-func (e *Engine) probeICE(stuns, turns []*stun.URI) []relay.ProbeResult {
-	return append(
-		relay.ProbeAll(e.ctx, relay.ProbeSTUN, stuns),
-		relay.ProbeAll(e.ctx, relay.ProbeTURN, turns)...,
-	)
-}
-
-// restartEngine restarts the engine by cancelling the client context
-func (e *Engine) restartEngine() {
+// triggerClientRestart triggers a full client restart by cancelling the client context.
+// Note: This does NOT just restart the engine - it cancels the entire client context,
+// which causes the connect client's retry loop to create a completely new engine.
+func (e *Engine) triggerClientRestart() {
 	e.syncMsgMux.Lock()
 	defer e.syncMsgMux.Unlock()
 
@@ -1693,7 +1736,9 @@ func (e *Engine) startNetworkMonitor() {
 	}
 
 	e.networkMonitor = networkmonitor.New()
+	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
 	go func() {
+		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
 		if err := e.networkMonitor.Listen(e.ctx); err != nil {
 			if errors.Is(err, context.Canceled) {
 				log.Infof("network monitor stopped")
@@ -1703,8 +1748,8 @@ func (e *Engine) startNetworkMonitor() {
 			return
 		}
 
-		log.Infof("Network monitor: detected network change, restarting engine")
-		e.restartEngine()
+		log.Infof("Network monitor: detected network change, triggering client restart")
+		e.triggerClientRestart()
 	}()
 }
 
@@ -1789,64 +1834,50 @@ func (e *Engine) GetWgAddr() netip.Addr {
 func (e *Engine) updateDNSForwarder(
 	enabled bool,
 	fwdEntries []*dnsfwd.ForwarderEntry,
-	forwarderPort uint16,
 ) {
 	if e.config.DisableServerRoutes {
 		return
 	}
 
-	if forwarderPort > 0 {
-		dnsfwd.SetListenPort(forwarderPort)
-	}
-
 	if !enabled {
-		if e.dnsForwardMgr == nil {
-			return
-		}
-		if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Stop(context.Background()); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("failed to stop DNS forward: %v", err)
-		}
+		e.stopDNSForwarder()
 		return
 	}
 
 	if len(fwdEntries) > 0 {
-		switch {
-		case e.dnsForwardMgr == nil:
-			e.dnsForwardMgr = dnsfwd.NewManager(e.firewall, e.statusRecorder)
-			if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Start(fwdEntries); err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("failed to start DNS forward: %v", err)
-				e.dnsForwardMgr = nil
-			}
-			log.Infof("started domain router service with %d entries", len(fwdEntries))
-		case e.dnsFwdPort != forwarderPort:
-			log.Infof("updating domain router service port from %d to %d", e.dnsFwdPort, forwarderPort)
-			e.restartDnsFwd(fwdEntries, forwarderPort)
-			e.dnsFwdPort = forwarderPort
-
-		default:
+		if e.dnsForwardMgr == nil {
+			e.startDNSForwarder(fwdEntries)
+		} else {
 			e.dnsForwardMgr.UpdateDomains(fwdEntries)
 		}
 	} else if e.dnsForwardMgr != nil {
 		log.Infof("disable domain router service")
-		if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Stop(context.Background()); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("failed to stop DNS forward: %v", err)
-		}
-		e.dnsForwardMgr = nil
+		e.stopDNSForwarder()
 	}
-
 }
 
-func (e *Engine) restartDnsFwd(fwdEntries []*dnsfwd.ForwarderEntry, forwarderPort uint16) {
-	log.Infof("updating domain router service port from %d to %d", e.dnsFwdPort, forwarderPort)
-	// stop and start the forwarder to apply the new port
-	if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Stop(context.Background()); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to stop DNS forward: %v", err)
-	}
-	e.dnsForwardMgr = dnsfwd.NewManager(e.firewall, e.statusRecorder)
+func (e *Engine) startDNSForwarder(fwdEntries []*dnsfwd.ForwarderEntry) {
+	e.dnsForwardMgr = dnsfwd.NewManager(e.firewall, e.statusRecorder, e.wgInterface)
+
 	if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Start(fwdEntries); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to start DNS forward: %v", err)
 		e.dnsForwardMgr = nil
+		return
 	}
+
+	log.Infof("started domain router service with %d entries", len(fwdEntries))
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) stopDNSForwarder() {
+	if e.dnsForwardMgr == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if err := e.dnsForwardMgr.Stop(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to stop DNS forward: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	e.dnsForwardMgr = nil
 }
 
 func (e *Engine) GetNet() (*netstack.Net, error) {
diff --git a/client/internal/netflow/logger/logger.go b/client/internal/netflow/logger/logger.go
index 899faf108..a033a2a7c 100644
--- a/client/internal/netflow/logger/logger.go
+++ b/client/internal/netflow/logger/logger.go
@@ -10,10 +10,10 @@ import (
 	"github.com/google/uuid"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dnsfwd"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow/store"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow/types"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/dns"
 )
 
 type rcvChan chan *types.EventFields
@@ -138,7 +138,8 @@ func (l *Logger) UpdateConfig(dnsCollection, exitNodeCollection bool) {
 
 func (l *Logger) shouldStore(event *types.EventFields, isExitNode bool) bool {
 	// check dns collection
-	if !l.dnsCollection.Load() && event.Protocol == types.UDP && (event.DestPort == 53 || event.DestPort == uint16(dnsfwd.ListenPort())) {
+	if !l.dnsCollection.Load() && event.Protocol == types.UDP &&
+		(event.DestPort == 53 || event.DestPort == dns.ForwarderClientPort || event.DestPort == dns.ForwarderServerPort) {
 		return false
 	}
 
diff --git a/client/internal/netflow/manager.go b/client/internal/netflow/manager.go
index e3b188468..7752c97b0 100644
--- a/client/internal/netflow/manager.go
+++ b/client/internal/netflow/manager.go
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ import (
 // Manager handles netflow tracking and logging
 type Manager struct {
 	mux            sync.Mutex
+	shutdownWg     sync.WaitGroup
 	logger         nftypes.FlowLogger
 	flowConfig     *nftypes.FlowConfig
 	conntrack      nftypes.ConnTracker
@@ -105,8 +106,15 @@ func (m *Manager) resetClient() error {
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
 	m.cancel = cancel
 
-	go m.receiveACKs(ctx, flowClient)
-	go m.startSender(ctx)
+	m.shutdownWg.Add(2)
+	go func() {
+		defer m.shutdownWg.Done()
+		m.receiveACKs(ctx, flowClient)
+	}()
+	go func() {
+		defer m.shutdownWg.Done()
+		m.startSender(ctx)
+	}()
 
 	return nil
 }
@@ -176,11 +184,12 @@ func (m *Manager) Update(update *nftypes.FlowConfig) error {
 // Close cleans up all resources
 func (m *Manager) Close() {
 	m.mux.Lock()
-	defer m.mux.Unlock()
-
 	if err := m.disableFlow(); err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to disable flow manager: %v", err)
 	}
+	m.mux.Unlock()
+
+	m.shutdownWg.Wait()
 }
 
 // GetLogger returns the flow logger
diff --git a/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_bsd.go b/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_bsd.go
index f5eb2c739..b3482f54e 100644
--- a/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_bsd.go
+++ b/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_bsd.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-//go:build (darwin && !ios) || dragonfly || freebsd || netbsd || openbsd
+//go:build dragonfly || freebsd || netbsd || openbsd
 
 package networkmonitor
 
@@ -6,21 +6,19 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"syscall"
-	"unsafe"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-	"golang.org/x/net/route"
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/systemops"
 )
 
 func checkChange(ctx context.Context, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Nexthop) error {
-	fd, err := unix.Socket(syscall.AF_ROUTE, syscall.SOCK_RAW, syscall.AF_UNSPEC)
+	fd, err := prepareFd()
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("open routing socket: %v", err)
 	}
+
 	defer func() {
 		err := unix.Close(fd)
 		if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, unix.EBADF) {
@@ -28,72 +26,5 @@ func checkChange(ctx context.Context, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Nexthop) er
 		}
 	}()
 
-	for {
-		select {
-		case <-ctx.Done():
-			return ctx.Err()
-		default:
-			buf := make([]byte, 2048)
-			n, err := unix.Read(fd, buf)
-			if err != nil {
-				if !errors.Is(err, unix.EBADF) && !errors.Is(err, unix.EINVAL) {
-					log.Warnf("Network monitor: failed to read from routing socket: %v", err)
-				}
-				continue
-			}
-			if n < unix.SizeofRtMsghdr {
-				log.Debugf("Network monitor: read from routing socket returned less than expected: %d bytes", n)
-				continue
-			}
-
-			msg := (*unix.RtMsghdr)(unsafe.Pointer(&buf[0]))
-
-			switch msg.Type {
-			// handle route changes
-			case unix.RTM_ADD, syscall.RTM_DELETE:
-				route, err := parseRouteMessage(buf[:n])
-				if err != nil {
-					log.Debugf("Network monitor: error parsing routing message: %v", err)
-					continue
-				}
-
-				if route.Dst.Bits() != 0 {
-					continue
-				}
-
-				intf := "<nil>"
-				if route.Interface != nil {
-					intf = route.Interface.Name
-				}
-				switch msg.Type {
-				case unix.RTM_ADD:
-					log.Infof("Network monitor: default route changed: via %s, interface %s", route.Gw, intf)
-					return nil
-				case unix.RTM_DELETE:
-					if nexthopv4.Intf != nil && route.Gw.Compare(nexthopv4.IP) == 0 || nexthopv6.Intf != nil && route.Gw.Compare(nexthopv6.IP) == 0 {
-						log.Infof("Network monitor: default route removed: via %s, interface %s", route.Gw, intf)
-						return nil
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-func parseRouteMessage(buf []byte) (*systemops.Route, error) {
-	msgs, err := route.ParseRIB(route.RIBTypeRoute, buf)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parse RIB: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	if len(msgs) != 1 {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message msgs: %v", msgs)
-	}
-
-	msg, ok := msgs[0].(*route.RouteMessage)
-	if !ok {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message type: %T", msgs[0])
-	}
-
-	return systemops.MsgToRoute(msg)
+	return routeCheck(ctx, fd, nexthopv4, nexthopv6)
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_common.go b/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_common.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c287236e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_common.go
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+//go:build dragonfly || freebsd || netbsd || openbsd || darwin
+
+package networkmonitor
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"syscall"
+	"unsafe"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/net/route"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/systemops"
+)
+
+func prepareFd() (int, error) {
+	return unix.Socket(syscall.AF_ROUTE, syscall.SOCK_RAW, syscall.AF_UNSPEC)
+}
+
+func routeCheck(ctx context.Context, fd int, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Nexthop) error {
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return ctx.Err()
+		default:
+			buf := make([]byte, 2048)
+			n, err := unix.Read(fd, buf)
+			if err != nil {
+				if !errors.Is(err, unix.EBADF) && !errors.Is(err, unix.EINVAL) {
+					log.Warnf("Network monitor: failed to read from routing socket: %v", err)
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			if n < unix.SizeofRtMsghdr {
+				log.Debugf("Network monitor: read from routing socket returned less than expected: %d bytes", n)
+				continue
+			}
+
+			msg := (*unix.RtMsghdr)(unsafe.Pointer(&buf[0]))
+
+			switch msg.Type {
+			// handle route changes
+			case unix.RTM_ADD, syscall.RTM_DELETE:
+				route, err := parseRouteMessage(buf[:n])
+				if err != nil {
+					log.Debugf("Network monitor: error parsing routing message: %v", err)
+					continue
+				}
+
+				if route.Dst.Bits() != 0 {
+					continue
+				}
+
+				intf := "<nil>"
+				if route.Interface != nil {
+					intf = route.Interface.Name
+				}
+				switch msg.Type {
+				case unix.RTM_ADD:
+					log.Infof("Network monitor: default route changed: via %s, interface %s", route.Gw, intf)
+					return nil
+				case unix.RTM_DELETE:
+					if nexthopv4.Intf != nil && route.Gw.Compare(nexthopv4.IP) == 0 || nexthopv6.Intf != nil && route.Gw.Compare(nexthopv6.IP) == 0 {
+						log.Infof("Network monitor: default route removed: via %s, interface %s", route.Gw, intf)
+						return nil
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func parseRouteMessage(buf []byte) (*systemops.Route, error) {
+	msgs, err := route.ParseRIB(route.RIBTypeRoute, buf)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parse RIB: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(msgs) != 1 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message msgs: %v", msgs)
+	}
+
+	msg, ok := msgs[0].(*route.RouteMessage)
+	if !ok {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message type: %T", msgs[0])
+	}
+
+	return systemops.MsgToRoute(msg)
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_darwin.go b/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_darwin.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ddc6e1736
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_darwin.go
@@ -0,0 +1,149 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package networkmonitor
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"hash/fnv"
+	"os/exec"
+	"time"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/systemops"
+)
+
+// todo: refactor to not use static functions
+
+func checkChange(ctx context.Context, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Nexthop) error {
+	fd, err := prepareFd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("open routing socket: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	defer func() {
+		if err := unix.Close(fd); err != nil {
+			if !errors.Is(err, unix.EBADF) {
+				log.Warnf("Network monitor: failed to close routing socket: %v", err)
+			}
+		}
+	}()
+
+	routeChanged := make(chan struct{})
+	go func() {
+		_ = routeCheck(ctx, fd, nexthopv4, nexthopv6)
+		close(routeChanged)
+	}()
+
+	wakeUp := make(chan struct{})
+	go func() {
+		wakeUpListen(ctx)
+		close(wakeUp)
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		return ctx.Err()
+	case <-routeChanged:
+		if ctx.Err() != nil {
+			return ctx.Err()
+		}
+		log.Infof("route change detected")
+		return nil
+	case <-wakeUp:
+		if ctx.Err() != nil {
+			return ctx.Err()
+		}
+		log.Infof("wakeup detected")
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+func wakeUpListen(ctx context.Context) {
+	log.Infof("start to watch for system wakeups")
+	var (
+		initialHash uint32
+		err         error
+	)
+
+	// Keep retrying until initial sysctl succeeds or context is canceled
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			log.Info("exit from wakeUpListen initial hash detection due to context cancellation")
+			return
+		default:
+			initialHash, err = readSleepTimeHash()
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Errorf("failed to detect initial sleep time: %v", err)
+				select {
+				case <-ctx.Done():
+					log.Info("exit from wakeUpListen initial hash detection due to context cancellation")
+					return
+				case <-time.After(3 * time.Second):
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+			log.Debugf("initial wakeup hash: %d", initialHash)
+			break
+		}
+		break
+	}
+
+	ticker := time.NewTicker(5 * time.Second)
+	defer ticker.Stop()
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			log.Info("context canceled, stopping wakeUpListen")
+			return
+
+		case <-ticker.C:
+			newHash, err := readSleepTimeHash()
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Errorf("failed to read sleep time hash: %v", err)
+				continue
+			}
+
+			if newHash == initialHash {
+				log.Tracef("no wakeup detected")
+				continue
+			}
+
+			upOut, err := exec.Command("uptime").Output()
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Errorf("failed to run uptime command: %v", err)
+				upOut = []byte("unknown")
+			}
+			log.Infof("Wakeup detected: %d -> %d, uptime: %s", initialHash, newHash, upOut)
+			return
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func readSleepTimeHash() (uint32, error) {
+	cmd := exec.Command("sysctl", "kern.sleeptime")
+	out, err := cmd.Output()
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("failed to run sysctl: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	h, err := hash(out)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("failed to compute hash: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return h, nil
+}
+
+func hash(data []byte) (uint32, error) {
+	hasher := fnv.New32a() // Create a new 32-bit FNV-1a hasher
+	if _, err := hasher.Write(data); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return hasher.Sum32(), nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/networkmonitor/monitor.go b/client/internal/networkmonitor/monitor.go
index accdd9c9d..6d019258d 100644
--- a/client/internal/networkmonitor/monitor.go
+++ b/client/internal/networkmonitor/monitor.go
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@ func (nw *NetworkMonitor) Listen(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	event := make(chan struct{}, 1)
 	go nw.checkChanges(ctx, event, nexthop4, nexthop6)
 
+	log.Infof("start watching for network changes")
 	// debounce changes
 	timer := time.NewTimer(0)
 	timer.Stop()
diff --git a/client/internal/peer/guard/sr_watcher.go b/client/internal/peer/guard/sr_watcher.go
index 686430752..6f4f5ad4f 100644
--- a/client/internal/peer/guard/sr_watcher.go
+++ b/client/internal/peer/guard/sr_watcher.go
@@ -19,11 +19,10 @@ type SRWatcher struct {
 	signalClient chNotifier
 	relayManager chNotifier
 
-	listeners     map[chan struct{}]struct{}
-	mu            sync.Mutex
-	iFaceDiscover stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover
-	iceConfig     ice.Config
-
+	listeners        map[chan struct{}]struct{}
+	mu               sync.Mutex
+	iFaceDiscover    stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover
+	iceConfig        ice.Config
 	cancelIceMonitor context.CancelFunc
 }
 
diff --git a/client/internal/relay/relay.go b/client/internal/relay/relay.go
index fa208716f..693ea1f31 100644
--- a/client/internal/relay/relay.go
+++ b/client/internal/relay/relay.go
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ package relay
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 	"sync"
@@ -15,6 +17,15 @@ import (
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 )
 
+const (
+	DefaultCacheTTL = 20 * time.Second
+	probeTimeout    = 6 * time.Second
+)
+
+var (
+	ErrCheckInProgress = errors.New("probe check is already in progress")
+)
+
 // ProbeResult holds the info about the result of a relay probe request
 type ProbeResult struct {
 	URI  string
@@ -22,8 +33,164 @@ type ProbeResult struct {
 	Addr string
 }
 
+type StunTurnProbe struct {
+	cacheResults    []ProbeResult
+	cacheTimestamp  time.Time
+	cacheKey        string
+	cacheTTL        time.Duration
+	probeInProgress bool
+	probeDone       chan struct{}
+	mu              sync.Mutex
+}
+
+func NewStunTurnProbe(cacheTTL time.Duration) *StunTurnProbe {
+	return &StunTurnProbe{
+		cacheTTL: cacheTTL,
+	}
+}
+
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) ProbeAllWaitResult(ctx context.Context, stuns []*stun.URI, turns []*stun.URI) []ProbeResult {
+	cacheKey := generateCacheKey(stuns, turns)
+
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	if p.probeInProgress {
+		doneChan := p.probeDone
+		p.mu.Unlock()
+
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			log.Debugf("Context cancelled while waiting for probe results")
+			return createErrorResults(stuns, turns)
+		case <-doneChan:
+			return p.getCachedResults(cacheKey, stuns, turns)
+		}
+	}
+
+	p.probeInProgress = true
+	probeDone := make(chan struct{})
+	p.probeDone = probeDone
+	p.mu.Unlock()
+
+	p.doProbe(ctx, stuns, turns, cacheKey)
+	close(probeDone)
+
+	return p.getCachedResults(cacheKey, stuns, turns)
+}
+
+// ProbeAll probes all given servers asynchronously and returns the results
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) ProbeAll(ctx context.Context, stuns []*stun.URI, turns []*stun.URI) []ProbeResult {
+	cacheKey := generateCacheKey(stuns, turns)
+
+	p.mu.Lock()
+
+	if results := p.checkCache(cacheKey); results != nil {
+		p.mu.Unlock()
+		return results
+	}
+
+	if p.probeInProgress {
+		p.mu.Unlock()
+		return createErrorResults(stuns, turns)
+	}
+
+	p.probeInProgress = true
+	probeDone := make(chan struct{})
+	p.probeDone = probeDone
+	log.Infof("started new probe for STUN, TURN servers")
+	go func() {
+		p.doProbe(ctx, stuns, turns, cacheKey)
+		close(probeDone)
+	}()
+
+	p.mu.Unlock()
+
+	timer := time.NewTimer(1300 * time.Millisecond)
+	defer timer.Stop()
+
+	select {
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		log.Debugf("Context cancelled while waiting for probe results")
+		return createErrorResults(stuns, turns)
+	case <-probeDone:
+		// when the probe is return fast, return the results right away
+		return p.getCachedResults(cacheKey, stuns, turns)
+	case <-timer.C:
+		// if the probe takes longer than 1.3s, return error results to avoid blocking
+		return createErrorResults(stuns, turns)
+	}
+}
+
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) checkCache(cacheKey string) []ProbeResult {
+	if p.cacheKey == cacheKey && len(p.cacheResults) > 0 {
+		age := time.Since(p.cacheTimestamp)
+		if age < p.cacheTTL {
+			results := append([]ProbeResult(nil), p.cacheResults...)
+			log.Debugf("returning cached probe results (age: %v)", age)
+			return results
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) getCachedResults(cacheKey string, stuns []*stun.URI, turns []*stun.URI) []ProbeResult {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if p.cacheKey == cacheKey && len(p.cacheResults) > 0 {
+		return append([]ProbeResult(nil), p.cacheResults...)
+	}
+	return createErrorResults(stuns, turns)
+}
+
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) doProbe(ctx context.Context, stuns []*stun.URI, turns []*stun.URI, cacheKey string) {
+	defer func() {
+		p.mu.Lock()
+		p.probeInProgress = false
+		p.mu.Unlock()
+	}()
+	results := make([]ProbeResult, len(stuns)+len(turns))
+
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	for i, uri := range stuns {
+		wg.Add(1)
+		go func(idx int, stunURI *stun.URI) {
+			defer wg.Done()
+
+			probeCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, probeTimeout)
+			defer cancel()
+
+			results[idx].URI = stunURI.String()
+			results[idx].Addr, results[idx].Err = p.probeSTUN(probeCtx, stunURI)
+		}(i, uri)
+	}
+
+	stunOffset := len(stuns)
+	for i, uri := range turns {
+		wg.Add(1)
+		go func(idx int, turnURI *stun.URI) {
+			defer wg.Done()
+
+			probeCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, probeTimeout)
+			defer cancel()
+
+			results[idx].URI = turnURI.String()
+			results[idx].Addr, results[idx].Err = p.probeTURN(probeCtx, turnURI)
+		}(stunOffset+i, uri)
+	}
+
+	wg.Wait()
+
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	p.cacheResults = results
+	p.cacheTimestamp = time.Now()
+	p.cacheKey = cacheKey
+	p.mu.Unlock()
+
+	log.Debug("Stored new probe results in cache")
+}
+
 // ProbeSTUN tries binding to the given STUN uri and acquiring an address
-func ProbeSTUN(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error) {
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) probeSTUN(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error) {
 	defer func() {
 		if probeErr != nil {
 			log.Debugf("stun probe error from %s: %s", uri, probeErr)
@@ -83,7 +250,7 @@ func ProbeSTUN(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error)
 }
 
 // ProbeTURN tries allocating a session from the given TURN URI
-func ProbeTURN(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error) {
+func (p *StunTurnProbe) probeTURN(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error) {
 	defer func() {
 		if probeErr != nil {
 			log.Debugf("turn probe error from %s: %s", uri, probeErr)
@@ -160,28 +327,28 @@ func ProbeTURN(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error)
 	return relayConn.LocalAddr().String(), nil
 }
 
-// ProbeAll probes all given servers asynchronously and returns the results
-func ProbeAll(
-	ctx context.Context,
-	fn func(ctx context.Context, uri *stun.URI) (addr string, probeErr error),
-	relays []*stun.URI,
-) []ProbeResult {
-	results := make([]ProbeResult, len(relays))
+func createErrorResults(stuns []*stun.URI, turns []*stun.URI) []ProbeResult {
+	total := len(stuns) + len(turns)
+	results := make([]ProbeResult, total)
 
-	var wg sync.WaitGroup
-	for i, uri := range relays {
-		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 6*time.Second)
-		defer cancel()
-
-		wg.Add(1)
-		go func(res *ProbeResult, stunURI *stun.URI) {
-			defer wg.Done()
-			res.URI = stunURI.String()
-			res.Addr, res.Err = fn(ctx, stunURI)
-		}(&results[i], uri)
+	allURIs := append(append([]*stun.URI{}, stuns...), turns...)
+	for i, uri := range allURIs {
+		results[i] = ProbeResult{
+			URI: uri.String(),
+			Err: ErrCheckInProgress,
+		}
 	}
 
-	wg.Wait()
-
 	return results
 }
+
+func generateCacheKey(stuns []*stun.URI, turns []*stun.URI) string {
+	h := sha256.New()
+	for _, uri := range stuns {
+		h.Write([]byte(uri.String()))
+	}
+	for _, uri := range turns {
+		h.Write([]byte(uri.String()))
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%x", h.Sum(nil))
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/common/params.go b/client/internal/routemanager/common/params.go
index def18411f..8b5407850 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/common/params.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/common/params.go
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package common
 
 import (
+	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
@@ -25,4 +26,5 @@ type HandlerParams struct {
 	UseNewDNSRoute       bool
 	Firewall             manager.Manager
 	FakeIPManager        *fakeip.Manager
+	ForwarderPort        *atomic.Uint32
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/dnsinterceptor/handler.go b/client/internal/routemanager/dnsinterceptor/handler.go
index 47c2ffcda..348338dac 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/dnsinterceptor/handler.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/dnsinterceptor/handler.go
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"runtime"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
@@ -18,7 +19,6 @@ import (
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dnsfwd"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peerstore"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/common"
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ type DnsInterceptor struct {
 	peerStore            *peerstore.Store
 	firewall             firewall.Manager
 	fakeIPManager        *fakeip.Manager
+	forwarderPort        *atomic.Uint32
 }
 
 func New(params common.HandlerParams) *DnsInterceptor {
@@ -69,6 +70,7 @@ func New(params common.HandlerParams) *DnsInterceptor {
 		firewall:             params.Firewall,
 		fakeIPManager:        params.FakeIPManager,
 		interceptedDomains:   make(domainMap),
+		forwarderPort:        params.ForwarderPort,
 	}
 }
 
@@ -257,7 +259,7 @@ func (d *DnsInterceptor) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 		r.MsgHdr.AuthenticatedData = true
 	}
 
-	upstream := fmt.Sprintf("%s:%d", upstreamIP.String(), dnsfwd.ListenPort())
+	upstream := fmt.Sprintf("%s:%d", upstreamIP.String(), uint16(d.forwarderPort.Load()))
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), dnsTimeout)
 	defer cancel()
 
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go b/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go
index 04513bbe4..26cf758d9 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"runtime"
 	"slices"
 	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/google/uuid"
@@ -23,6 +24,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/netstack"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
+	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peerstore"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/client"
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@ type Manager interface {
 	SetRouteChangeListener(listener listener.NetworkChangeListener)
 	InitialRouteRange() []string
 	SetFirewall(firewall.Manager) error
+	SetDNSForwarderPort(port uint16)
 	Stop(stateManager *statemanager.Manager)
 }
 
@@ -78,6 +81,7 @@ type DefaultManager struct {
 	ctx                  context.Context
 	stop                 context.CancelFunc
 	mux                  sync.Mutex
+	shutdownWg           sync.WaitGroup
 	clientNetworks       map[route.HAUniqueID]*client.Watcher
 	routeSelector        *routeselector.RouteSelector
 	serverRouter         *server.Router
@@ -101,12 +105,13 @@ type DefaultManager struct {
 	disableServerRoutes bool
 	activeRoutes        map[route.HAUniqueID]client.RouteHandler
 	fakeIPManager       *fakeip.Manager
+	dnsForwarderPort    atomic.Uint32
 }
 
 func NewManager(config ManagerConfig) *DefaultManager {
 	mCTX, cancel := context.WithCancel(config.Context)
 	notifier := notifier.NewNotifier()
-	sysOps := systemops.NewSysOps(config.WGInterface, notifier)
+	sysOps := systemops.New(config.WGInterface, notifier)
 
 	if runtime.GOOS == "windows" && config.WGInterface != nil {
 		nbnet.SetVPNInterfaceName(config.WGInterface.Name())
@@ -130,6 +135,7 @@ func NewManager(config ManagerConfig) *DefaultManager {
 		disableServerRoutes: config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		activeRoutes:        make(map[route.HAUniqueID]client.RouteHandler),
 	}
+	dm.dnsForwarderPort.Store(uint32(nbdns.ForwarderClientPort))
 
 	useNoop := netstack.IsEnabled() || config.DisableClientRoutes
 	dm.setupRefCounters(useNoop)
@@ -270,9 +276,15 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) SetFirewall(firewall firewall.Manager) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// SetDNSForwarderPort sets the DNS forwarder port for route handlers
+func (m *DefaultManager) SetDNSForwarderPort(port uint16) {
+	m.dnsForwarderPort.Store(uint32(port))
+}
+
 // Stop stops the manager watchers and clean firewall rules
 func (m *DefaultManager) Stop(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) {
 	m.stop()
+	m.shutdownWg.Wait()
 	if m.serverRouter != nil {
 		m.serverRouter.CleanUp()
 	}
@@ -345,6 +357,7 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) updateSystemRoutes(newRoutes route.HAMap) error {
 			UseNewDNSRoute:       m.useNewDNSRoute,
 			Firewall:             m.firewall,
 			FakeIPManager:        m.fakeIPManager,
+			ForwarderPort:        &m.dnsForwarderPort,
 		}
 		handler := client.HandlerFromRoute(params)
 		if err := handler.AddRoute(m.ctx); err != nil {
@@ -474,7 +487,11 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) TriggerSelection(networks route.HAMap) {
 		}
 		clientNetworkWatcher := client.NewWatcher(config)
 		m.clientNetworks[id] = clientNetworkWatcher
-		go clientNetworkWatcher.Start()
+		m.shutdownWg.Add(1)
+		go func() {
+			defer m.shutdownWg.Done()
+			clientNetworkWatcher.Start()
+		}()
 		clientNetworkWatcher.SendUpdate(client.RoutesUpdate{Routes: routes})
 	}
 
@@ -516,7 +533,11 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) updateClientNetworks(updateSerial uint64, networks rout
 			}
 			clientNetworkWatcher = client.NewWatcher(config)
 			m.clientNetworks[id] = clientNetworkWatcher
-			go clientNetworkWatcher.Start()
+			m.shutdownWg.Add(1)
+			go func() {
+				defer m.shutdownWg.Done()
+				clientNetworkWatcher.Start()
+			}()
 		}
 		update := client.RoutesUpdate{
 			UpdateSerial: updateSerial,
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/mock.go b/client/internal/routemanager/mock.go
index be633c3fa..6b06144b2 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/mock.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/mock.go
@@ -90,6 +90,10 @@ func (m *MockManager) SetFirewall(firewall.Manager) error {
 	panic("implement me")
 }
 
+// SetDNSForwarderPort mock implementation of SetDNSForwarderPort from Manager interface
+func (m *MockManager) SetDNSForwarderPort(port uint16) {
+}
+
 // Stop mock implementation of Stop from Manager interface
 func (m *MockManager) Stop(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) {
 	if m.StopFunc != nil {
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/flush_nonbsd.go b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/flush_nonbsd.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f1c45d6cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/flush_nonbsd.go
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+//go:build !((darwin && !ios) || dragonfly || freebsd || netbsd || openbsd)
+
+package systemops
+
+// FlushMarkedRoutes is a no-op on non-BSD platforms.
+func (r *SysOps) FlushMarkedRoutes() error {
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/state.go b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/state.go
index 8e158711e..e0d045b07 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/state.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/state.go
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ func (s *ShutdownState) Name() string {
 }
 
 func (s *ShutdownState) Cleanup() error {
-	sysops := NewSysOps(nil, nil)
-	sysops.refCounter = refcounter.New[netip.Prefix, struct{}, Nexthop](nil, sysops.removeFromRouteTable)
-	sysops.refCounter.LoadData((*ExclusionCounter)(s))
+	sysOps := New(nil, nil)
+	sysOps.refCounter = refcounter.New[netip.Prefix, struct{}, Nexthop](nil, sysOps.removeFromRouteTable)
+	sysOps.refCounter.LoadData((*ExclusionCounter)(s))
 
-	return sysops.refCounter.Flush()
+	return sysOps.refCounter.Flush()
 }
 
 func (s *ShutdownState) MarshalJSON() ([]byte, error) {
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops.go b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops.go
index 8da138117..c0ca21d22 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops.go
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type SysOps struct {
 	localSubnetsCacheTime time.Time
 }
 
-func NewSysOps(wgInterface wgIface, notifier *notifier.Notifier) *SysOps {
+func New(wgInterface wgIface, notifier *notifier.Notifier) *SysOps {
 	return &SysOps{
 		wgInterface: wgInterface,
 		notifier:    notifier,
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_bsd_test.go b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_bsd_test.go
index 0d892c162..ec4fc406e 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_bsd_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_bsd_test.go
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ func TestConcurrentRoutes(t *testing.T) {
 	_, intf = setupDummyInterface(t)
 	nexthop = Nexthop{netip.Addr{}, intf}
 
-	r := NewSysOps(nil, nil)
+	r := New(nil, nil)
 
 	var wg sync.WaitGroup
 	for i := 0; i < 1024; i++ {
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ func createAndSetupDummyInterface(t *testing.T, intf string, ipAddressCIDR strin
 
 	nexthop := Nexthop{netip.Addr{}, netIntf}
 
-	r := NewSysOps(nil, nil)
+	r := New(nil, nil)
 	err = r.addToRouteTable(prefix, nexthop)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to add route to table")
 
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_generic_test.go b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_generic_test.go
index 32ea38a7a..d9b109beb 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_generic_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_generic_test.go
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ func TestAddVPNRoute(t *testing.T) {
 
 			wgInterface := createWGInterface(t, fmt.Sprintf("utun53%d", n), "100.65.75.2/24", 33100+n)
 
-			r := NewSysOps(wgInterface, nil)
+			r := New(wgInterface, nil)
 			advancedRouting := nbnet.AdvancedRouting()
 			err := r.SetupRouting(nil, nil, advancedRouting)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@ func TestAddRouteToNonVPNIntf(t *testing.T) {
 
 			wgInterface := createWGInterface(t, fmt.Sprintf("utun54%d", n), "100.65.75.2/24", 33200+n)
 
-			r := NewSysOps(wgInterface, nil)
+			r := New(wgInterface, nil)
 			advancedRouting := nbnet.AdvancedRouting()
 			err := r.SetupRouting(nil, nil, advancedRouting)
 			require.NoError(t, err)
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ func setupTestEnv(t *testing.T) {
 		assert.NoError(t, wgInterface.Close())
 	})
 
-	r := NewSysOps(wgInterface, nil)
+	r := New(wgInterface, nil)
 	advancedRouting := nbnet.AdvancedRouting()
 	err := r.SetupRouting(nil, nil, advancedRouting)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "setupRouting should not return err")
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_unix.go b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_unix.go
index d43c2d5bf..7089178fb 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_unix.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/systemops/systemops_unix.go
@@ -7,19 +7,39 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 	"net/netip"
+	"os"
 	"strconv"
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 	"unsafe"
 
 	"github.com/cenkalti/backoff/v4"
+	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"golang.org/x/net/route"
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
+	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
 )
 
+const (
+	envRouteProtoFlag = "NB_ROUTE_PROTO_FLAG"
+)
+
+var routeProtoFlag int
+
+func init() {
+	switch os.Getenv(envRouteProtoFlag) {
+	case "2":
+		routeProtoFlag = unix.RTF_PROTO2
+	case "3":
+		routeProtoFlag = unix.RTF_PROTO3
+	default:
+		routeProtoFlag = unix.RTF_PROTO1
+	}
+}
+
 func (r *SysOps) SetupRouting(initAddresses []net.IP, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, advancedRouting bool) error {
 	return r.setupRefCounter(initAddresses, stateManager)
 }
@@ -28,6 +48,62 @@ func (r *SysOps) CleanupRouting(stateManager *statemanager.Manager, advancedRout
 	return r.cleanupRefCounter(stateManager)
 }
 
+// FlushMarkedRoutes removes single IP exclusion routes marked with the configured RTF_PROTO flag.
+func (r *SysOps) FlushMarkedRoutes() error {
+	rib, err := retryFetchRIB()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("fetch routing table: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	msgs, err := route.ParseRIB(route.RIBTypeRoute, rib)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("parse routing table: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	var merr *multierror.Error
+	flushedCount := 0
+
+	for _, msg := range msgs {
+		rtMsg, ok := msg.(*route.RouteMessage)
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		if rtMsg.Flags&routeProtoFlag == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		routeInfo, err := MsgToRoute(rtMsg)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("Skipping route flush: %v", err)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		if !routeInfo.Dst.IsValid() || !routeInfo.Dst.IsSingleIP() {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		nexthop := Nexthop{
+			IP:   routeInfo.Gw,
+			Intf: routeInfo.Interface,
+		}
+
+		if err := r.removeFromRouteTable(routeInfo.Dst, nexthop); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove route %s: %w", routeInfo.Dst, err))
+			continue
+		}
+
+		flushedCount++
+		log.Debugf("Flushed marked route: %s", routeInfo.Dst)
+	}
+
+	if flushedCount > 0 {
+		log.Infof("Flushed %d residual NetBird routes from previous session", flushedCount)
+	}
+
+	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
+}
+
 func (r *SysOps) addToRouteTable(prefix netip.Prefix, nexthop Nexthop) error {
 	return r.routeSocket(unix.RTM_ADD, prefix, nexthop)
 }
@@ -105,7 +181,7 @@ func (r *SysOps) routeOp(action int, prefix netip.Prefix, nexthop Nexthop) func(
 func (r *SysOps) buildRouteMessage(action int, prefix netip.Prefix, nexthop Nexthop) (msg *route.RouteMessage, err error) {
 	msg = &route.RouteMessage{
 		Type:    action,
-		Flags:   unix.RTF_UP,
+		Flags:   unix.RTF_UP | routeProtoFlag,
 		Version: unix.RTM_VERSION,
 		Seq:     r.getSeq(),
 	}
diff --git a/client/internal/routeselector/routeselector.go b/client/internal/routeselector/routeselector.go
index e4a78599e..61c8bbc79 100644
--- a/client/internal/routeselector/routeselector.go
+++ b/client/internal/routeselector/routeselector.go
@@ -9,8 +9,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	"golang.org/x/exp/maps"
 
-	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 )
@@ -128,13 +126,11 @@ func (rs *RouteSelector) IsSelected(routeID route.NetID) bool {
 	defer rs.mu.RUnlock()
 
 	if rs.deselectAll {
-		log.Debugf("Route %s not selected (deselect all)", routeID)
 		return false
 	}
 
 	_, deselected := rs.deselectedRoutes[routeID]
 	isSelected := !deselected
-	log.Debugf("Route %s selection status: %v (deselected: %v)", routeID, isSelected, deselected)
 	return isSelected
 }
 
diff --git a/client/internal/statemanager/manager.go b/client/internal/statemanager/manager.go
index 29f962ad2..2c9e46290 100644
--- a/client/internal/statemanager/manager.go
+++ b/client/internal/statemanager/manager.go
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ func (m *Manager) loadStateFile(deleteCorrupt bool) (map[string]json.RawMessage,
 	data, err := os.ReadFile(m.filePath)
 	if err != nil {
 		if errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
-			log.Debug("state file does not exist")
+			log.Debugf("state file %s does not exist", m.filePath)
 			return nil, nil // nolint:nilnil
 		}
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read state file: %w", err)
diff --git a/client/internal/winregistry/volatile_windows.go b/client/internal/winregistry/volatile_windows.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a8e350fe7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/winregistry/volatile_windows.go
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+package winregistry
+
+import (
+	"syscall"
+	"unsafe"
+
+	"golang.org/x/sys/windows/registry"
+)
+
+var (
+	advapi          = syscall.NewLazyDLL("advapi32.dll")
+	regCreateKeyExW = advapi.NewProc("RegCreateKeyExW")
+)
+
+const (
+	// Registry key options
+	regOptionNonVolatile = 0x0 // Key is preserved when system is rebooted
+	regOptionVolatile    = 0x1 // Key is not preserved when system is rebooted
+
+	// Registry disposition values
+	regCreatedNewKey     = 0x1
+	regOpenedExistingKey = 0x2
+)
+
+// CreateVolatileKey creates a volatile registry key named path under open key root.
+// CreateVolatileKey returns the new key and a boolean flag that reports whether the key already existed.
+// The access parameter specifies the access rights for the key to be created.
+//
+// Volatile keys are stored in memory and are automatically deleted when the system is shut down.
+// This provides automatic cleanup without requiring manual registry maintenance.
+func CreateVolatileKey(root registry.Key, path string, access uint32) (registry.Key, bool, error) {
+	pathPtr, err := syscall.UTF16PtrFromString(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, false, err
+	}
+
+	var (
+		handle      syscall.Handle
+		disposition uint32
+	)
+
+	ret, _, _ := regCreateKeyExW.Call(
+		uintptr(root),
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(pathPtr)),
+		0,                          // reserved
+		0,                          // class
+		uintptr(regOptionVolatile), // options - volatile key
+		uintptr(access),            // desired access
+		0,                          // security attributes
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&handle)),
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&disposition)),
+	)
+
+	if ret != 0 {
+		return 0, false, syscall.Errno(ret)
+	}
+
+	return registry.Key(handle), disposition == regOpenedExistingKey, nil
+}
diff --git a/client/net/conn.go b/client/net/conn.go
index 918e7f628..bf54c792d 100644
--- a/client/net/conn.go
+++ b/client/net/conn.go
@@ -17,8 +17,7 @@ type Conn struct {
 	ID hooks.ConnectionID
 }
 
-// Close overrides the net.Conn Close method to execute all registered hooks after closing the connection
-// Close overrides the net.Conn Close method to execute all registered hooks before closing the connection.
+// Close overrides the net.Conn Close method to execute all registered hooks after closing the connection.
 func (c *Conn) Close() error {
 	return closeConn(c.ID, c.Conn)
 }
@@ -29,7 +28,7 @@ type TCPConn struct {
 	ID hooks.ConnectionID
 }
 
-// Close overrides the net.TCPConn Close method to execute all registered hooks before closing the connection.
+// Close overrides the net.TCPConn Close method to execute all registered hooks after closing the connection.
 func (c *TCPConn) Close() error {
 	return closeConn(c.ID, c.TCPConn)
 }
@@ -37,13 +36,16 @@ func (c *TCPConn) Close() error {
 // closeConn is a helper function to close connections and execute close hooks.
 func closeConn(id hooks.ConnectionID, conn io.Closer) error {
 	err := conn.Close()
+	cleanupConnID(id)
+	return err
+}
 
+// cleanupConnID executes close hooks for a connection ID.
+func cleanupConnID(id hooks.ConnectionID) {
 	closeHooks := hooks.GetCloseHooks()
 	for _, hook := range closeHooks {
 		if err := hook(id); err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("Error executing close hook: %v", err)
 		}
 	}
-
-	return err
 }
diff --git a/client/net/dial.go b/client/net/dial.go
index 041a00e5d..17c9ff98a 100644
--- a/client/net/dial.go
+++ b/client/net/dial.go
@@ -74,7 +74,6 @@ func DialTCP(network string, laddr, raddr *net.TCPAddr) (transport.TCPConn, erro
 		}
 		return &TCPConn{TCPConn: tcpConn, ID: c.ID}, nil
 	}
-
 	if err := conn.Close(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to close connection: %v", err)
 	}
diff --git a/client/net/dialer_dial.go b/client/net/dialer_dial.go
index 2e1eb53d8..1e275013f 100644
--- a/client/net/dialer_dial.go
+++ b/client/net/dialer_dial.go
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ func (d *Dialer) DialContext(ctx context.Context, network, address string) (net.
 
 	conn, err := d.Dialer.DialContext(ctx, network, address)
 	if err != nil {
+		cleanupConnID(connID)
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("d.Dialer.DialContext: %w", err)
 	}
 
@@ -64,7 +65,7 @@ func callDialerHooks(ctx context.Context, connID hooks.ConnectionID, address str
 
 	ips, err := resolver.LookupIPAddr(ctx, host)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to resolve address %s: %w", address, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("resolve address %s: %w", address, err)
 	}
 
 	log.Debugf("Dialer resolved IPs for %s: %v", address, ips)
diff --git a/client/net/listener_listen.go b/client/net/listener_listen.go
index 0bb5ad67d..a150172b4 100644
--- a/client/net/listener_listen.go
+++ b/client/net/listener_listen.go
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ func (c *PacketConn) WriteTo(b []byte, addr net.Addr) (n int, err error) {
 	return c.PacketConn.WriteTo(b, addr)
 }
 
-// Close overrides the net.PacketConn Close method to execute all registered hooks before closing the connection.
+// Close overrides the net.PacketConn Close method to execute all registered hooks after closing the connection.
 func (c *PacketConn) Close() error {
 	defer c.seenAddrs.Clear()
 	return closeConn(c.ID, c.PacketConn)
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ func (c *UDPConn) WriteTo(b []byte, addr net.Addr) (n int, err error) {
 	return c.UDPConn.WriteTo(b, addr)
 }
 
-// Close overrides the net.UDPConn Close method to execute all registered hooks before closing the connection.
+// Close overrides the net.UDPConn Close method to execute all registered hooks after closing the connection.
 func (c *UDPConn) Close() error {
 	defer c.seenAddrs.Clear()
 	return closeConn(c.ID, c.UDPConn)
diff --git a/client/server/server.go b/client/server/server.go
index b3fdb2f1f..76f44cd13 100644
--- a/client/server/server.go
+++ b/client/server/server.go
@@ -1070,10 +1070,7 @@ func (s *Server) Status(
 	s.statusRecorder.UpdateRosenpass(s.config.RosenpassEnabled, s.config.RosenpassPermissive)
 
 	if msg.GetFullPeerStatus {
-		if msg.ShouldRunProbes {
-			s.runProbes()
-		}
-
+		s.runProbes(msg.ShouldRunProbes)
 		fullStatus := s.statusRecorder.GetFullStatus()
 		pbFullStatus := toProtoFullStatus(fullStatus)
 		pbFullStatus.Events = s.statusRecorder.GetEventHistory()
@@ -1266,7 +1263,7 @@ func isUnixRunningDesktop() bool {
 	return os.Getenv("DESKTOP_SESSION") != "" || os.Getenv("XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP") != ""
 }
 
-func (s *Server) runProbes() {
+func (s *Server) runProbes(waitForProbeResult bool) {
 	if s.connectClient == nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -1277,7 +1274,7 @@ func (s *Server) runProbes() {
 	}
 
 	if time.Since(s.lastProbe) > probeThreshold {
-		if engine.RunHealthProbes() {
+		if engine.RunHealthProbes(waitForProbeResult) {
 			s.lastProbe = time.Now()
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/client/server/state.go b/client/server/state.go
index 107f55154..1cf85cd37 100644
--- a/client/server/state.go
+++ b/client/server/state.go
@@ -10,7 +10,9 @@ import (
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/systemops"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
+	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 )
 
@@ -135,5 +137,12 @@ func restoreResidualState(ctx context.Context, statePath string) error {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("persist state: %w", err))
 	}
 
+	// clean up any remaining routes independently of the state file
+	if !nbnet.AdvancedRouting() {
+		if err := systemops.New(nil, nil).FlushMarkedRoutes(); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("flush marked routes: %w", err))
+		}
+	}
+
 	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
diff --git a/client/ssh/server/command_execution.go b/client/ssh/server/command_execution.go
index 7199ad036..7cd7412f0 100644
--- a/client/ssh/server/command_execution.go
+++ b/client/ssh/server/command_execution.go
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ import (
 
 // handleCommand executes an SSH command with privilege validation
 func (s *Server) handleCommand(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, privilegeResult PrivilegeCheckResult, winCh <-chan ssh.Window) {
-	localUser := privilegeResult.User
 	hasPty := winCh != nil
 
 	commandType := "command"
@@ -22,7 +21,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleCommand(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, privilege
 		commandType = "Pty command"
 	}
 
-	logger.Infof("executing %s for %s from %s: %s", commandType, localUser.Username, session.RemoteAddr(), safeLogCommand(session.Command()))
+	logger.Infof("executing %s: %s", commandType, safeLogCommand(session.Command()))
 
 	execCmd, err := s.createCommand(privilegeResult, session, hasPty)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -38,7 +37,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleCommand(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, privilege
 			logger.Debugf(errWriteSession, writeErr)
 		}
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return
 	}
@@ -74,7 +73,7 @@ func (s *Server) executeCommand(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, execCmd
 	if err != nil {
 		logger.Errorf("create stdin pipe: %v", err)
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return false
 	}
@@ -93,7 +92,7 @@ func (s *Server) executeCommand(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, execCmd
 		logger.Errorf("command start failed: %v", err)
 		// no user message for exec failure, just exit
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return false
 	}
@@ -135,7 +134,7 @@ func (s *Server) waitForCommandCleanup(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, e
 		}
 
 		if err := session.Exit(130); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return false
 
@@ -160,7 +159,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleCommandCompletion(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session,
 func (s *Server) handleSessionExit(session ssh.Session, err error, logger *log.Entry) {
 	if err == nil {
 		if err := session.Exit(0); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return
 	}
@@ -168,12 +167,12 @@ func (s *Server) handleSessionExit(session ssh.Session, err error, logger *log.E
 	var exitError *exec.ExitError
 	if errors.As(err, &exitError) {
 		if err := session.Exit(exitError.ExitCode()); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 	} else {
 		logger.Debugf("non-exit error in command execution: %v", err)
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/client/ssh/server/command_execution_unix.go b/client/ssh/server/command_execution_unix.go
index f78678743..2b9db863b 100644
--- a/client/ssh/server/command_execution_unix.go
+++ b/client/ssh/server/command_execution_unix.go
@@ -98,10 +98,6 @@ func (pm *ptyManager) File() *os.File {
 }
 
 func (s *Server) handlePty(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, privilegeResult PrivilegeCheckResult, ptyReq ssh.Pty, winCh <-chan ssh.Window) bool {
-	cmd := session.Command()
-	localUser := privilegeResult.User
-	logger.Infof("executing Pty command for %s from %s: %s", localUser.Username, session.RemoteAddr(), safeLogCommand(cmd))
-
 	execCmd, err := s.createPtyCommand(privilegeResult, ptyReq, session)
 	if err != nil {
 		logger.Errorf("Pty command creation failed: %v", err)
@@ -110,16 +106,24 @@ func (s *Server) handlePty(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, privilegeResu
 			logger.Debugf(errWriteSession, writeErr)
 		}
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return false
 	}
 
+	shell := execCmd.Path
+	cmd := session.Command()
+	if len(cmd) == 0 {
+		logger.Infof("starting interactive shell: %s", shell)
+	} else {
+		logger.Infof("executing command: %s", safeLogCommand(cmd))
+	}
+
 	ptmx, err := s.startPtyCommandWithSize(execCmd, ptyReq)
 	if err != nil {
 		logger.Errorf("Pty start failed: %v", err)
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return false
 	}
@@ -178,18 +182,22 @@ func (s *Server) handlePtyIO(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, ptyMgr *pty
 
 	go func() {
 		if _, err := io.Copy(ptmx, session); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf("Pty input copy error: %v", err)
+			if !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) && !errors.Is(err, syscall.EIO) {
+				logger.Warnf("Pty input copy error: %v", err)
+			}
 		}
 	}()
 
 	go func() {
 		defer func() {
-			if err := session.Close(); err != nil {
+			if err := session.Close(); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
 				logger.Debugf("session close error: %v", err)
 			}
 		}()
 		if _, err := io.Copy(session, ptmx); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf("Pty output copy error: %v", err)
+			if !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) && !errors.Is(err, syscall.EIO) {
+				logger.Warnf("Pty output copy error: %v", err)
+			}
 		}
 	}()
 }
@@ -229,7 +237,7 @@ func (s *Server) handlePtySessionCancellation(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Ses
 	}
 
 	if err := session.Exit(130); err != nil {
-		logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+		logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -243,7 +251,7 @@ func (s *Server) handlePtyCommandCompletion(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Sessi
 	// Normal completion
 	logger.Debugf("Pty command completed successfully")
 	if err := session.Exit(0); err != nil {
-		logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+		logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/client/ssh/server/command_execution_windows.go b/client/ssh/server/command_execution_windows.go
index 7b7a6a492..c646c36b8 100644
--- a/client/ssh/server/command_execution_windows.go
+++ b/client/ssh/server/command_execution_windows.go
@@ -266,9 +266,14 @@ func (s *Server) prepareCommandEnv(localUser *user.User, session ssh.Session) []
 }
 
 func (s *Server) handlePty(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, privilegeResult PrivilegeCheckResult, ptyReq ssh.Pty, winCh <-chan ssh.Window) bool {
-	localUser := privilegeResult.User
 	cmd := session.Command()
-	logger.Infof("executing Pty command for %s from %s: %s", localUser.Username, session.RemoteAddr(), safeLogCommand(cmd))
+	shell := getUserShell(privilegeResult.User.Uid)
+
+	if len(cmd) == 0 {
+		logger.Infof("starting interactive shell: %s", shell)
+	} else {
+		logger.Infof("executing command: %s", safeLogCommand(cmd))
+	}
 
 	// Always use user switching on Windows - no direct execution
 	s.handlePtyWithUserSwitching(logger, session, privilegeResult, ptyReq, winCh, cmd)
@@ -317,7 +322,7 @@ func (s *Server) handlePtyWithUserSwitching(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Sessi
 			logger.Debugf(errWriteSession, writeErr)
 		}
 		if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+			logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 		}
 		return
 	}
diff --git a/client/ssh/server/server.go b/client/ssh/server/server.go
index 71a988041..80e2ae141 100644
--- a/client/ssh/server/server.go
+++ b/client/ssh/server/server.go
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"net"
 	"net/netip"
 	"strings"
@@ -80,10 +81,17 @@ func (e *UserNotFoundError) Unwrap() error {
 	return e.Cause
 }
 
+// logSessionExitError logs session exit errors, ignoring EOF (normal close) errors
+func logSessionExitError(logger *log.Entry, err error) {
+	if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+		logger.Warnf(errExitSession, err)
+	}
+}
+
 // safeLogCommand returns a safe representation of the command for logging
 func safeLogCommand(cmd []string) string {
 	if len(cmd) == 0 {
-		return "<empty>"
+		return "<interactive shell>"
 	}
 	if len(cmd) == 1 {
 		return cmd[0]
@@ -520,7 +528,7 @@ func (s *Server) connectionValidator(_ ssh.Context, conn net.Conn) net.Conn {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	log.Infof("SSH connection from NetBird peer %s allowed", remoteIP)
+	log.Infof("SSH connection from NetBird peer %s allowed", tcpAddr)
 	return conn
 }
 
@@ -623,19 +631,19 @@ func (s *Server) directTCPIPHandler(srv *ssh.Server, conn *cryptossh.ServerConn,
 	s.mu.RUnlock()
 
 	if !allowLocal {
-		log.Debugf("direct-tcpip rejected: local port forwarding disabled")
+		log.Warnf("local port forwarding denied for %s:%d: disabled by configuration", payload.Host, payload.Port)
 		_ = newChan.Reject(cryptossh.Prohibited, "local port forwarding disabled")
 		return
 	}
 
 	// Check privilege requirements for the destination port
 	if err := s.checkPortForwardingPrivileges(ctx, "local", payload.Port); err != nil {
-		log.Infof("direct-tcpip denied: %v", err)
+		log.Warnf("local port forwarding denied for %s:%d: %v", payload.Host, payload.Port, err)
 		_ = newChan.Reject(cryptossh.Prohibited, "insufficient privileges")
 		return
 	}
 
-	log.Debugf("direct-tcpip request: %s:%d", payload.Host, payload.Port)
+	log.Infof("local port forwarding: %s:%d", payload.Host, payload.Port)
 
 	ssh.DirectTCPIPHandler(srv, conn, newChan, ctx)
 }
diff --git a/client/ssh/server/session_handlers.go b/client/ssh/server/session_handlers.go
index 07e4051a7..8803de50a 100644
--- a/client/ssh/server/session_handlers.go
+++ b/client/ssh/server/session_handlers.go
@@ -16,22 +16,19 @@ import (
 // sessionHandler handles SSH sessions
 func (s *Server) sessionHandler(session ssh.Session) {
 	sessionKey := s.registerSession(session)
+	logger := log.WithField("session", sessionKey)
+	logger.Infof("SSH session started")
 	sessionStart := time.Now()
 
-	logger := log.WithField("session", sessionKey)
 	defer s.unregisterSession(sessionKey, session)
 	defer func() {
-		duration := time.Since(sessionStart)
-		if err := session.Close(); err != nil {
-			logger.Debugf("close session after %v: %v", duration, err)
-			return
+		duration := time.Since(sessionStart).Round(time.Millisecond)
+		if err := session.Close(); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+			logger.Warnf("close session after %v: %v", duration, err)
 		}
-
-		logger.Debugf("session closed after %v", duration)
+		logger.Infof("SSH session closed after %v", duration)
 	}()
 
-	logger.Infof("establishing SSH session for %s from %s", session.User(), session.RemoteAddr())
-
 	privilegeResult, err := s.userPrivilegeCheck(session.User())
 	if err != nil {
 		s.handlePrivError(logger, session, err)
@@ -61,7 +58,7 @@ func (s *Server) rejectInvalidSession(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session) {
 		logger.Debugf(errWriteSession, err)
 	}
 	if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-		logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+		logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 	}
 	logger.Infof("rejected non-Pty session without command from %s", session.RemoteAddr())
 }
@@ -86,7 +83,6 @@ func (s *Server) registerSession(session ssh.Session) SessionKey {
 	s.sessions[sessionKey] = session
 	s.mu.Unlock()
 
-	log.WithField("session", sessionKey).Debugf("registered SSH session")
 	return sessionKey
 }
 
@@ -111,7 +107,6 @@ func (s *Server) unregisterSession(sessionKey SessionKey, _ ssh.Session) {
 	}
 
 	s.mu.Unlock()
-	log.WithField("session", sessionKey).Debugf("unregistered SSH session")
 }
 
 func (s *Server) handlePrivError(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, err error) {
@@ -123,7 +118,7 @@ func (s *Server) handlePrivError(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, err err
 		logger.Debugf(errWriteSession, writeErr)
 	}
 	if exitErr := session.Exit(1); exitErr != nil {
-		logger.Debugf(errExitSession, exitErr)
+		logSessionExitError(logger, exitErr)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/client/ssh/server/session_handlers_js.go b/client/ssh/server/session_handlers_js.go
index bca97ded5..c35e4da0b 100644
--- a/client/ssh/server/session_handlers_js.go
+++ b/client/ssh/server/session_handlers_js.go
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ func (s *Server) handlePty(logger *log.Entry, session ssh.Session, _ PrivilegeCh
 		logger.Debugf(errWriteSession, err)
 	}
 	if err := session.Exit(1); err != nil {
-		logger.Debugf(errExitSession, err)
+		logSessionExitError(logger, err)
 	}
 	return false
 }
diff --git a/client/status/status.go b/client/status/status.go
index 5e4fcd8dc..8a0b7bae0 100644
--- a/client/status/status.go
+++ b/client/status/status.go
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/anonymize"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
+	probeRelay "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/relay"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/domain"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version"
@@ -340,10 +341,16 @@ func ParseGeneralSummary(overview OutputOverview, showURL bool, showRelays bool,
 		for _, relay := range overview.Relays.Details {
 			available := "Available"
 			reason := ""
+
 			if !relay.Available {
-				available = "Unavailable"
-				reason = fmt.Sprintf(", reason: %s", relay.Error)
+				if relay.Error == probeRelay.ErrCheckInProgress.Error() {
+					available = "Checking..."
+				} else {
+					available = "Unavailable"
+					reason = fmt.Sprintf(", reason: %s", relay.Error)
+				}
 			}
+
 			relaysString += fmt.Sprintf("\n  [%s] is %s%s", relay.URI, available, reason)
 		}
 	} else {
diff --git a/client/ui/client_ui.go b/client/ui/client_ui.go
index 8f7845c74..56a25ab19 100644
--- a/client/ui/client_ui.go
+++ b/client/ui/client_ui.go
@@ -307,6 +307,8 @@ type serviceClient struct {
 	mExitNodeDeselectAll *systray.MenuItem
 	logFile              string
 	wLoginURL            fyne.Window
+
+	connectCancel context.CancelFunc
 }
 
 type menuHandler struct {
@@ -698,17 +700,15 @@ func (s *serviceClient) hasSSHChanges() bool {
 		s.disableSSHAuth != s.sDisableSSHAuth.Checked
 }
 
-func (s *serviceClient) login(openURL bool) (*proto.LoginResponse, error) {
+func (s *serviceClient) login(ctx context.Context, openURL bool) (*proto.LoginResponse, error) {
 	conn, err := s.getSrvClient(defaultFailTimeout)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("get client: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get daemon client: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	activeProf, err := s.profileManager.GetActiveProfile()
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("get active profile: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get active profile: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	currUser, err := user.Current()
@@ -716,84 +716,71 @@ func (s *serviceClient) login(openURL bool) (*proto.LoginResponse, error) {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get current user: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	loginResp, err := conn.Login(s.ctx, &proto.LoginRequest{
+	loginResp, err := conn.Login(ctx, &proto.LoginRequest{
 		IsUnixDesktopClient: runtime.GOOS == "linux" || runtime.GOOS == "freebsd",
 		ProfileName:         &activeProf.Name,
 		Username:            &currUser.Username,
 	})
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("login to management URL with: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("login to management: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	if loginResp.NeedsSSOLogin && openURL {
-		err = s.handleSSOLogin(loginResp, conn)
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("handle SSO login failed: %v", err)
-			return nil, err
+		if err = s.handleSSOLogin(ctx, loginResp, conn); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("SSO login: %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 
 	return loginResp, nil
 }
 
-func (s *serviceClient) handleSSOLogin(loginResp *proto.LoginResponse, conn proto.DaemonServiceClient) error {
-	err := openURL(loginResp.VerificationURIComplete)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("opening the verification uri in the browser failed: %v", err)
-		return err
+func (s *serviceClient) handleSSOLogin(ctx context.Context, loginResp *proto.LoginResponse, conn proto.DaemonServiceClient) error {
+	if err := openURL(loginResp.VerificationURIComplete); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("open browser: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	resp, err := conn.WaitSSOLogin(s.ctx, &proto.WaitSSOLoginRequest{UserCode: loginResp.UserCode})
+	resp, err := conn.WaitSSOLogin(ctx, &proto.WaitSSOLoginRequest{UserCode: loginResp.UserCode})
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("waiting sso login failed with: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("wait for SSO login: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	if resp.Email != "" {
-		err := s.profileManager.SetActiveProfileState(&profilemanager.ProfileState{
+		if err := s.profileManager.SetActiveProfileState(&profilemanager.ProfileState{
 			Email: resp.Email,
-		})
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Warnf("failed to set profile state: %v", err)
+		}); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("failed to set profile state: %v", err)
 		} else {
 			s.mProfile.refresh()
 		}
-
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (s *serviceClient) menuUpClick() error {
+func (s *serviceClient) menuUpClick(ctx context.Context) error {
 	systray.SetTemplateIcon(iconConnectingMacOS, s.icConnecting)
 	conn, err := s.getSrvClient(defaultFailTimeout)
 	if err != nil {
 		systray.SetTemplateIcon(iconErrorMacOS, s.icError)
-		log.Errorf("get client: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("get daemon client: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	_, err = s.login(true)
+	_, err = s.login(ctx, true)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("login failed with: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("login: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	status, err := conn.Status(s.ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{})
+	status, err := conn.Status(ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{})
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("get service status: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("get status: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	if status.Status == string(internal.StatusConnected) {
-		log.Warnf("already connected")
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	if _, err := s.conn.Up(s.ctx, &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("up service: %v", err)
-		return err
+	if _, err := conn.Up(ctx, &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("start connection: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -803,24 +790,20 @@ func (s *serviceClient) menuDownClick() error {
 	systray.SetTemplateIcon(iconConnectingMacOS, s.icConnecting)
 	conn, err := s.getSrvClient(defaultFailTimeout)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("get client: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("get daemon client: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	status, err := conn.Status(s.ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{})
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("get service status: %v", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("get status: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	if status.Status != string(internal.StatusConnected) && status.Status != string(internal.StatusConnecting) {
-		log.Warnf("already down")
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	if _, err := s.conn.Down(s.ctx, &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("down service: %v", err)
-		return err
+	if _, err := conn.Down(s.ctx, &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("stop connection: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -956,6 +939,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) onTrayReady() {
 
 	newProfileMenuArgs := &newProfileMenuArgs{
 		ctx:                  s.ctx,
+		serviceClient:        s,
 		profileManager:       s.profileManager,
 		eventHandler:         s.eventHandler,
 		profileMenuItem:      profileMenuItem,
@@ -1534,7 +1518,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) showLoginURL() context.CancelFunc {
 			return
 		}
 
-		resp, err := s.login(false)
+		resp, err := s.login(ctx, false)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("failed to fetch login URL: %v", err)
 			return
@@ -1554,7 +1538,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) showLoginURL() context.CancelFunc {
 			return
 		}
 
-		_, err = conn.WaitSSOLogin(s.ctx, &proto.WaitSSOLoginRequest{UserCode: resp.UserCode})
+		_, err = conn.WaitSSOLogin(ctx, &proto.WaitSSOLoginRequest{UserCode: resp.UserCode})
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("Waiting sso login failed with: %v", err)
 			label.SetText("Waiting login failed, please create \na debug bundle in the settings and contact support.")
@@ -1562,7 +1546,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) showLoginURL() context.CancelFunc {
 		}
 
 		label.SetText("Re-authentication successful.\nReconnecting")
-		status, err := conn.Status(s.ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{})
+		status, err := conn.Status(ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{})
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("get service status: %v", err)
 			return
@@ -1575,7 +1559,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) showLoginURL() context.CancelFunc {
 			return
 		}
 
-		_, err = conn.Up(s.ctx, &proto.UpRequest{})
+		_, err = conn.Up(ctx, &proto.UpRequest{})
 		if err != nil {
 			label.SetText("Reconnecting failed, please create \na debug bundle in the settings and contact support.")
 			log.Errorf("Reconnecting failed with: %v", err)
diff --git a/client/ui/debug.go b/client/ui/debug.go
index 76afc7753..bf9839dda 100644
--- a/client/ui/debug.go
+++ b/client/ui/debug.go
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/skratchdot/open-golang/open"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	nbstatus "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/status"
 	uptypes "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/upload-server/types"
@@ -426,6 +427,12 @@ func (s *serviceClient) collectDebugData(
 		return "", err
 	}
 
+	pm := profilemanager.NewProfileManager()
+	var profName string
+	if activeProf, err := pm.GetActiveProfile(); err == nil {
+		profName = activeProf.Name
+	}
+
 	postUpStatus, err := conn.Status(s.ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{GetFullPeerStatus: true})
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("Failed to get post-up status: %v", err)
@@ -433,7 +440,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) collectDebugData(
 
 	var postUpStatusOutput string
 	if postUpStatus != nil {
-		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(postUpStatus, params.anonymize, "", nil, nil, nil, "", "")
+		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(postUpStatus, params.anonymize, "", nil, nil, nil, "", profName)
 		postUpStatusOutput = nbstatus.ParseToFullDetailSummary(overview)
 	}
 	headerPostUp := fmt.Sprintf("----- NetBird post-up - Timestamp: %s", time.Now().Format(time.RFC3339))
@@ -450,7 +457,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) collectDebugData(
 
 	var preDownStatusOutput string
 	if preDownStatus != nil {
-		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(preDownStatus, params.anonymize, "", nil, nil, nil, "", "")
+		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(preDownStatus, params.anonymize, "", nil, nil, nil, "", profName)
 		preDownStatusOutput = nbstatus.ParseToFullDetailSummary(overview)
 	}
 	headerPreDown := fmt.Sprintf("----- NetBird pre-down - Timestamp: %s - Duration: %s",
@@ -574,6 +581,12 @@ func (s *serviceClient) createDebugBundle(anonymize bool, systemInfo bool, uploa
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get client: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	pm := profilemanager.NewProfileManager()
+	var profName string
+	if activeProf, err := pm.GetActiveProfile(); err == nil {
+		profName = activeProf.Name
+	}
+
 	statusResp, err := conn.Status(s.ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{GetFullPeerStatus: true})
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to get status for debug bundle: %v", err)
@@ -581,7 +594,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) createDebugBundle(anonymize bool, systemInfo bool, uploa
 
 	var statusOutput string
 	if statusResp != nil {
-		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(statusResp, anonymize, "", nil, nil, nil, "", "")
+		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(statusResp, anonymize, "", nil, nil, nil, "", profName)
 		statusOutput = nbstatus.ParseToFullDetailSummary(overview)
 	}
 
diff --git a/client/ui/event_handler.go b/client/ui/event_handler.go
index 348299e67..e0b619411 100644
--- a/client/ui/event_handler.go
+++ b/client/ui/event_handler.go
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ import (
 	"fyne.io/fyne/v2"
 	"fyne.io/systray"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc/codes"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc/status"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version"
@@ -67,20 +69,55 @@ func (h *eventHandler) listen(ctx context.Context) {
 
 func (h *eventHandler) handleConnectClick() {
 	h.client.mUp.Disable()
+
+	if h.client.connectCancel != nil {
+		h.client.connectCancel()
+	}
+
+	connectCtx, connectCancel := context.WithCancel(h.client.ctx)
+	h.client.connectCancel = connectCancel
+
 	go func() {
-		defer h.client.mUp.Enable()
-		if err := h.client.menuUpClick(); err != nil {
-			h.client.app.SendNotification(fyne.NewNotification("Error", "Failed to connect to NetBird service"))
+		defer connectCancel()
+
+		if err := h.client.menuUpClick(connectCtx); err != nil {
+			st, ok := status.FromError(err)
+			if errors.Is(err, context.Canceled) || (ok && st.Code() == codes.Canceled) {
+				log.Debugf("connect operation cancelled by user")
+			} else {
+				h.client.app.SendNotification(fyne.NewNotification("Error", "Failed to connect"))
+				log.Errorf("connect failed: %v", err)
+			}
+		}
+
+		if err := h.client.updateStatus(); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("failed to update status after connect: %v", err)
 		}
 	}()
 }
 
 func (h *eventHandler) handleDisconnectClick() {
 	h.client.mDown.Disable()
+
+	if h.client.connectCancel != nil {
+		log.Debugf("cancelling ongoing connect operation")
+		h.client.connectCancel()
+		h.client.connectCancel = nil
+	}
+
 	go func() {
-		defer h.client.mDown.Enable()
 		if err := h.client.menuDownClick(); err != nil {
-			h.client.app.SendNotification(fyne.NewNotification("Error", "Failed to connect to NetBird daemon"))
+			st, ok := status.FromError(err)
+			if !errors.Is(err, context.Canceled) && !(ok && st.Code() == codes.Canceled) {
+				h.client.app.SendNotification(fyne.NewNotification("Error", "Failed to disconnect"))
+				log.Errorf("disconnect failed: %v", err)
+			} else {
+				log.Debugf("disconnect cancelled or already disconnecting")
+			}
+		}
+
+		if err := h.client.updateStatus(); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("failed to update status after disconnect: %v", err)
 		}
 	}()
 }
diff --git a/client/ui/profile.go b/client/ui/profile.go
index 075223795..74189c9a0 100644
--- a/client/ui/profile.go
+++ b/client/ui/profile.go
@@ -387,6 +387,7 @@ type subItem struct {
 type profileMenu struct {
 	mu                    sync.Mutex
 	ctx                   context.Context
+	serviceClient         *serviceClient
 	profileManager        *profilemanager.ProfileManager
 	eventHandler          *eventHandler
 	profileMenuItem       *systray.MenuItem
@@ -396,7 +397,7 @@ type profileMenu struct {
 	logoutSubItem         *subItem
 	profilesState         []Profile
 	downClickCallback     func() error
-	upClickCallback       func() error
+	upClickCallback       func(context.Context) error
 	getSrvClientCallback  func(timeout time.Duration) (proto.DaemonServiceClient, error)
 	loadSettingsCallback  func()
 	app                   fyne.App
@@ -404,12 +405,13 @@ type profileMenu struct {
 
 type newProfileMenuArgs struct {
 	ctx                  context.Context
+	serviceClient        *serviceClient
 	profileManager       *profilemanager.ProfileManager
 	eventHandler         *eventHandler
 	profileMenuItem      *systray.MenuItem
 	emailMenuItem        *systray.MenuItem
 	downClickCallback    func() error
-	upClickCallback      func() error
+	upClickCallback      func(context.Context) error
 	getSrvClientCallback func(timeout time.Duration) (proto.DaemonServiceClient, error)
 	loadSettingsCallback func()
 	app                  fyne.App
@@ -418,6 +420,7 @@ type newProfileMenuArgs struct {
 func newProfileMenu(args newProfileMenuArgs) *profileMenu {
 	p := profileMenu{
 		ctx:                  args.ctx,
+		serviceClient:        args.serviceClient,
 		profileManager:       args.profileManager,
 		eventHandler:         args.eventHandler,
 		profileMenuItem:      args.profileMenuItem,
@@ -569,10 +572,19 @@ func (p *profileMenu) refresh() {
 						}
 					}
 
-					if err := p.upClickCallback(); err != nil {
+					if p.serviceClient.connectCancel != nil {
+						p.serviceClient.connectCancel()
+					}
+
+					connectCtx, connectCancel := context.WithCancel(p.ctx)
+					p.serviceClient.connectCancel = connectCancel
+
+					if err := p.upClickCallback(connectCtx); err != nil {
 						log.Errorf("failed to handle up click after switching profile: %v", err)
 					}
 
+					connectCancel()
+
 					p.refresh()
 					p.loadSettingsCallback()
 				}
diff --git a/dns/dns.go b/dns/dns.go
index f889a32ec..cf089d4ed 100644
--- a/dns/dns.go
+++ b/dns/dns.go
@@ -19,6 +19,10 @@ const (
 	RootZone = "."
 	// DefaultClass is the class supported by the system
 	DefaultClass = "IN"
+	// ForwarderClientPort is the port clients connect to. DNAT rewrites packets from ForwarderClientPort to ForwarderServerPort.
+	ForwarderClientPort uint16 = 5353
+	// ForwarderServerPort is the port the DNS forwarder actually listens on. Packets to ForwarderClientPort are DNATed here.
+	ForwarderServerPort uint16 = 22054
 )
 
 const invalidHostLabel = "[^a-zA-Z0-9-]+"
@@ -31,6 +35,8 @@ type Config struct {
 	NameServerGroups []*NameServerGroup
 	// CustomZones contains a list of custom zone
 	CustomZones []CustomZone
+	// ForwarderPort is the port clients should connect to on routing peers for DNS forwarding
+	ForwarderPort uint16
 }
 
 // CustomZone represents a custom zone to be resolved by the dns server
diff --git a/go.mod b/go.mod
index 1a3e500e8..1daf73844 100644
--- a/go.mod
+++ b/go.mod
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ require (
 	github.com/miekg/dns v1.1.59
 	github.com/mitchellh/hashstructure/v2 v2.0.2
 	github.com/nadoo/ipset v0.5.0
-	github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations v0.0.0-20251010134843-7af36217ac1f
+	github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations v0.0.0-20251027212525-d751b79f5d48
 	github.com/netbirdio/signal-dispatcher/dispatcher v0.0.0-20250805121659-6b4ac470ca45
 	github.com/okta/okta-sdk-golang/v2 v2.18.0
 	github.com/oschwald/maxminddb-golang v1.12.0
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ require (
 	github.com/pion/turn/v3 v3.0.1
 	github.com/pkg/sftp v1.13.9
 	github.com/prometheus/client_golang v1.22.0
-	github.com/quic-go/quic-go v0.48.2
+	github.com/quic-go/quic-go v0.49.1
 	github.com/redis/go-redis/v9 v9.7.3
 	github.com/rs/xid v1.3.0
 	github.com/shirou/gopsutil/v3 v3.24.4
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ require (
 	go.opentelemetry.io/contrib/instrumentation/net/http/otelhttp v0.51.0 // indirect
 	go.opentelemetry.io/otel/sdk v1.35.0 // indirect
 	go.opentelemetry.io/otel/trace v1.35.0 // indirect
-	go.uber.org/mock v0.4.0 // indirect
+	go.uber.org/mock v0.5.0 // indirect
 	go.uber.org/multierr v1.11.0 // indirect
 	golang.org/x/image v0.18.0 // indirect
 	golang.org/x/text v0.28.0 // indirect
diff --git a/go.sum b/go.sum
index 1bc3c24ca..e5c3aa0ba 100644
--- a/go.sum
+++ b/go.sum
@@ -508,8 +508,8 @@ github.com/netbirdio/go-netroute v0.0.0-20240611143515-f59b0e1d3944 h1:TDtJKmM6S
 github.com/netbirdio/go-netroute v0.0.0-20240611143515-f59b0e1d3944/go.mod h1:sHA6TRxjQ6RLbnI+3R4DZo2Eseg/iKiPRfNmcuNySVQ=
 github.com/netbirdio/ice/v4 v4.0.0-20250908184934-6202be846b51 h1:Ov4qdafATOgGMB1wbSuh+0aAHcwz9hdvB6VZjh1mVMI=
 github.com/netbirdio/ice/v4 v4.0.0-20250908184934-6202be846b51/go.mod h1:ZSIbPdBn5hePO8CpF1PekH2SfpTxg1PDhEwtbqZS7R8=
-github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations v0.0.0-20251010134843-7af36217ac1f h1:XIpRDlpPz3zFUkpwaqDRHjwpQRsf2ZKHggoex1MTafs=
-github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations v0.0.0-20251010134843-7af36217ac1f/go.mod h1:v0nUbbHbuQnqR7yKIYnKzsLBCswLtp2JctmKYmGgVhc=
+github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations v0.0.0-20251027212525-d751b79f5d48 h1:moJbL1uuaWR35yUgHZ6suijjqqW8/qGCuPPBXu5MeWQ=
+github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations v0.0.0-20251027212525-d751b79f5d48/go.mod h1:ifKa2jGPsOzZhJFo72v2AE5nMP3GYvlhoZ9JV6lHlJ8=
 github.com/netbirdio/service v0.0.0-20240911161631-f62744f42502 h1:3tHlFmhTdX9axERMVN63dqyFqnvuD+EMJHzM7mNGON8=
 github.com/netbirdio/service v0.0.0-20240911161631-f62744f42502/go.mod h1:CIMRFEJVL+0DS1a3Nx06NaMn4Dz63Ng6O7dl0qH0zVM=
 github.com/netbirdio/signal-dispatcher/dispatcher v0.0.0-20250805121659-6b4ac470ca45 h1:ujgviVYmx243Ksy7NdSwrdGPSRNE3pb8kEDSpH0QuAQ=
@@ -597,8 +597,8 @@ github.com/prometheus/common v0.62.0 h1:xasJaQlnWAeyHdUBeGjXmutelfJHWMRr+Fg4QszZ
 github.com/prometheus/common v0.62.0/go.mod h1:vyBcEuLSvWos9B1+CyL7JZ2up+uFzXhkqml0W5zIY1I=
 github.com/prometheus/procfs v0.15.1 h1:YagwOFzUgYfKKHX6Dr+sHT7km/hxC76UB0learggepc=
 github.com/prometheus/procfs v0.15.1/go.mod h1:fB45yRUv8NstnjriLhBQLuOUt+WW4BsoGhij/e3PBqk=
-github.com/quic-go/quic-go v0.48.2 h1:wsKXZPeGWpMpCGSWqOcqpW2wZYic/8T3aqiOID0/KWE=
-github.com/quic-go/quic-go v0.48.2/go.mod h1:yBgs3rWBOADpga7F+jJsb6Ybg1LSYiQvwWlLX+/6HMs=
+github.com/quic-go/quic-go v0.49.1 h1:e5JXpUyF0f2uFjckQzD8jTghZrOUK1xxDqqZhlwixo0=
+github.com/quic-go/quic-go v0.49.1/go.mod h1:s2wDnmCdooUQBmQfpUSTCYBl1/D4FcqbULMMkASvR6s=
 github.com/redis/go-redis/v9 v9.7.3 h1:YpPyAayJV+XErNsatSElgRZZVCwXX9QzkKYNvO7x0wM=
 github.com/redis/go-redis/v9 v9.7.3/go.mod h1:bGUrSggJ9X9GUmZpZNEOQKaANxSGgOEBRltRTZHSvrA=
 github.com/rogpeppe/fastuuid v1.2.0/go.mod h1:jVj6XXZzXRy/MSR5jhDC/2q6DgLz+nrA6LYCDYWNEvQ=
@@ -756,8 +756,8 @@ go.opentelemetry.io/proto/otlp v1.0.0/go.mod h1:Sy6pihPLfYHkr3NkUbEhGHFhINUSI/v8
 go.uber.org/atomic v1.7.0/go.mod h1:fEN4uk6kAWBTFdckzkM89CLk9XfWZrxpCo0nPH17wJc=
 go.uber.org/goleak v1.3.0 h1:2K3zAYmnTNqV73imy9J1T3WC+gmCePx2hEGkimedGto=
 go.uber.org/goleak v1.3.0/go.mod h1:CoHD4mav9JJNrW/WLlf7HGZPjdw8EucARQHekz1X6bE=
-go.uber.org/mock v0.4.0 h1:VcM4ZOtdbR4f6VXfiOpwpVJDL6lCReaZ6mw31wqh7KU=
-go.uber.org/mock v0.4.0/go.mod h1:a6FSlNadKUHUa9IP5Vyt1zh4fC7uAwxMutEAscFbkZc=
+go.uber.org/mock v0.5.0 h1:KAMbZvZPyBPWgD14IrIQ38QCyjwpvVVV6K/bHl1IwQU=
+go.uber.org/mock v0.5.0/go.mod h1:ge71pBPLYDk7QIi1LupWxdAykm7KIEFchiOqd6z7qMM=
 go.uber.org/multierr v1.6.0/go.mod h1:cdWPpRnG4AhwMwsgIHip0KRBQjJy5kYEpYjJxpXp9iU=
 go.uber.org/multierr v1.11.0 h1:blXXJkSxSSfBVBlC76pxqeO+LN3aDfLQo+309xJstO0=
 go.uber.org/multierr v1.11.0/go.mod h1:20+QtiLqy0Nd6FdQB9TLXag12DsQkrbs3htMFfDN80Y=
diff --git a/infrastructure_files/configure.sh b/infrastructure_files/configure.sh
index e3fcbfdde..92252d0b3 100755
--- a/infrastructure_files/configure.sh
+++ b/infrastructure_files/configure.sh
@@ -185,12 +185,15 @@ if [[ "$NETBIRD_DISABLE_LETSENCRYPT" == "true" ]]; then
   echo "You are also free to remove any occurrences of the Letsencrypt-volume $LETSENCRYPT_VOLUMENAME"
   echo ""
 
-  export NETBIRD_SIGNAL_PROTOCOL="https"
   unset NETBIRD_LETSENCRYPT_DOMAIN
   unset NETBIRD_MGMT_API_CERT_FILE
   unset NETBIRD_MGMT_API_CERT_KEY_FILE
 fi
 
+if [[ -n "$NETBIRD_MGMT_API_CERT_FILE" && -n "$NETBIRD_MGMT_API_CERT_KEY_FILE" ]]; then
+  export NETBIRD_SIGNAL_PROTOCOL="https"
+fi
+
 # Check if management identity provider is set
 if [ -n "$NETBIRD_MGMT_IDP" ]; then
   EXTRA_CONFIG={}
diff --git a/infrastructure_files/docker-compose.yml.tmpl b/infrastructure_files/docker-compose.yml.tmpl
index b24e853b4..2bc49d3e5 100644
--- a/infrastructure_files/docker-compose.yml.tmpl
+++ b/infrastructure_files/docker-compose.yml.tmpl
@@ -40,13 +40,21 @@ services:
   signal:
     <<: *default
     image: netbirdio/signal:$NETBIRD_SIGNAL_TAG
+    depends_on:
+          - dashboard
     volumes:
       - $SIGNAL_VOLUMENAME:/var/lib/netbird
+      - $LETSENCRYPT_VOLUMENAME:/etc/letsencrypt:ro
     ports:
       - $NETBIRD_SIGNAL_PORT:80
   #      # port and command for Let's Encrypt validation
   #      - 443:443
   #    command: ["--letsencrypt-domain", "$NETBIRD_LETSENCRYPT_DOMAIN", "--log-file", "console"]
+    command: [
+      "--cert-file", "$NETBIRD_MGMT_API_CERT_FILE",
+      "--cert-key", "$NETBIRD_MGMT_API_CERT_KEY_FILE",
+      "--log-file", "console"
+    ]
 
   # Relay
   relay:
diff --git a/infrastructure_files/getting-started-with-zitadel.sh b/infrastructure_files/getting-started-with-zitadel.sh
index bc326cd7e..09c5225ad 100644
--- a/infrastructure_files/getting-started-with-zitadel.sh
+++ b/infrastructure_files/getting-started-with-zitadel.sh
@@ -682,17 +682,6 @@ renderManagementJson() {
             "URI": "stun:$NETBIRD_DOMAIN:3478"
         }
     ],
-    "TURNConfig": {
-        "Turns": [
-            {
-                "Proto": "udp",
-                "URI": "turn:$NETBIRD_DOMAIN:3478",
-                "Username": "$TURN_USER",
-                "Password": "$TURN_PASSWORD"
-            }
-        ],
-        "TimeBasedCredentials": false
-    },
     "Relay": {
         "Addresses": ["$NETBIRD_RELAY_PROTO://$NETBIRD_DOMAIN:$NETBIRD_PORT"],
         "CredentialsTTL": "24h",
diff --git a/management/internals/server/modules.go b/management/internals/server/modules.go
index ab9893f27..1b61c081d 100644
--- a/management/internals/server/modules.go
+++ b/management/internals/server/modules.go
@@ -35,7 +35,13 @@ func (s *BaseServer) GeoLocationManager() geolocation.Geolocation {
 
 func (s *BaseServer) PermissionsManager() permissions.Manager {
 	return Create(s, func() permissions.Manager {
-		return integrations.InitPermissionsManager(s.Store())
+		manager := integrations.InitPermissionsManager(s.Store(), s.Metrics().GetMeter())
+
+		s.AfterInit(func(s *BaseServer) {
+			manager.SetAccountManager(s.AccountManager())
+		})
+
+		return manager
 	})
 }
 
diff --git a/management/server/account/manager.go b/management/server/account/manager.go
index 037d11d11..8251b951f 100644
--- a/management/server/account/manager.go
+++ b/management/server/account/manager.go
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ type Manager interface {
 	GetIdpManager() idp.Manager
 	UpdateIntegratedValidator(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID, validator string, groups []string) error
 	GroupValidation(ctx context.Context, accountId string, groups []string) (bool, error)
-	GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, error)
+	GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, map[string]string, error)
 	SyncAndMarkPeer(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP) (*nbpeer.Peer, *types.NetworkMap, []*posture.Checks, error)
 	OnPeerDisconnected(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerPubKey string) error
 	SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta) error
diff --git a/management/server/activity/store/sql_store.go b/management/server/activity/store/sql_store.go
index 80b165938..ffecb6b8f 100644
--- a/management/server/activity/store/sql_store.go
+++ b/management/server/activity/store/sql_store.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"runtime"
 	"strconv"
+	"time"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"gorm.io/driver/postgres"
@@ -273,15 +274,21 @@ func configureConnectionPool(db *gorm.DB, storeEngine types.Engine) (*gorm.DB, e
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	if storeEngine == types.SqliteStoreEngine {
-		sqlDB.SetMaxOpenConns(1)
-	} else {
-		conns, err := strconv.Atoi(os.Getenv(sqlMaxOpenConnsEnv))
-		if err != nil {
-			conns = runtime.NumCPU()
-		}
-		sqlDB.SetMaxOpenConns(conns)
+	conns, err := strconv.Atoi(os.Getenv(sqlMaxOpenConnsEnv))
+	if err != nil {
+		conns = runtime.NumCPU()
 	}
+	if storeEngine == types.SqliteStoreEngine {
+		conns = 1
+	}
+
+	sqlDB.SetMaxOpenConns(conns)
+	sqlDB.SetMaxIdleConns(conns)
+	sqlDB.SetConnMaxLifetime(time.Hour)
+	sqlDB.SetConnMaxIdleTime(3 * time.Minute)
+
+	log.Infof("Set max open db connections to %d, max idle to %d, max lifetime to %v, max idle time to %v",
+		conns, conns, time.Hour, 3*time.Minute)
 
 	return db, nil
 }
diff --git a/management/server/dns.go b/management/server/dns.go
index 534f43ec6..e5166ce47 100644
--- a/management/server/dns.go
+++ b/management/server/dns.go
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ import (
 )
 
 const (
-	dnsForwarderPort = 22054
-	oldForwarderPort = 5353
+	dnsForwarderPort = nbdns.ForwarderServerPort
+	oldForwarderPort = nbdns.ForwarderClientPort
 )
 
 const dnsForwarderPortMinVersion = "v0.59.0"
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ func validateDNSSettings(ctx context.Context, transaction store.Store, accountID
 // If all peers have the required version, it returns the new well-known port (22054), otherwise returns 0.
 func computeForwarderPort(peers []*nbpeer.Peer, requiredVersion string) int64 {
 	if len(peers) == 0 {
-		return oldForwarderPort
+		return int64(oldForwarderPort)
 	}
 
 	reqVer := semver.Canonical(requiredVersion)
@@ -211,17 +211,17 @@ func computeForwarderPort(peers []*nbpeer.Peer, requiredVersion string) int64 {
 		peerVersion := semver.Canonical("v" + peer.Meta.WtVersion)
 		if peerVersion == "" {
 			// If any peer doesn't have version info, return 0
-			return oldForwarderPort
+			return int64(oldForwarderPort)
 		}
 
 		// Compare versions
 		if semver.Compare(peerVersion, reqVer) < 0 {
-			return oldForwarderPort
+			return int64(oldForwarderPort)
 		}
 	}
 
 	// All peers have the required version or newer
-	return dnsForwarderPort
+	return int64(dnsForwarderPort)
 }
 
 // toProtocolDNSConfig converts nbdns.Config to proto.DNSConfig using the cache
diff --git a/management/server/dns_test.go b/management/server/dns_test.go
index 7e65b8f92..6b2db1162 100644
--- a/management/server/dns_test.go
+++ b/management/server/dns_test.go
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ func BenchmarkToProtocolDNSConfig(b *testing.B) {
 
 			b.ResetTimer()
 			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
-				toProtocolDNSConfig(testData, cache, dnsForwarderPort)
+				toProtocolDNSConfig(testData, cache, int64(dnsForwarderPort))
 			}
 		})
 
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ func BenchmarkToProtocolDNSConfig(b *testing.B) {
 			b.ResetTimer()
 			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
 				cache := &DNSConfigCache{}
-				toProtocolDNSConfig(testData, cache, dnsForwarderPort)
+				toProtocolDNSConfig(testData, cache, int64(dnsForwarderPort))
 			}
 		})
 	}
@@ -455,13 +455,13 @@ func TestToProtocolDNSConfigWithCache(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	// First run with config1
-	result1 := toProtocolDNSConfig(config1, &cache, dnsForwarderPort)
+	result1 := toProtocolDNSConfig(config1, &cache, int64(dnsForwarderPort))
 
 	// Second run with config2
-	result2 := toProtocolDNSConfig(config2, &cache, dnsForwarderPort)
+	result2 := toProtocolDNSConfig(config2, &cache, int64(dnsForwarderPort))
 
 	// Third run with config1 again
-	result3 := toProtocolDNSConfig(config1, &cache, dnsForwarderPort)
+	result3 := toProtocolDNSConfig(config1, &cache, int64(dnsForwarderPort))
 
 	// Verify that result1 and result3 are identical
 	if !reflect.DeepEqual(result1, result3) {
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 	// Test with empty peers list
 	peers := []*nbpeer.Peer{}
 	result := computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result != oldForwarderPort {
+	if result != int64(oldForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for empty peers list, got %d", oldForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 
@@ -504,7 +504,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 	result = computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result != oldForwarderPort {
+	if result != int64(oldForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for peers with old versions, got %d", oldForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 
@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 	result = computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result != dnsForwarderPort {
+	if result != int64(dnsForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for peers with new versions, got %d", dnsForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 
@@ -540,7 +540,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 	result = computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result != oldForwarderPort {
+	if result != int64(oldForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for peers with mixed versions, got %d", oldForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 
@@ -553,7 +553,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 	result = computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result != oldForwarderPort {
+	if result != int64(oldForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for peers with empty version, got %d", oldForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 
@@ -565,7 +565,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 	result = computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result == oldForwarderPort {
+	if result == int64(oldForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for peers with dev version, got %d", dnsForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 
@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@ func TestComputeForwarderPort(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 	result = computeForwarderPort(peers, "v0.59.0")
-	if result != oldForwarderPort {
+	if result != int64(oldForwarderPort) {
 		t.Errorf("Expected %d for peers with unknown version, got %d", oldForwarderPort, result)
 	}
 }
diff --git a/management/server/http/handlers/peers/peers_handler.go b/management/server/http/handlers/peers/peers_handler.go
index 4b33495de..df89c616c 100644
--- a/management/server/http/handlers/peers/peers_handler.go
+++ b/management/server/http/handlers/peers/peers_handler.go
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ func (h *Handler) getPeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID, userID string,
 	grps, _ := h.accountManager.GetPeerGroups(ctx, accountID, peerID)
 	grpsInfoMap := groups.ToGroupsInfoMap(grps, 0)
 
-	validPeers, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(ctx, accountID)
+	validPeers, invalidPeers, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(ctx, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.WithContext(ctx).Errorf("failed to list approved peers: %v", err)
 		util.WriteError(ctx, fmt.Errorf("internal error"), w)
@@ -86,7 +86,9 @@ func (h *Handler) getPeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID, userID string,
 	}
 
 	_, valid := validPeers[peer.ID]
-	util.WriteJSONObject(ctx, w, toSinglePeerResponse(peerToReturn, grpsInfoMap[peerID], dnsDomain, valid))
+	reason := invalidPeers[peer.ID]
+
+	util.WriteJSONObject(ctx, w, toSinglePeerResponse(peerToReturn, grpsInfoMap[peerID], dnsDomain, valid, reason))
 }
 
 func (h *Handler) updatePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID, peerID string, w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
@@ -147,16 +149,17 @@ func (h *Handler) updatePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID, peerID stri
 
 	grpsInfoMap := groups.ToGroupsInfoMap(peerGroups, 0)
 
-	validPeers, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(ctx, accountID)
+	validPeers, invalidPeers, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(ctx, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.WithContext(ctx).Errorf("failed to list appreoved peers: %v", err)
+		log.WithContext(ctx).Errorf("failed to get validated peers: %v", err)
 		util.WriteError(ctx, fmt.Errorf("internal error"), w)
 		return
 	}
 
 	_, valid := validPeers[peer.ID]
+	reason := invalidPeers[peer.ID]
 
-	util.WriteJSONObject(r.Context(), w, toSinglePeerResponse(peer, grpsInfoMap[peerID], dnsDomain, valid))
+	util.WriteJSONObject(r.Context(), w, toSinglePeerResponse(peer, grpsInfoMap[peerID], dnsDomain, valid, reason))
 }
 
 func (h *Handler) deletePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID string, peerID string, w http.ResponseWriter) {
@@ -240,22 +243,25 @@ func (h *Handler) GetAllPeers(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		respBody = append(respBody, toPeerListItemResponse(peerToReturn, grpsInfoMap[peer.ID], dnsDomain, 0))
 	}
 
-	validPeersMap, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(r.Context(), accountID)
+	validPeersMap, invalidPeersMap, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(r.Context(), accountID)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.WithContext(r.Context()).Errorf("failed to list appreoved peers: %v", err)
+		log.WithContext(r.Context()).Errorf("failed to get validated peers: %v", err)
 		util.WriteError(r.Context(), fmt.Errorf("internal error"), w)
 		return
 	}
-	h.setApprovalRequiredFlag(respBody, validPeersMap)
+	h.setApprovalRequiredFlag(respBody, validPeersMap, invalidPeersMap)
 
 	util.WriteJSONObject(r.Context(), w, respBody)
 }
 
-func (h *Handler) setApprovalRequiredFlag(respBody []*api.PeerBatch, approvedPeersMap map[string]struct{}) {
+func (h *Handler) setApprovalRequiredFlag(respBody []*api.PeerBatch, validPeersMap map[string]struct{}, invalidPeersMap map[string]string) {
 	for _, peer := range respBody {
-		_, ok := approvedPeersMap[peer.Id]
+		_, ok := validPeersMap[peer.Id]
 		if !ok {
 			peer.ApprovalRequired = true
+
+			reason := invalidPeersMap[peer.Id]
+			peer.DisapprovalReason = &reason
 		}
 	}
 }
@@ -304,7 +310,7 @@ func (h *Handler) GetAccessiblePeers(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	validPeers, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(r.Context(), accountID)
+	validPeers, _, err := h.accountManager.GetValidatedPeers(r.Context(), accountID)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.WithContext(r.Context()).Errorf("failed to list approved peers: %v", err)
 		util.WriteError(r.Context(), fmt.Errorf("internal error"), w)
@@ -430,13 +436,13 @@ func peerToAccessiblePeer(peer *nbpeer.Peer, dnsDomain string) api.AccessiblePee
 	}
 }
 
-func toSinglePeerResponse(peer *nbpeer.Peer, groupsInfo []api.GroupMinimum, dnsDomain string, approved bool) *api.Peer {
+func toSinglePeerResponse(peer *nbpeer.Peer, groupsInfo []api.GroupMinimum, dnsDomain string, approved bool, reason string) *api.Peer {
 	osVersion := peer.Meta.OSVersion
 	if osVersion == "" {
 		osVersion = peer.Meta.Core
 	}
 
-	return &api.Peer{
+	apiPeer := &api.Peer{
 		CreatedAt:                   peer.CreatedAt,
 		Id:                          peer.ID,
 		Name:                        peer.Name,
@@ -465,6 +471,12 @@ func toSinglePeerResponse(peer *nbpeer.Peer, groupsInfo []api.GroupMinimum, dnsD
 		InactivityExpirationEnabled: peer.InactivityExpirationEnabled,
 		Ephemeral:                   peer.Ephemeral,
 	}
+
+	if !approved {
+		apiPeer.DisapprovalReason = &reason
+	}
+
+	return apiPeer
 }
 
 func toPeerListItemResponse(peer *nbpeer.Peer, groupsInfo []api.GroupMinimum, dnsDomain string, accessiblePeersCount int) *api.PeerBatch {
diff --git a/management/server/http/testing/testing_tools/channel/channel.go b/management/server/http/testing/testing_tools/channel/channel.go
index 34db5f8dc..8a37a8759 100644
--- a/management/server/http/testing/testing_tools/channel/channel.go
+++ b/management/server/http/testing/testing_tools/channel/channel.go
@@ -7,9 +7,10 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/golang-jwt/jwt/v5"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
+
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/account"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/activity"
diff --git a/management/server/integrated_validator.go b/management/server/integrated_validator.go
index 251c04273..e9a1c8701 100644
--- a/management/server/integrated_validator.go
+++ b/management/server/integrated_validator.go
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) GroupValidation(ctx context.Context, accountID
 	return true, nil
 }
 
-func (am *DefaultAccountManager) GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, error) {
+func (am *DefaultAccountManager) GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, map[string]string, error) {
 	var err error
 	var groups []*types.Group
 	var peers []*nbpeer.Peer
@@ -96,20 +96,30 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountI
 
 	groups, err = am.Store.GetAccountGroups(ctx, store.LockingStrengthNone, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
 	peers, err = am.Store.GetAccountPeers(ctx, store.LockingStrengthNone, accountID, "", "")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
 	settings, err = am.Store.GetAccountSettings(ctx, store.LockingStrengthNone, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
-	return am.integratedPeerValidator.GetValidatedPeers(ctx, accountID, groups, peers, settings.Extra)
+	validPeers, err := am.integratedPeerValidator.GetValidatedPeers(ctx, accountID, groups, peers, settings.Extra)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+
+	invalidPeers, err := am.integratedPeerValidator.GetInvalidPeers(ctx, accountID, settings.Extra)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+
+	return validPeers, invalidPeers, nil
 }
 
 type MockIntegratedValidator struct {
@@ -136,6 +146,10 @@ func (a MockIntegratedValidator) GetValidatedPeers(_ context.Context, accountID
 	return validatedPeers, nil
 }
 
+func (a MockIntegratedValidator) GetInvalidPeers(_ context.Context, accountID string, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings) (map[string]string, error) {
+	return make(map[string]string), nil
+}
+
 func (MockIntegratedValidator) PreparePeer(_ context.Context, accountID string, peer *nbpeer.Peer, peersGroup []string, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings, temporary bool) *nbpeer.Peer {
 	return peer
 }
diff --git a/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/interface.go b/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/interface.go
index be05c2527..26c338cb6 100644
--- a/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/interface.go
+++ b/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/interface.go
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ type IntegratedValidator interface {
 	PreparePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peer *nbpeer.Peer, peersGroup []string, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings, temporary bool) *nbpeer.Peer
 	IsNotValidPeer(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peer *nbpeer.Peer, peersGroup []string, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings) (bool, bool, error)
 	GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string, groups []*types.Group, peers []*nbpeer.Peer, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings) (map[string]struct{}, error)
+	GetInvalidPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings) (map[string]string, error)
 	PeerDeleted(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID string, extraSettings *types.ExtraSettings) error
 	SetPeerInvalidationListener(fn func(accountID string, peerIDs []string))
 	Stop(ctx context.Context)
diff --git a/management/server/mock_server/account_mock.go b/management/server/mock_server/account_mock.go
index 35e16aad1..93fb84e43 100644
--- a/management/server/mock_server/account_mock.go
+++ b/management/server/mock_server/account_mock.go
@@ -189,17 +189,17 @@ func (am *MockAccountManager) OnPeerDisconnected(_ context.Context, accountID st
 	panic("implement me")
 }
 
-func (am *MockAccountManager) GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, error) {
+func (am *MockAccountManager) GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, map[string]string, error) {
 	account, err := am.GetAccountFunc(ctx, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
 	approvedPeers := make(map[string]struct{})
 	for id := range account.Peers {
 		approvedPeers[id] = struct{}{}
 	}
-	return approvedPeers, nil
+	return approvedPeers, nil, nil
 }
 
 // GetGroup mock implementation of GetGroup from server.AccountManager interface
diff --git a/management/server/peer_test.go b/management/server/peer_test.go
index 5a134eb32..b8c03a4bd 100644
--- a/management/server/peer_test.go
+++ b/management/server/peer_test.go
@@ -1161,7 +1161,7 @@ func TestToSyncResponse(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	dnsCache := &DNSConfigCache{}
 	accountSettings := &types.Settings{RoutingPeerDNSResolutionEnabled: true}
-	response := toSyncResponse(context.Background(), config, peer, turnRelayToken, turnRelayToken, networkMap, dnsName, checks, dnsCache, accountSettings, nil, []string{}, dnsForwarderPort)
+	response := toSyncResponse(context.Background(), config, peer, turnRelayToken, turnRelayToken, networkMap, dnsName, checks, dnsCache, accountSettings, nil, []string{}, int64(dnsForwarderPort))
 
 	assert.NotNil(t, response)
 	// assert peer config
diff --git a/management/server/permissions/manager.go b/management/server/permissions/manager.go
index 891fa59bb..e6bdd2025 100644
--- a/management/server/permissions/manager.go
+++ b/management/server/permissions/manager.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/account"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/activity"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/permissions/modules"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/permissions/operations"
@@ -22,6 +23,7 @@ type Manager interface {
 	ValidateAccountAccess(ctx context.Context, accountID string, user *types.User, allowOwnerAndAdmin bool) error
 
 	GetPermissionsByRole(ctx context.Context, role types.UserRole) (roles.Permissions, error)
+	SetAccountManager(accountManager account.Manager)
 }
 
 type managerImpl struct {
@@ -121,3 +123,7 @@ func (m *managerImpl) GetPermissionsByRole(ctx context.Context, role types.UserR
 
 	return permissions, nil
 }
+
+func (m *managerImpl) SetAccountManager(accountManager account.Manager) {
+	// no-op
+}
diff --git a/management/server/permissions/manager_mock.go b/management/server/permissions/manager_mock.go
index fa115d628..ec9f263f9 100644
--- a/management/server/permissions/manager_mock.go
+++ b/management/server/permissions/manager_mock.go
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 	reflect "reflect"
 
 	gomock "github.com/golang/mock/gomock"
+	account "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/account"
 	modules "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/permissions/modules"
 	operations "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/permissions/operations"
 	roles "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/permissions/roles"
@@ -53,6 +54,18 @@ func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) GetPermissionsByRole(ctx, role interface{}) *
 	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "GetPermissionsByRole", reflect.TypeOf((*MockManager)(nil).GetPermissionsByRole), ctx, role)
 }
 
+// SetAccountManager mocks base method.
+func (m *MockManager) SetAccountManager(accountManager account.Manager) {
+	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetAccountManager", accountManager)
+}
+
+// SetAccountManager indicates an expected call of SetAccountManager.
+func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) SetAccountManager(accountManager interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetAccountManager", reflect.TypeOf((*MockManager)(nil).SetAccountManager), accountManager)
+}
+
 // ValidateAccountAccess mocks base method.
 func (m *MockManager) ValidateAccountAccess(ctx context.Context, accountID string, user *types.User, allowOwnerAndAdmin bool) error {
 	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
diff --git a/management/server/store/sql_store.go b/management/server/store/sql_store.go
index 382d026c8..4201b68f6 100644
--- a/management/server/store/sql_store.go
+++ b/management/server/store/sql_store.go
@@ -89,8 +89,12 @@ func NewSqlStore(ctx context.Context, db *gorm.DB, storeEngine types.Engine, met
 	}
 
 	sql.SetMaxOpenConns(conns)
+	sql.SetMaxIdleConns(conns)
+	sql.SetConnMaxLifetime(time.Hour)
+	sql.SetConnMaxIdleTime(3 * time.Minute)
 
-	log.WithContext(ctx).Infof("Set max open db connections to %d", conns)
+	log.WithContext(ctx).Infof("Set max open db connections to %d, max idle to %d, max lifetime to %v, max idle time to %v",
+		conns, conns, time.Hour, 3*time.Minute)
 
 	if skipMigration {
 		log.WithContext(ctx).Infof("skipping migration")
diff --git a/management/server/types/account.go b/management/server/types/account.go
index f830023c7..50bdc6ab3 100644
--- a/management/server/types/account.go
+++ b/management/server/types/account.go
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ func (a *Account) GetPeerNetworkMap(
 	if dnsManagementStatus {
 		var zones []nbdns.CustomZone
 		if peersCustomZone.Domain != "" {
-			records := filterZoneRecordsForPeers(peer, peersCustomZone, peersToConnect)
+			records := filterZoneRecordsForPeers(peer, peersCustomZone, peersToConnectIncludingRouters, expiredPeers)
 			zones = append(zones, nbdns.CustomZone{
 				Domain:  peersCustomZone.Domain,
 				Records: records,
@@ -1682,7 +1682,7 @@ func peerSupportsPortRanges(peerVer string) bool {
 }
 
 // filterZoneRecordsForPeers filters DNS records to only include peers to connect.
-func filterZoneRecordsForPeers(peer *nbpeer.Peer, customZone nbdns.CustomZone, peersToConnect []*nbpeer.Peer) []nbdns.SimpleRecord {
+func filterZoneRecordsForPeers(peer *nbpeer.Peer, customZone nbdns.CustomZone, peersToConnect, expiredPeers []*nbpeer.Peer) []nbdns.SimpleRecord {
 	filteredRecords := make([]nbdns.SimpleRecord, 0, len(customZone.Records))
 	peerIPs := make(map[string]struct{})
 
@@ -1693,6 +1693,10 @@ func filterZoneRecordsForPeers(peer *nbpeer.Peer, customZone nbdns.CustomZone, p
 		peerIPs[peerToConnect.IP.String()] = struct{}{}
 	}
 
+	for _, expiredPeer := range expiredPeers {
+		peerIPs[expiredPeer.IP.String()] = struct{}{}
+	}
+
 	for _, record := range customZone.Records {
 		if _, exists := peerIPs[record.RData]; exists {
 			filteredRecords = append(filteredRecords, record)
diff --git a/management/server/types/account_test.go b/management/server/types/account_test.go
index cd221b590..32538933a 100644
--- a/management/server/types/account_test.go
+++ b/management/server/types/account_test.go
@@ -845,6 +845,7 @@ func Test_FilterZoneRecordsForPeers(t *testing.T) {
 		peer            *nbpeer.Peer
 		customZone      nbdns.CustomZone
 		peersToConnect  []*nbpeer.Peer
+		expiredPeers    []*nbpeer.Peer
 		expectedRecords []nbdns.SimpleRecord
 	}{
 		{
@@ -857,6 +858,7 @@ func Test_FilterZoneRecordsForPeers(t *testing.T) {
 				},
 			},
 			peersToConnect: []*nbpeer.Peer{},
+			expiredPeers:   []*nbpeer.Peer{},
 			peer:           &nbpeer.Peer{ID: "router", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.100")},
 			expectedRecords: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{
 				{Name: "router.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.100"},
@@ -890,7 +892,8 @@ func Test_FilterZoneRecordsForPeers(t *testing.T) {
 				}
 				return peers
 			}(),
-			peer: &nbpeer.Peer{ID: "router", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.100")},
+			expiredPeers: []*nbpeer.Peer{},
+			peer:         &nbpeer.Peer{ID: "router", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.100")},
 			expectedRecords: func() []nbdns.SimpleRecord {
 				var records []nbdns.SimpleRecord
 				for _, i := range []int{1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100} {
@@ -924,7 +927,8 @@ func Test_FilterZoneRecordsForPeers(t *testing.T) {
 				{ID: "peer1", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.1"), DNSLabel: "peer1", ExtraDNSLabels: []string{"peer1-alt", "peer1-backup"}},
 				{ID: "peer2", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.2"), DNSLabel: "peer2", ExtraDNSLabels: []string{"peer2-service"}},
 			},
-			peer: &nbpeer.Peer{ID: "router", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.100")},
+			expiredPeers: []*nbpeer.Peer{},
+			peer:         &nbpeer.Peer{ID: "router", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.100")},
 			expectedRecords: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{
 				{Name: "peer1.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.1"},
 				{Name: "peer1-alt.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.1"},
@@ -934,11 +938,35 @@ func Test_FilterZoneRecordsForPeers(t *testing.T) {
 				{Name: "router.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.100"},
 			},
 		},
+		{
+			name: "expired peers are included in DNS entries",
+			customZone: nbdns.CustomZone{
+				Domain: "netbird.cloud.",
+				Records: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{
+					{Name: "peer1.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.1"},
+					{Name: "peer2.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.2"},
+					{Name: "expired-peer.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.99"},
+					{Name: "router.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.100"},
+				},
+			},
+			peersToConnect: []*nbpeer.Peer{
+				{ID: "peer1", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.1")},
+			},
+			expiredPeers: []*nbpeer.Peer{
+				{ID: "expired-peer", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.99")},
+			},
+			peer: &nbpeer.Peer{ID: "router", IP: net.ParseIP("10.0.0.100")},
+			expectedRecords: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{
+				{Name: "peer1.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.1"},
+				{Name: "expired-peer.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.99"},
+				{Name: "router.netbird.cloud", Type: int(dns.TypeA), Class: nbdns.DefaultClass, TTL: 300, RData: "10.0.0.100"},
+			},
+		},
 	}
 
 	for _, tt := range tests {
 		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			result := filterZoneRecordsForPeers(tt.peer, tt.customZone, tt.peersToConnect)
+			result := filterZoneRecordsForPeers(tt.peer, tt.customZone, tt.peersToConnect, tt.expiredPeers)
 			assert.Equal(t, len(tt.expectedRecords), len(result))
 			assert.ElementsMatch(t, tt.expectedRecords, result)
 		})
diff --git a/release_files/install.sh b/release_files/install.sh
index 5d5349ec4..6a2c5f458 100755
--- a/release_files/install.sh
+++ b/release_files/install.sh
@@ -29,6 +29,8 @@ if [ -z ${NETBIRD_RELEASE+x} ]; then
     NETBIRD_RELEASE=latest
 fi
 
+TAG_NAME=""
+
 get_release() {
     local RELEASE=$1
     if [ "$RELEASE" = "latest" ]; then
@@ -38,17 +40,19 @@ get_release() {
         local TAG="tags/${RELEASE}"
         local URL="https://api.github.com/repos/${OWNER}/${REPO}/releases/${TAG}"
     fi
+	OUTPUT=""
     if [ -n "$GITHUB_TOKEN" ]; then
-          curl -H  "Authorization: token ${GITHUB_TOKEN}" -s "${URL}" \
-              | grep '"tag_name":' | sed -E 's/.*"([^"]+)".*/\1/'
+          OUTPUT=$(curl -H  "Authorization: token ${GITHUB_TOKEN}" -s "${URL}")
     else
-          curl -s "${URL}" \
-              | grep '"tag_name":' | sed -E 's/.*"([^"]+)".*/\1/'
+          OUTPUT=$(curl -s "${URL}") 
     fi
+	TAG_NAME=$(echo ${OUTPUT} |  grep -Eo '\"tag_name\":\s*\"v([0-9]+\.){2}[0-9]+"' | tail -n 1)
+	echo "${TAG_NAME}" | grep -oE 'v[0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+'
 }
 
 download_release_binary() {
     VERSION=$(get_release "$NETBIRD_RELEASE")
+	echo "Using the following tag name for binary installation: ${TAG_NAME}"
     BASE_URL="https://github.com/${OWNER}/${REPO}/releases/download"
     BINARY_BASE_NAME="${VERSION#v}_${OS_TYPE}_${ARCH}.tar.gz"
 
diff --git a/shared/management/client/grpc.go b/shared/management/client/grpc.go
index 076f2532b..520a83e36 100644
--- a/shared/management/client/grpc.go
+++ b/shared/management/client/grpc.go
@@ -55,8 +55,7 @@ func NewClient(ctx context.Context, addr string, ourPrivateKey wgtypes.Key, tlsE
 		var err error
 		conn, err = nbgrpc.CreateConnection(ctx, addr, tlsEnabled, wsproxy.ManagementComponent)
 		if err != nil {
-			log.Printf("createConnection error: %v", err)
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("create connection: %w", err)
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
diff --git a/shared/management/http/api/openapi.yml b/shared/management/http/api/openapi.yml
index 93578b1ae..4a5454002 100644
--- a/shared/management/http/api/openapi.yml
+++ b/shared/management/http/api/openapi.yml
@@ -463,6 +463,9 @@ components:
               description: (Cloud only) Indicates whether peer needs approval
               type: boolean
               example: true
+            disapproval_reason:
+              description: (Cloud only) Reason why the peer requires approval
+              type: string
             country_code:
               $ref: '#/components/schemas/CountryCode'
             city_name:
diff --git a/shared/management/http/api/types.gen.go b/shared/management/http/api/types.gen.go
index 3dbb32ef6..9611d26d6 100644
--- a/shared/management/http/api/types.gen.go
+++ b/shared/management/http/api/types.gen.go
@@ -1037,6 +1037,9 @@ type Peer struct {
 	// CreatedAt Peer creation date (UTC)
 	CreatedAt time.Time `json:"created_at"`
 
+	// DisapprovalReason (Cloud only) Reason why the peer requires approval
+	DisapprovalReason *string `json:"disapproval_reason,omitempty"`
+
 	// DnsLabel Peer's DNS label is the parsed peer name for domain resolution. It is used to form an FQDN by appending the account's domain to the peer label. e.g. peer-dns-label.netbird.cloud
 	DnsLabel string `json:"dns_label"`
 
@@ -1124,6 +1127,9 @@ type PeerBatch struct {
 	// CreatedAt Peer creation date (UTC)
 	CreatedAt time.Time `json:"created_at"`
 
+	// DisapprovalReason (Cloud only) Reason why the peer requires approval
+	DisapprovalReason *string `json:"disapproval_reason,omitempty"`
+
 	// DnsLabel Peer's DNS label is the parsed peer name for domain resolution. It is used to form an FQDN by appending the account's domain to the peer label. e.g. peer-dns-label.netbird.cloud
 	DnsLabel string `json:"dns_label"`
 
diff --git a/shared/management/proto/management.proto b/shared/management/proto/management.proto
index 11107e5de..16737cf58 100644
--- a/shared/management/proto/management.proto
+++ b/shared/management/proto/management.proto
@@ -428,7 +428,7 @@ message DNSConfig {
   bool ServiceEnable = 1;
   repeated NameServerGroup NameServerGroups = 2;
   repeated CustomZone CustomZones = 3;
-  int64 ForwarderPort = 4;
+  int64 ForwarderPort = 4 [deprecated = true];
 }
 
 // CustomZone represents a dns.CustomZone
diff --git a/shared/signal/client/grpc.go b/shared/signal/client/grpc.go
index 31f3372c0..5368b57a2 100644
--- a/shared/signal/client/grpc.go
+++ b/shared/signal/client/grpc.go
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ func NewClient(ctx context.Context, addr string, key wgtypes.Key, tlsEnabled boo
 		var err error
 		conn, err = nbgrpc.CreateConnection(ctx, addr, tlsEnabled, wsproxy.SignalComponent)
 		if err != nil {
-			log.Printf("createConnection error: %v", err)
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("create connection: %w", err)
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
diff --git a/signal/cmd/run.go b/signal/cmd/run.go
index 96873dee7..bf8f8e327 100644
--- a/signal/cmd/run.go
+++ b/signal/cmd/run.go
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ var (
 
 			startPprof()
 
-			opts, certManager, err := getTLSConfigurations()
+			opts, certManager, tlsConfig, err := getTLSConfigurations()
 			if err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ var (
 
 			// Start the main server - always serve HTTP with WebSocket proxy support
 			// If certManager is configured and signalPort == 443, it's already handled by startServerWithCertManager
-			if certManager == nil {
+			if tlsConfig == nil {
 				// Without TLS, serve plain HTTP
 				httpListener, err = net.Listen("tcp", fmt.Sprintf(":%d", signalPort))
 				if err != nil {
@@ -140,9 +140,10 @@ var (
 				}
 				log.Infof("running HTTP server with WebSocket proxy (no TLS): %s", httpListener.Addr().String())
 				serveHTTP(httpListener, grpcRootHandler)
-			} else if signalPort != 443 {
-				// With TLS but not on port 443, serve HTTPS
-				httpListener, err = tls.Listen("tcp", fmt.Sprintf(":%d", signalPort), certManager.TLSConfig())
+			} else if certManager == nil || signalPort != 443 {
+				// Serve HTTPS if not already handled by startServerWithCertManager
+				// (custom certificates or Let's Encrypt with custom port)
+				httpListener, err = tls.Listen("tcp", fmt.Sprintf(":%d", signalPort), tlsConfig)
 				if err != nil {
 					return err
 				}
@@ -202,7 +203,7 @@ func startPprof() {
 	}()
 }
 
-func getTLSConfigurations() ([]grpc.ServerOption, *autocert.Manager, error) {
+func getTLSConfigurations() ([]grpc.ServerOption, *autocert.Manager, *tls.Config, error) {
 	var (
 		err         error
 		certManager *autocert.Manager
@@ -211,33 +212,33 @@ func getTLSConfigurations() ([]grpc.ServerOption, *autocert.Manager, error) {
 
 	if signalLetsencryptDomain == "" && signalCertFile == "" && signalCertKey == "" {
 		log.Infof("running without TLS")
-		return nil, nil, nil
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil
 	}
 
 	if signalLetsencryptDomain != "" {
 		certManager, err = encryption.CreateCertManager(signalSSLDir, signalLetsencryptDomain)
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, certManager, err
+			return nil, certManager, nil, err
 		}
 		tlsConfig = certManager.TLSConfig()
 		log.Infof("setting up TLS with LetsEncrypt.")
 	} else {
 		if signalCertFile == "" || signalCertKey == "" {
 			log.Errorf("both cert-file and cert-key must be provided when not using LetsEncrypt")
-			return nil, certManager, errors.New("both cert-file and cert-key must be provided when not using LetsEncrypt")
+			return nil, certManager, nil, errors.New("both cert-file and cert-key must be provided when not using LetsEncrypt")
 		}
 
 		tlsConfig, err = loadTLSConfig(signalCertFile, signalCertKey)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("cannot load TLS credentials: %v", err)
-			return nil, certManager, err
+			return nil, certManager, nil, err
 		}
 		log.Infof("setting up TLS with custom certificates.")
 	}
 
 	transportCredentials := credentials.NewTLS(tlsConfig)
 
-	return []grpc.ServerOption{grpc.Creds(transportCredentials)}, certManager, err
+	return []grpc.ServerOption{grpc.Creds(transportCredentials)}, certManager, tlsConfig, err
 }
 
 func startServerWithCertManager(certManager *autocert.Manager, grpcRootHandler http.Handler) {