NAT provides a method of assigning and distributing internal and external addresses and traffic, in the sense that several computers in a workgroup can use the same public address when they are given private addresses by the NAT router. NAT converts an internal address to a public address. When set up, NAT has the following characteristics:
Devices providing NAT (sometimes called gateways) include cable/DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modems and routers. NAT can be enabled by selecting the "Share your Internet connection" checkbox in the Internet pane of Sharing preferences. This makes your computer act as a go-between for all information to and from the Internet using your Internet connection. |