NAT (Network Address Translation)

A protocol that translates a private Internet Protocol (IP)

address used in private domain, such as a LAN, into a public IP address that can be used in a public domain, such as the Internet. The translation process takes place in a router that interfaces to both domains, and operates on a symmetric basis, with translations taking place in both directions for the duration of a public session. NAT software allows the LAN-attached host to protect the privacy of its local identity as it accesses the Internet. NAT is specified in RFC 3022 from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

See also domain, IETF, Internet, LAN, private IP address, protocol, public IP address, router, and symmetric.

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