NAT/PAT
NAT (Network Address Translation) and PAT (Port Address Translation) enable multiple devices to share a single public IP address by translating private addresses and ports, improving security and conserving IP resources.
NAT translates private IP addresses within a local network to public addresses for internet access, while PAT extends this by mapping unique port numbers, allowing many devices to use one public IP. These techniques are essential for IP address conservation and provide a layer of security by masking internal network details.
NAT and PAT are widely used in home, enterprise, and cloud networks. Benefits include efficient use of IP space and basic network obfuscation, but drawbacks can include protocol compatibility issues and port exhaustion under heavy loads.
Alternatives for large-scale deployments include IPv6 adoption or using application-layer gateways for protocol-specific translation.