CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)NetworkingMedium
A SOHO router is configured so that all devices on the internal LAN use private IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range, but they can still browse the internet using a single public IP address assigned by the ISP. What technology allows multiple internal devices to share one public IP address?
- ADHCP
- BNAT
- CDMZ
- DQoS
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. NAT
Network Address Translation (NAT) allows a router to translate multiple private internal IP addresses into a single public IP address for internet communication, tracking sessions so return traffic reaches the correct internal device.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DHCP assigns IP addresses automatically but doesn't enable address sharing for internet access.
- C. A DMZ exposes a single device to all inbound traffic, unrelated to address sharing.
- D. QoS prioritizes network traffic types but doesn't perform address translation.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
A router function that translates private internal IP addresses to a single public IP address, allowing multiple devices to share one internet connection.
- Conserves public IPv4 addresses
- Tracks port/session mappings to route return traffic correctly
- Standard feature in SOHO routers
Memory trick: NAT lets many private faces share one public mask.