What is NAT (Network Address Translation) and how does it work in computer networks?

NAT, or Network Address Translation, is a technology used in computer networks to allow multiple devices to share a single public IP address. It works by mapping private IP addresses of devices within a local network to a single public IP address for communication with external networks.

There are different types of NAT, including Static NAT, Dynamic NAT, and Port Address Translation (PAT). Each type operates slightly differently but all serve the purpose of translating private IP addresses to a public IP address.

One common use case of NAT is in home networks, where multiple devices such as computers, smartphones, and smart devices need to access the internet using a single public IP address provided by the Internet Service Provider.

In summary, NAT (Network Address Translation) is a crucial technology in computer networks that allows for the efficient use of public IP addresses and enables devices within a local network to communicate with external networks while sharing a single public IP address.