Network Address Translation (NAT) is a method of mapping an IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. NAT enables one, unique IP address to represent an entire group of computers, conserving IP addresses by enabling private IP networks using unregistered IP addresses to go online. NAT translates private internal network addresses into legal, globally unique addresses before forwarding packets between the networks it connects. NAT is a service that operates on a router or edge platform to connect private networks to public networks like the internet.
NAT has three different types:
- Static NAT: This is used by WatchGuard.
- Dynamic NAT: This is common in larger organizations with complex internal networks. It uses several available IP addresses during the translation.
- Overloading network address translation NAT: This is also known as NAT overload, port-level multiplexed NAT, single address NAT, or port address translation (PAT). This form of dynamic NAT uses the same public IP address for multiple private IP addresses.
NAT is a straightforward process and most routing equipment purchased at a store will implement it automatically or with a simple click of a mouse. NAT is typically implemented in remote-access environments, as it offers the dual functions of address conservation and enhanced security. NAT can help reduce organizational security risk by hiding internal networks from public networks.
