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NAT vs PAT

Network Address Translation (NAT) translates private IP addresses to public IPs, allowing multiple internal devices to access external networks while conserving public IPs and providing security. Port Address Translation (PAT) is a specific type of NAT that enables multiple devices to share a single public IP address using different port numbers, making it efficient for home and enterprise networks. Both NAT and PAT are crucial for network communication, but PAT allows for greater efficiency by minimizing the need for multiple public IP addresses.

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8 views4 pages

NAT vs PAT

Network Address Translation (NAT) translates private IP addresses to public IPs, allowing multiple internal devices to access external networks while conserving public IPs and providing security. Port Address Translation (PAT) is a specific type of NAT that enables multiple devices to share a single public IP address using different port numbers, making it efficient for home and enterprise networks. Both NAT and PAT are crucial for network communication, but PAT allows for greater efficiency by minimizing the need for multiple public IP addresses.

Uploaded by

souhakhair
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Difference Between Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address

Translation (PAT)
Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT) are two crucial
techniques used in networking to enable private networks to communicate with public
networks. These methods help conserve IPv4 addresses and provide security by masking
internal IPs.

What is NAT?

NAT (Network Address Translation) is a method that allows private IP addresses to be


translated into public IPs for communication over the internet. It helps organizations use
a limited number of public IP addresses while still enabling multiple internal devices to
access external networks.

Types of NAT:

1. Static NAT: Maps a single private IP to a single public IP.

2. Dynamic NAT: Maps multiple private IPs to a pool of public IPs.

3. PAT (NAT Overloading): Maps multiple private IPs to a single public IP using
different port numbers.

Image: NAT Explanation


Explanation of NAT Image:

The image illustrates how NAT translates internal private IP addresses (e.g., 10.0.0.1,
10.0.0.2) into public IP addresses (e.g., 171.69.58.80, 171.69.58.81) before sending the
traffic to the internet. The NAT table maintains a mapping between inside local and
inside global IP addresses, ensuring that responses from the external network are
correctly forwarded back to the originating internal device.

Advantages of NAT:

• Conserves public IP addresses.


• Adds a layer of security by masking internal IPs.
• Reduces the need for renumbering when changing ISPs.
Disadvantages of NAT:

• Increases processing overhead.


• Some applications may not work correctly due to address translation.
• Lack of end-to-end traceability.
What is PAT?

Port Address Translation (PAT) is a specific type of NAT that allows multiple devices to
share a single public IP address by using different port numbers. It is commonly used in
home and enterprise networks where a single internet connection is shared among
multiple devices.

Image: PAT Explanation


Explanation of PAT Image:

The PAT image shows how multiple devices (e.g., 10.6.1.2, 10.6.1.6) share a single public
IP address (171.69.68.10) by assigning unique port numbers. The NAT table keeps track
of these translations by mapping private IPs with source ports to the corresponding
public IP and translated port number. This method allows multiple users to access
external resources simultaneously without requiring multiple public IP addresses.

Advantages of PAT:

• Efficiently utilizes a single public IP address.

• Provides an extra layer of security by hiding internal IPs.

• Reduces the need for multiple public IP addresses.

Disadvantages of PAT:

• Limits the number of simultaneous connections due to port restrictions.

• Can cause issues with applications requiring unique external ports.

Key Differences Between NAT and PAT

Feature NAT PAT

Purpose Translates private IPs to public Translates private IPs to public IPs
IPs with port numbers

Addressing Uses IP addresses Uses IP addresses + port numbers

IP Can use multiple public IPs Uses a single public IP for multiple
Conservation devices

Example Use Large enterprises managing Home networks sharing one public
multiple public IPs IP
Conclusion

Both NAT and PAT are essential for network communication, enabling private devices to
access the internet while conserving public IP addresses. PAT extends NAT by allowing
multiple devices to share a single public IP, making it highly efficient for modern
networks.

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