Question 538 of 1,389
NAT Types in CCNA
Which TWO statements accurately describe Network Address Translation (NAT) types?
Quick Answer
The answer is Dynamic NAT and Static NAT. Dynamic NAT is correct because it maps a private IP to a public IP from a pool for the duration of a session without altering Layer 4 port numbers, meaning it performs a one-to-one address translation only. Static NAT is correct because it creates a permanent, fixed mapping between a single inside local address and a single inside global address, commonly used to expose internal servers like a web server to the internet with a consistent public IP. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish NAT types and translation terms, often appearing in a multiple-select format where a common trap is confusing Dynamic NAT with PAT, which does modify port numbers. Remember: if ports change, it’s PAT; if only the IP changes from a pool, it’s Dynamic NAT. For Static NAT, think “one-to-one, always on.”
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that PAT only works with TCP, but in reality PAT supports both TCP and UDP, and the trap here is that candidates confuse PAT's use of port numbers with a protocol limitation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Static NAT creates a fixed one-to-one mapping between a local and global address and is typically used to allow external connectivity to internal servers.
Static NAT creates a permanent, one-to-one mapping between an inside local (private) IP address and an inside global (public) IP address. This fixed mapping is typically used to make internal servers, such as a web or email server, reachable from the internet using a consistent public address.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Static NAT creates a fixed one-to-one mapping between a local and global address and is typically used to allow external connectivity to internal servers.
Why this is correct
Static NAT permanently maps a private IP to a public IP, enabling inbound access to internal resources like web servers.
- ✓
Dynamic NAT assigns a public IP from a pool for the duration of a translation, but it does not modify Layer 4 port numbers.
Why this is correct
Dynamic NAT creates a temporary public-private IP pairing without altering source/destination ports. When the translation expires, the public IP returns to the pool.
- ✗
PAT only translates TCP packets because it uses port numbers, leaving UDP translation unsupported.
Why it's wrong here
This is false; PAT can translate both TCP and UDP, as both protocols use 16-bit port numbers that PAT rewrites.
- ✗
Static NAT entries are automatically removed after periods of inactivity to free up public addresses.
Why it's wrong here
Static NAT entries are manually configured and remain until removed by an administrator; they are not subject to timeouts.
- ✗
With PAT, if the public IP address pool is exhausted, new translations fail because PAT requires unique public IPs for each private host.
Why it's wrong here
PAT does not require a pool per host; it can overload a single public IP with many private hosts using unique port numbers, so exhaustion rarely occurs due to IP count.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Static NAT creates a fixed one-to-one mapping between a local and global address and is typically used to allow external connectivity to internal servers.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Static NAT permanently maps a private IP to a public IP, enabling inbound access to internal resources like web servers.
✗PAT only translates TCP packets because it uses port numbers, leaving UDP translation unsupported.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
PAT works with any transport protocol that has port fields—TCP, UDP, and even ICMP through the identifier field.
✗Static NAT entries are automatically removed after periods of inactivity to free up public addresses.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Only dynamic translations (from dynamic NAT or PAT) have idle timeouts; static mappings are permanent.
✗With PAT, if the public IP address pool is exhausted, new translations fail because PAT requires unique public IPs for each private host.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This statement describes dynamic NAT pool exhaustion, not PAT, which uses port multiplexing.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Visual reference
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Match each NAT term to its most accurate description.
medium- ✓ A.Inside Local: The IP address of an internal host as seen from inside the network.
- B.Inside Local: The IP address of an external host as seen from inside the network.
- C.Inside Local: The IP address of an internal host as seen from outside the network.
- D.Inside Local: The IP address of an external host as seen from outside the network.
Why A: NAT terms describe address perspectives: Inside Local is the internal host's IP, Inside Global is its external IP, Outside Local is the external host's IP seen internally, Outside Global is its actual external IP, Static NAT provides permanent mapping, and Dynamic NAT uses a pool.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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