- A
Define interesting traffic using an access list to identify the internal source addresses to be translated.
This is correct because the first step in configuring PAT is to define which internal addresses will be translated using an access list. The ACL matches the source IP addresses of packets that should undergo NAT.
- B
Apply the ip nat inside command on the interface connected to the internal network.
This is incorrect because while marking the inside interface is necessary, it is not the first step. The ACL must be defined before applying NAT commands.
- C
Apply the ip nat outside command on the interface connected to the external network.
This is incorrect because marking the outside interface is part of the configuration but occurs after defining the ACL and inside interface.
- D
Configure the ip nat inside source list ACL_NUMBER interface INTERFACE_TYPE overload command to enable PAT.
This is incorrect because this command is the final step, not the first. It applies the translation rule using the previously defined ACL and interfaces.
Quick Answer
The correct sequence for PAT configuration steps on a Cisco router is: first define the addresses to translate with an access list, then mark the inside interface with ip nat inside, next mark the outside interface with ip nat outside, and finally enable PAT globally with the ip nat inside source list ACL_NUMBER interface INTERFACE_TYPE overload command. This order is critical because PAT requires a defined pool of private addresses (via the ACL) and clearly identified inside and outside interfaces before the router can dynamically map multiple internal sources to a single public IP. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding that the overload keyword is applied globally, not on an interface—a common trap is confusing it with static NAT or placing the overload command on the outside interface. A reliable memory tip is "ACL, Inside, Outside, Overload" or simply "A-I-O-O" to recall the step order.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Drag and drop the configuration steps into the correct order to configure Port Address Translation (PAT) on a Cisco router.
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
Define interesting traffic using an access list to identify the internal source addresses to be translated.
The correct sequence is: first define the addresses to translate with an access list; next mark the inside interface with 'ip nat inside'; then mark the outside interface with 'ip nat outside'; finally, enable PAT globally with the 'ip nat inside source list ... overload' command. The overload command is not applied to an interface—it references the outside interface to translate source addresses to that interface’s IP.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Define interesting traffic using an access list to identify the internal source addresses to be translated.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the first step in configuring PAT is to define which internal addresses will be translated using an access list. The ACL matches the source IP addresses of packets that should undergo NAT.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
Apply the ip nat inside command on the interface connected to the internal network.
- ✓
Apply the ip nat outside command on the interface connected to the external network.
- ✓
Configure the ip nat inside source list ACL_NUMBER interface INTERFACE_TYPE overload command to enable PAT.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Define interesting traffic using an access list to identify the internal source addresses to be translated. — The correct sequence is: first define the addresses to translate with an access list; next mark the inside interface with 'ip nat inside'; then mark the outside interface with 'ip nat outside'; finally, enable PAT globally with the 'ip nat inside source list ... overload' command. The overload command is not applied to an interface—it references the outside interface to translate source addresses to that interface’s IP.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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