What does NAT stand for in networking?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation in networking. This is a method used primarily in routers to translate private (not globally routable) IP addresses to a public IP address before data is sent over the internet. This process enables multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address for internet access, conserving the number of IP addresses used and enhancing security in the local network setup.

NAT plays a critical role in facilitating communication between private and public networks. By performing address translation, it allows for the efficient use of IP addresses and can also provide a form of security by obscuring the internal IP addresses from external networks. This technology is essential in a world where IPv4 addresses are limited, making it a foundational concept in both networking courses and real-world applications.