Network Address Translation (NAT) is a process that enables one, unique IP address to represent an entire group of computers. NAT is a way to map multiple private addresses inside a local network to a public IP address before transferring the packets to the internet. NAT helps to conserve IP addresses by enabling private IP networks using unregistered IP addresses to go online. NAT is a service that operates on a router or edge platform to connect private networks to public networks like the internet.
NAT works by translating the private internal network addresses into legal, globally unique addresses before forwarding packets between the networks it connects. There are three different types of NATs: basic NAT, one-to-many NAT, and port address translation (PAT) . Basic NAT provides a one-to-one translation of IP addresses, while one-to-many NAT is used to describe NAT for outgoing connections to public services. PAT enables one single IP to be shared by multiple hosts using IP and port address translation.
NAT is a straightforward process that most routing equipment can implement automatically or with a simple click of a mouse. NAT helps to consolidate multiple private IP addresses into one public IP address, which helps to keep more public IP addresses available even while private IP addresses proliferate. However, it is important to understand that NAT does not provide security services, such as firewalling, monitoring, antivirus protection.
