Network Address Translation
Software Engineer path · lesson 66 of 99Visualize how NAT routers allow entire private networks to share a single public IP address.
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A packet through NAT
Order what happens when a laptop at 192.168.1.10 fetches a web page.
Tap a piece, then tap where it goes — or drag it. Tap the tray to take one back.
- 1Drop a step here
- 2Drop a step here
- 3Drop a step here
- 4Drop a step here
- 5Drop a step here
Test your knowledge
What crucial piece of information does a NAT router store in its translation table to ensure returning packets reach the correct private device?
The short version
NAT is like an office receptionist. Employees have internal extension numbers (private IPs). When an employee makes an outside call, the receptionist masks it with the company's main phone number (public IP). When a reply comes to the main number, the receptionist looks at their logbook (NAT Table) and forwards it to the correct internal extension.
In more depth
NAT (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.
How it Works
Interview Questions
References & Further Reading
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