The answer is that PAT is working correctly, translating multiple inside hosts to a single outside IP address. This is evident because the debug ip nat overload output shows three different inside local addresses—10.1.1.1 and 10.1.1.2—each with unique source ports, all being mapped to the same outside global address 203.0.113.1 but with distinct port numbers (5678, 5679, 5680). This is the core behavior of NAT overload, also known as Port Address Translation (PAT), where the router uses layer 4 port information to multiplex many private hosts behind one public IP. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your ability to verify PAT operation and distinguish it from static or dynamic NAT; a common trap is misreading the output as an error when you see multiple translations, but the different ports confirm normal PAT. Remember the memory tip: “Same IP, different port—PAT is doing its job.”
300-410 NAT and PAT Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of nat and pat. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 debug NAT with overload:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
PAT is working correctly, translating multiple inside hosts to one outside IP.
The output shows PAT (overload) translating multiple inside addresses and ports to a single outside address with different ports. This is normal PAT operation.
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.
✓
PAT is working correctly, translating multiple inside hosts to one outside IP.
Why this is correct
Each inside host gets a unique source port on the outside IP.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
NAT is failing because the outside address is the same for all.
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
Static translations would not show port changes.
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: PAT is working correctly, translating multiple inside hosts to one outside IP. — The output shows PAT (overload) translating multiple inside addresses and ports to a single outside address with different ports. This is normal PAT operation.
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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