NAT
A technique that modifies IP address information in packets, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP and enhancing network security.
Network Address Translation (NAT) is a networking method used to alter the IP address information in data packets as they traverse a router or firewall. This allows multiple devices within a private network to access external networks, such as the internet, using a single public IP address.
NAT is fundamental for conserving IPv4 addresses and for providing an additional layer of security by masking internal network structures from external entities. It supports various forms, including static NAT, dynamic NAT, and Port Address Translation (PAT), each offering different balances of flexibility and scalability.
In AI cloud networks and platforms like Hedgehog, NAT enables efficient scaling and secure connectivity for large deployments. It helps protect sensitive resources, manage IP allocation, and ensure compliance with network policies, making it a cornerstone of modern cloud and enterprise networking.