Knowledgebase: General
What is NAT and why do need it?
Posted by Milton on 02 March 2007 05:54 PM
NAT (Network Address Translation) is used on routers to enable multiple hosts on a private network to access the Internet using a single public IP address. Regardless of your ISP (Internet Service Provider), you will be assigned a public IP address upon connection. This public IP address you can treat it like - a telephone number assign to you by your ISP. It is fine if you have only got one computer at home but what if you have more than 1 computer and you would like to share that connection? You have the option of requesting more public IP address from you ISP but it will usually cost you. Alternatively you can use NAT. NAT will allow you to share one public address to multiple computers on you local network. The idea is similar to the PBX (Private Business eXchange) in an office where you have one incoming number for you office with multiple extensions for each department or staff.

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