Port address translation definition

A form of dynamic network address translation that allows multiple users on the same private network to use a single public IP address when they need to leave the private network and use the internet.

Why use port address translation?

• To save IP addresses — without PAT, the internet would quickly run out of IP addresses and wouldn’t be able to function.
• For increased security — network administrators in large organizations can supervise their users when they share the same IP address.

Further reading