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6+ What is NAT (Network Address Translation)? Explained

This process modifies network address information in IP packet headers while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. One typical application involves presenting an entire group of computers behind a firewall with a single, publicly visible IP address. For example, an organization with numerous internal machines, each possessing a private address, can communicate with the outside internet through a single, registered address. This function is performed by the device that connects the internal network to the internet.

A key benefit is that it enhances security by hiding the internal addressing scheme of a network. This makes it more difficult for external entities to directly target individual devices within the protected network. Furthermore, it helps to alleviate IPv4 address exhaustion, as multiple devices can share a single public address. Historically, this technology emerged as a practical solution to address the growing demand for internet connectivity in the face of limited publicly available IP addresses.

Boost PAT Network Address Translation + Setup

This technique allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address when communicating with the internet. It achieves this by mapping different private IP addresses and port numbers to the same public IP address but with different port numbers. For example, several computers within a home network, each with its own private address, can all access external websites simultaneously using the same publicly routable address assigned to the home router. The router then tracks these individual sessions using unique port assignments.

The principal advantages of this approach include conservation of public IP addresses, enhanced network security by hiding internal network structure, and simplified network administration. In the early days of the internet, the limited availability of IPv4 addresses necessitated solutions like this to enable broader connectivity. It continues to be a crucial technology in modern networking, especially as IPv4 depletion remains a concern, and it provides a basic level of protection against unauthorized access to internal resources.