- A
Configure ip nat inside source static <inside-local> <inside-global> in global configuration mode.
This command creates a permanent mapping between a private inside address and a public global address.
- B
Apply the ip nat inside command on the interface facing the internal network.
This marks the interface as the inside NAT interface, enabling translation for traffic sourced from or destined to that interface.
- C
Apply the ip nat outside command on the interface facing the internal network.
Why wrong: The outside command should be applied to the interface facing the external network, not the internal one.
- D
Configure an access list to match the inside local addresses for translation.
Why wrong: Access lists are used for dynamic NAT or PAT, not for static NAT, which uses an explicit mapping.
- E
Enable the ip nat service command globally to activate NAT.
Why wrong: There is no such global command; NAT is enabled by configuring translations and interface markings.
Quick Answer
The answer is applying the ip nat inside command on the interface facing the internal network. This is correct because static NAT requires a one-to-one mapping between an inside local address and an inside global address, and the router must know which interfaces belong to the inside and outside domains to translate packets correctly. The ip nat inside command marks the interface connected to your internal hosts, while ip nat outside marks the interface facing the external network; without both, the router cannot determine where to apply the translation. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of NAT interface roles, often appearing in configuration or troubleshooting scenarios where a missing interface command breaks connectivity. A common trap is assuming the ip nat inside source static command alone is sufficient—it is not; the interface-level commands are mandatory. Memory tip: think of the router as a bouncer—you must tell it which door is the “inside” entrance and which is the “outside” exit for the translation to work.
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.
Which TWO configuration steps are required to implement static NAT on a Cisco IOS router? (Choose TWO.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure ip nat inside source static <inside-local> <inside-global> in global configuration mode.
Static NAT requires defining a one-to-one mapping between inside local and inside global addresses, and then applying the ip nat inside and ip nat outside commands on the respective interfaces.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure ip nat inside source static <inside-local> <inside-global> in global configuration mode.
Why this is correct
This command creates a permanent mapping between a private inside address and a public global address.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Apply the ip nat inside command on the interface facing the internal network.
Why this is correct
This marks the interface as the inside NAT interface, enabling translation for traffic sourced from or destined to that interface.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Apply the ip nat outside command on the interface facing the internal network.
Why it's wrong here
The outside command should be applied to the interface facing the external network, not the internal one.
- ✗
Configure an access list to match the inside local addresses for translation.
- ✗
Enable the ip nat service command globally to activate NAT.
Why it's wrong here
There is no such global command; NAT is enabled by configuring translations and interface markings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The outside command should be applied to the interface facing the external network, not the internal one.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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NAT and PAT — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
NAT and PAT — This question tests NAT and PAT — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure ip nat inside source static <inside-local> <inside-global> in global configuration mode. — Static NAT requires defining a one-to-one mapping between inside local and inside global addresses, and then applying the ip nat inside and ip nat outside commands on the respective interfaces.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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