Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
`ip nat inside source static 192.168.1.50 203.0.113.50`
A router has this command configured: `ip nat inside source static 192.168.1.50 203.0.113.50`. What is the main effect of this configuration?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
It creates a permanent one-to-one translation between the inside host and a public address
This is correct because static NAT builds a fixed mapping from one inside local address to one inside global address.
B
Distractor review
It enables PAT overload for all internal users
This is wrong because PAT overload is a many-to-one design and uses different syntax.
C
Distractor review
It blocks inbound access to the inside host permanently
This is wrong because static NAT does not inherently block outside access.
D
Distractor review
It changes the host subnet mask to a public prefix
This is wrong because NAT translation does not alter the host’s local subnet mask.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is mistaking static NAT for PAT or dynamic NAT. Candidates may incorrectly assume that the command enables PAT overload, allowing many internal users to share one public IP, but static NAT provides a fixed one-to-one mapping without port translation. Another trap is thinking static NAT blocks inbound traffic; in reality, it enables inbound access to the mapped inside host. Misunderstanding these differences can lead to selecting incorrect answers about NAT behavior and configuration.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Network Address Translation (NAT) is a fundamental IP service that modifies IP address information in packet headers while in transit across a routing device. Static NAT specifically creates a fixed one-to-one mapping between an inside local IP address (private IP) and an inside global IP address (public IP). This mapping remains constant, allowing external hosts to reliably reach the internal device using the public IP. The command `ip nat inside source static 192.168.1.50 203.0.113.50` configures a static NAT entry on a Cisco router. This means the internal host at 192.168.1.50 will always be translated to 203.0.113.50 when communicating with outside networks. Unlike dynamic NAT or PAT (Port Address Translation), static NAT does not rely on pools or port numbers; it guarantees a permanent address translation, which is essential for hosting services accessible from the internet. A common exam trap is confusing static NAT with PAT or dynamic NAT. Static NAT does not overload a single public IP with multiple internal hosts, nor does it dynamically assign addresses from a pool. Practically, static NAT is used when an internal server must be reachable externally at a consistent IP address, such as a web or mail server. Understanding this distinction is critical for both exam success and real-world network design.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT creates a permanent one-to-one mapping between an inside local IP address and an inside global IP address.
- The command 'ip nat inside source static' configures a fixed translation that does not change dynamically or use port numbers.
- Static NAT allows external hosts to consistently reach an internal device using a predictable public IP address.
- PAT overload uses a single public IP with multiple port numbers to translate many internal hosts, unlike static NAT's fixed mapping.
- Static NAT does not alter the subnet mask of the inside host; it only translates IP addresses for routing purposes.
- Dynamic NAT assigns public IPs from a pool temporarily, whereas static NAT reserves a specific public IP for one internal host.
- Static NAT is essential for services that require inbound access from outside networks, such as web servers or VPN endpoints.
- Cisco routers use the 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside' interface designations to determine which interfaces participate in NAT translation.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Static NAT creates a permanent one-to-one mapping between an inside local IP address and an inside global IP address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It creates a permanent one-to-one translation between the inside host and a public address — This command creates a static NAT mapping between one inside local address and one inside global address. In plain language, the internal device at 192.168.1.50 will always appear as 203.0.113.50 to the outside world. That fixed relationship is useful when a particular internal host or service must be reachable consistently from outside networks. This is different from PAT, which shares one public address across many sessions using ports. Static NAT is one-to-one and predictable. It does not dynamically pull from a pool in this syntax. The key idea is permanence: the same inside device is always mapped to the same outside address.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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