The correct answer is that the NAT pool is exhausted, as the output from *show ip nat translations* reveals all 11 addresses in the pool (192.0.2.10 through 192.0.2.20) are currently mapped to inside local hosts, leaving zero available for new translations. This is confirmed by the *show ip nat statistics* output showing a refcount of 11 matching the pool size, meaning every address in the pool is actively in use. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your ability to correlate the translation table with pool capacity—a common trap is misreading the netmask 255.255.255.240 as allowing 14 usable addresses, but the pool explicitly defines only 11 (10–20 inclusive), so exhaustion occurs when all are consumed. To identify NAT pool exhaustion quickly, always compare the total active translations against the pool’s address range; if they match, no new hosts can be translated. Memory tip: “Count the pool, count the translations—if they’re equal, you’re out of real estate.”
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 on Router R1:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The NAT pool is exhausted; no addresses are available for new translations.
The output shows 11 dynamic translations using all 11 addresses in the pool (192.0.2.10–192.0.2.20 inclusive = 11 addresses). The pool is fully utilized. If a new inside host attempts to communicate, it will fail because no addresses are available. This is a problem because the pool is exhausted.
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.
✓
The NAT pool is exhausted; no addresses are available for new translations.
Why this is correct
All 11 pool addresses are in use, and the pool has no more addresses. New translations will fail.
PAT is not configured, causing address exhaustion.
Why it's wrong here
While PAT could reduce address usage, the pool is correctly sized for 11 hosts; exhaustion is the immediate problem.
✗
The inside and outside interfaces are misconfigured.
Why it's wrong here
The statistics show correct interface assignment.
✗
Static NAT is conflicting with dynamic NAT.
Why it's wrong here
No static translations are present.
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
Command / output trap
The statistics show correct interface assignment.
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: The NAT pool is exhausted; no addresses are available for new translations. — The output shows 11 dynamic translations using all 11 addresses in the pool (192.0.2.10–192.0.2.20 inclusive = 11 addresses). The pool is fully utilized. If a new inside host attempts to communicate, it will fail because no addresses are available. This is a problem because the pool is exhausted.
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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