The correct answer is that inside hosts matching ACL 10 are translated to addresses in the pool using PAT. This configuration combines dynamic NAT with a pool and overload, meaning the router will dynamically assign one of the 14 usable addresses from the GLOBAL pool (203.0.113.1 through 203.0.113.10, with a /28 prefix) but then apply port address translation to allow multiple internal hosts to share a single pool address simultaneously. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how the overload keyword modifies dynamic NAT behavior—without it, each translation would consume a unique pool address until exhaustion, but with overload, the router multiplexes sessions using source ports. A common trap is confusing this with static NAT or assuming the pool must be fully consumed before PAT kicks in; in reality, PAT is applied immediately to all translations. Memory tip: think of "pool + overload" as "one pool address, many inside hosts"—the overload keyword is the key that unlocks port multiplexing.
300-410 NAT and PAT Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of nat and pat. 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.
Given this configuration:
ip nat pool GLOBAL 203.0.113.1 203.0.113.10 prefix-length 28
ip nat inside source list 10 pool GLOBAL overload
access-list 10 permit 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Inside hosts matching ACL 10 are translated to addresses in the pool using PAT.
This uses a pool of addresses with PAT (overload). Inside hosts matching ACL 10 are translated to one of the pool addresses with port multiplexing.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
All inside hosts are translated to the first pool address only.
Why it's wrong here
With overload, the router can use any address in the pool, not just the first.
✗
Each inside host gets a unique pool address without port translation.
Why it's wrong here
The 'overload' keyword enables PAT, so multiple hosts share pool addresses.
✓
Inside hosts matching ACL 10 are translated to addresses in the pool using PAT.
Why this is correct
This correctly describes the configuration: dynamic NAT with overload.
The prefix-length 28 is invalid; a netmask must be used instead.
Why it's wrong here
Both 'netmask' and 'prefix-length' are valid in the ip nat pool command.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The 'overload' keyword enables PAT, so multiple hosts share pool addresses.
Command / output trap
Both 'netmask' and 'prefix-length' are valid in the ip nat pool command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 300-410 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
NAT and PAT — This question tests NAT and PAT — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Inside hosts matching ACL 10 are translated to addresses in the pool using PAT. — This uses a pool of addresses with PAT (overload). Inside hosts matching ACL 10 are translated to one of the pool addresses with port multiplexing.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 300-410 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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