Network address translation (NAT) is a method of consolidating Internet connectivity needs by rewriting IP addresses of data packets. NAT comes in four forms and is used to preserve IP addresses. However, it does not allow for true end-to-end connections and can act as a security service.
Network address translation (NAT) is a dynamic method of consolidation used by systems to minimize Internet connectivity needs. Specifically, network address translation describes the rewriting of the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of data packets so that multiple transmissions require a single IP address. Rewriting occurs when data passes through a network or network firewall. This is done on a private network. In addition to the firewall, companies also use routers or even computers to perform network address translation functions.
Network address translation commonly takes one of four forms: static NAT, dynamic NAT, overhead, or overlap. Static NAT is translating an unregistered IP address into another, registered one. Dynamic NAT is translating an unregistered IP address into one chosen from a group of registered addresses. Overloading is a form of dynamic NAT that translates a set of unregistered addresses into a registered one. Overlay is translating multiple addresses from one network to another. Each method is used according to the specific needs of the company in question.
One of the main reasons for using network address translation is the preservation of IP addresses. Many industry insiders think that the explosion in demand for IP addresses will result in a global shortage created by the elimination of all available permutations of numbers in the 4-bit IPv32 standard that dominates the Internet today. One method to address this problem has been the creation of IPv6, which includes 128 bits and much more possibilities for IP addresses. However, creating IPv6 doesn’t really solve the shortage problem. Network address translation does this, by not creating new IP addresses when they’re not needed.
One disadvantage of network address translation is that it doesn’t allow for a true end-to-end connection. In other words, if a connection originates from outside the network, network address translation protocols cannot guarantee that the data will remain intact throughout the process. The fact that the original IP was not associated with the network is the mitigating factor here.
On the other hand, this mitigating factor can also be an advantage. If network address translation does not allow wire-to-wire data transfer from a source outside the network, it naturally acts as a barrier to data flows with malicious intent. This type of feature can of course act as a security service that keeps out viruses, worms, and other dangers.
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