Network Address Translation (NAT) is technology that enables devices on a local network to access the Internet using a single public IP address. It maps internal IP addresses to the public one before privately originated packets leave the network.

How does NAT help managed IT services customers?

– Conserves scarce IPv4 addresses.
– Added layer of security and privacy.
– Flexibility to expand network without renumbering IP scheme.
– Integrated convenience, enabled on most modern routers.

Example:

A school using NAT for its computer lab network only needs a single public IP address for the 75 devices to access web resources. The NAT device assigns these computers private 192.168 addresses and translates it to its public IP on the way out. Responses map back securely based on configured port assignments.

Types of NAT Configurations:

– Static NAT: Permanent 1:1 mapping of private to public IP.
– Dynamic NAT: Many private IPs use temporarily assigned shared public IP.
– Overloading NAT: Many private IPs map to one public IP.