The correct answer is that PAT is working correctly, as confirmed by the dynamic translations and the overload keyword in the output. This is because the show ip nat translations command displays three inside global addresses (192.0.2.10–12) mapped to three inside local addresses, while the show ip nat statistics output reveals that these are dynamic mappings using the POOL1 pool with overload enabled. The pool contains 16 addresses, but only three translations are active, and the protocol column shows dashes, which is normal for PAT when each inside global is used by a single host—no port multiplexing is needed yet. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT by reading the output carefully; a common trap is assuming dashes in the protocol column indicate a problem, when in fact they simply mean no TCP or UDP port entry is required. Remember the memory tip: “Dashes don’t mean disaster—overload means PAT is the master.”
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:
R1# show ip nat translations
Pro Inside global Inside local Outside local Outside global
--- 192.0.2.10 10.0.0.10 --- ---
--- 192.0.2.11 10.0.0.11 --- ---
--- 192.0.2.12 10.0.0.12 --- ---
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; translations are dynamic and overload is enabled.
The output shows dynamic NAT with overload (PAT). The pool has 16 addresses (192.0.2.10–192.0.2.20), but only 3 translations are active. The '---' in the protocol column indicates no protocol-specific translation (e.g., TCP/UDP), which is normal for PAT when only one host per inside global is used. The correct answer is that PAT is working correctly.
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.
✓
PAT is working correctly; translations are dynamic and overload is enabled.
Why this is correct
The output shows dynamic mappings with overload, and translations are active. No errors or misses indicate proper operation.
The pool has 16 addresses, and only 3 are used. Exhaustion is not indicated.
✗
Static NAT is configured, but dynamic NAT is not working.
Why it's wrong here
The statistics show 0 static translations and 3 dynamic. Static NAT is not configured.
✗
The inside and outside interfaces are reversed.
Why it's wrong here
The interfaces are correctly listed: GigabitEthernet0/0 as inside, GigabitEthernet0/1 as outside.
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 0 static translations and 3 dynamic. Static NAT is not configured.
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: PAT is working correctly; translations are dynamic and overload is enabled. — The output shows dynamic NAT with overload (PAT). The pool has 16 addresses (192.0.2.10–192.0.2.20), but only 3 translations are active. The '---' in the protocol column indicates no protocol-specific translation (e.g., TCP/UDP), which is normal for PAT when only one host per inside global is used. The correct answer is that PAT is working correctly.
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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