What is NAT44?
NAT44 (Network Address Translation for IPv4) is a mechanism for translating private IPv4 addresses into public ones and vice versa. It is used to conserve public IP addresses and enhance network security.
How NAT44 Works
- A device with a private IP sends a packet to the external network
- The NAT gateway replaces the internal IP and port with its public IP
- The response returns to the gateway, which restores the original address
NAT44 operates between two IPv4 spaces: public and private.
Types of NAT44
- Static NAT — a permanent mapping of IP addresses
- Dynamic NAT — a pool of addresses for dynamic assignment
- PAT (Port Address Translation) — multiple internal addresses use a single external IP with different ports
Advantages and Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| IP address conservation | No end-to-end addressing |
| Improved security | Issues with VoIP and P2P protocols |
| Ease of implementation | Requires additional configuration |
FAQ
How is NAT44 different from NAT64?
NAT44 works only with IPv4, while NAT64 enables communication between IPv6 and IPv4.
Can NAT44 be used in a data center?
Yes, it is commonly used in edge zones and for tenant infrastructure separation.
Conclusion
NAT44 remains a cornerstone of IPv4 networking: it allows limited public IPs to be reused efficiently and provides access control without complex solutions.
