What is NAT (Network Address Translation)

NAT (Network Address Translation )

Network address translation (NAT) was developed to minimize the requirements public IP addresses, and enhance security of computer Network address translation is a method in which a system's IP address is changed into a different IP address before it's sent out to an external network (Internet). NAT enables a network to utilize a set of private addresses for internal communication and a set of public IP address for communication outside the network. NAT enables the (private network) Intranet to use addresses that differ from the actual IP address on the Internet. NAT allows address hiding; thus it acts as a firewall. The system running the NAT software have two NIC's, one is connected to the internal network and the other is connected to the external network.

The NAT program receives packets from the client systems destined for the larger network and translates their internal private IP addresses to the public IP address thus enabling many systems to share a single public IP address.

NAT can be implemented in many ways. You can utilize the Server OS's in-built NAT functions (mainly every O.S is equipped with NAT capabilities) or implement a third-party NAT program. You can even have a router with in-built NAT. Many of the popular gateway routers are available with in-built DHCP and NAT capabilities.

NAT also provides a strong protection against unauthorized users, because unauthorized users cannot view any of the systems behind the NAT. To other systems on the Internet. the entire private network looks like just one system i.e. NAT system. NAT has become popular for networking as it protects the privet network from hackers.

What are the advantages of NAT

1. Hides internal structure of the outsider and thus increases network security.

2. Allows unlimited private IP address range, as global addresses are required when a computer is connected to the Internet.

3. Helps in maintaining same internal network's IP address when a computer is attach.

What are the disadvantages of NAT

1. Changes the IP addresses, thus troubleshooting becomes more complex. 0)

2. Blocks incoming connections.

3. Some TCP/IP applications like peer to peer application, end to end IPsec, multicast

Conclusion:- So that was the basic concept of Network address translation. I will show you the deep information of NAT in my other Post. So thank you for visiting on techxio.com. 

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