NAT (Network Address Translation) allows multiple devices on your local network to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet.

How do NAT and IP addresses work together?

NAT (Network Address Translation) allows multiple devices on your local network to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet.

🧠 How it works:

1. Your computer has a private IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
2. Your router uses NAT to replace that with its public IP
3. The router keeps track of each session so replies return to the correct device

🔒 NAT also helps with security:

• Outside devices can’t reach you directly unless you set up port forwarding
• NAT acts as a basic firewall

🔗 Related Articles:

1. What is the difference between NAT and port forwarding?
2. Can someone hack me through my IP address?
3. How to configure port forwarding safely
4. How to test if NAT is working properly
5. What is double NAT and how to fix it?