Question 1mediumdrag order
Read the full NAT/PAT explanation →Question 36 of 2,015
Quick Answer
The correct order for NAT overload (PAT) packet translation steps is: host sends packet, router creates translation entry, router replaces source IP and port, router forwards packet, router receives reply, and router translates destination back to private. This sequence is correct because PAT, or Port Address Translation, maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP by tracking unique source port numbers, so the router must first create the translation entry before altering the packet, then reverse the process only after receiving the return traffic. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of stateful NAT operations, with a common trap being the placement of the translation entry creation—many candidates mistakenly swap it with the source IP replacement step. Remember the mnemonic "Send, Save, Swap, Ship, Receive, Reverse" to lock in the order from first to last.
350-401 NAT and DHCP Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of nat and dhcp. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Drag and drop the steps of NAT overload (PAT) packet translation process into the correct order, from first to last.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
✓
Host sends packet with private source IP and port
PAT translates private source IPs to a public IP with unique port numbers. The host sends a packet, the router creates a translation entry, replaces the source IP and port, forwards the packet, and reverses the process on the return.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Common exam traps
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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NAT and DHCP — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
NAT and DHCP — This question tests NAT and DHCP — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Host sends packet with private source IP and port — PAT translates private source IPs to a public IP with unique port numbers. The host sends a packet, the router creates a translation entry, replaces the source IP and port, forwards the packet, and reverses the process on the return.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop the steps of NAT overload (PAT) packet translation process into the correct order, from first to last.
medium- ✓ A.Host sends packet with private source IP and port
- ✓ B.Router creates NAT entry with global IP and port
- ✓ C.Router translates source to global IP and unique port
- ✓ D.Router receives reply and looks up NAT table
- ✓ E.Router translates destination back to private IP and port
Why A: The PAT process begins with a host sending a packet with a private source IP and port. The router creates a NAT entry mapping the private address and port to the outside global address and a unique port. It then translates the source IP and port in the packet. When the reply arrives, the router looks up the NAT table to find the original mapping. Finally, it translates the destination back to the private IP and port and forwards the packet to the host.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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