Quick Answer
The answer is Source NAT (Outbound) because this type of NAT translates the private source IP addresses of internal hosts into a public IP address as traffic leaves the network, effectively hiding the internal IPs from external destinations. This is the correct choice for outbound traffic where the goal is to conceal the internal addressing structure, as the firewall replaces the original source IP with a routable public address, making all outbound sessions appear to originate from the same external IP. On the Palo Alto Networks PCNSA exam, this concept tests your understanding of NAT policy zones and the difference between source and destination translation; a common trap is confusing Source NAT with Static NAT, which performs a one-to-one mapping and does not hide internal addresses. Remember the memory tip: “Source goes out, Destination comes in” — if traffic is leaving your network to the Internet, you need Source NAT to hide your internal IPs.
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic. 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.
An organization wants to hide internal IP addresses when accessing the Internet. Which type of NAT should be configured?
Source NAT (Outbound)
Source NAT changes the source IP to the firewall's interface IP.
Dynamic IP and Port (DIPP)
Why wrong: DIPP is a type of source NAT, but the question asks which type; source NAT is the general answer.
Destination NAT
Why wrong: Destination NAT translates destination IP, not source.
Static NAT
Why wrong: Static NAT is a one-to-one mapping, not hiding multiple internal IPs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Source NAT (Outbound)
Option B is correct because source NAT (translation of source IP) is used to hide internal addresses. Option A is wrong because destination NAT translates incoming traffic. Option C is wrong because static NAT maps one-to-one and does not hide. Option D is wrong because this is not a standard PAN NAT type.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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 PCNSA NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Securing Traffic — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Source NAT (Outbound) — Option B is correct because source NAT (translation of source IP) is used to hide internal addresses. Option A is wrong because destination NAT translates incoming traffic. Option C is wrong because static NAT maps one-to-one and does not hide. Option D is wrong because this is not a standard PAN NAT type.
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 PCNSA NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This PCNSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCNSA exam.
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