Method of translating a set of IP addresses into another set of IP addresses
Since IPv4 addresses are limited, the Router will map several private IPs to a single public IP to create the illusion of a single public IPv4 address.
The router will then be able to translate:
- public ip for device > private ip for device
- private ip for device > public ip for device
Obscurity
Since NAT only has one public IP, anyone outside the network will not be able to determine the devices within the network
Dynamic NAT (DNAT)
Instead of mapping to just one public IP, NAT can map devices in a LAN to a pool of public IPs purchased from the ISP. This is better for speed.