- A
60 seconds
Why wrong: This is the default timeout for UDP NAT translations, not basic NAT.
- B
300 seconds
Why wrong: This is the default timeout for TCP NAT translations without data transfer.
- C
86400 seconds
Correct. Basic NAT translations default to 24 hours (86400 seconds) in Cisco IOS.
- D
3600 seconds
Why wrong: This is not a default NAT timeout value in Cisco IOS.
Question 1,294 of 2,152
Default NAT Timeout Value in Cisco IOS
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of nat and pat. 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.
What is the default timeout value for a NAT translation entry that is not using Port Address Translation (PAT) in Cisco IOS?
Quick Answer
The answer is 86400 seconds, or 24 hours, for the default NAT timeout value in Cisco IOS when Port Address Translation (PAT) is not in use. This extended timeout is defined in RFC 2663, which specifies that basic NAT translations—where a single inside local address maps directly to a single inside global address—should remain active for a full day to minimize control-plane overhead and avoid frequent re-translations for long-lived connections. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the distinction between dynamic NAT and PAT timeouts; a common trap is confusing this 86400-second default with the much shorter 60-second default for PAT entries. Remember that without PAT, the router assumes the session is stable and keeps the binding for 24 hours. A useful memory tip: think of “no PAT” as “no rush”—the translation sticks around for a full day, or 86,400 seconds, which is exactly 24 hours in seconds.
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
✓
86400 seconds
The default timeout for a NAT translation entry without Port Address Translation (PAT) in Cisco IOS is 86400 seconds (24 hours). This is because a one-to-one NAT mapping is expected to remain stable for extended periods, unlike PAT entries which time out quickly (e.g., 60 seconds for UDP, 86400 seconds for TCP) due to port reuse. The 86400-second value ensures that the translation persists for long-lived sessions without unnecessary churn.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between PAT and non-PAT timeout defaults, trapping candidates who confuse the 86400-second timeout for TCP PAT entries with the non-PAT timeout, or who mistakenly recall the 60-second UDP PAT timeout as the default for all translations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco IOS, the `ip nat translation timeout` command can override the default, but without PAT, the translation is essentially a static binding that the router keeps alive for 24 hours to avoid tearing down stable connections. This behavior is tied to the fact that non-PAT translations consume a public IP address per private host, so the router assumes the mapping should persist until explicitly cleared or the timeout expires. In real-world scenarios, this prevents frequent re-translation for services like VPNs or persistent application sessions that rely on a fixed public-to-private mapping.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 86400 seconds — The default timeout for a NAT translation entry without Port Address Translation (PAT) in Cisco IOS is 86400 seconds (24 hours). This is because a one-to-one NAT mapping is expected to remain stable for extended periods, unlike PAT entries which time out quickly (e.g., 60 seconds for UDP, 86400 seconds for TCP) due to port reuse. The 86400-second value ensures that the translation persists for long-lived sessions without unnecessary churn.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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