The correct interpretation is that NAT is working correctly, with the asterisk indicating a packet that was translated and fast-switched. This output from the debug ip nat detailed command shows successful translation of source address 10.1.1.1 to 10.2.2.2 for outbound traffic, and the reverse translation for return traffic. The asterisk on line [48] is the key detail—it signifies that this particular packet was processed by Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) fast-switching rather than process-switched, which is normal and expected behavior for established NAT sessions. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between normal NAT operation and error conditions, as many candidates mistakenly interpret the asterisk as a sign of failure or corruption. A common trap is confusing the asterisk with a NAT overload entry or assuming it indicates a dropped packet. Memory tip: think of the asterisk as a “star” for “switched”—it marks the packet that took the fast path through the hardware.
300-410 NAT and PAT Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of nat and pat. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command to troubleshoot a NAT issue:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NAT is working correctly; the asterisk indicates a packet that was translated and fast-switched.
The output shows successful NAT translations. The asterisk (*) indicates a packet that was translated and fast-switched.
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.
✓
NAT is working correctly; the asterisk indicates a packet that was translated and fast-switched.
Why this is correct
The asterisk shows fast-switching, and translations are occurring bidirectionally.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
NAT is failing; the asterisk indicates a packet that was dropped.
Why it's wrong here
The asterisk does not indicate a drop; it indicates fast-switching.
✗
NAT is working but only for outbound traffic; return traffic is not being translated.
Why it's wrong here
Return traffic is being translated, as seen in line 4.
✗
NAT is not configured; the output shows only routing information.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output clearly shows NAT translations.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
NAT and PAT — This question tests NAT and PAT — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NAT is working correctly; the asterisk indicates a packet that was translated and fast-switched. — The output shows successful NAT translations. The asterisk (*) indicates a packet that was translated and fast-switched.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 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 300-410 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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Question Discussion
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