Network Address Translation (NAT)

Network Address Translation (NAT) is a technique used in computer networking that allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet. Essentially, NAT acts like a translator between your local network and the outside world. When a device sends a request online, NAT changes the device's private IP address to the public one. When the response comes back, it directs it to the correct device. This process helps conserve IP addresses and adds a layer of security by keeping internal network addresses hidden from the outside.