What is the difference between SNAT and DNAT in NAT?

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Multiple Choice

What is the difference between SNAT and DNAT in NAT?

Explanation:
The effect of NAT here is about which end of the communication is being rewritten. In SNAT, the source IP of outgoing packets is replaced with the NAT device’s own IP. This makes replies come back to the NAT box, which then forwards them to the original inside host. In DNAT, the destination IP of incoming packets is replaced with the internal host’s IP, so traffic arriving to the NAT’s public IP is redirected to that specific internal device. So the correct relationship is: SNAT changes the source IP, while DNAT changes the destination IP. For example, an internal client reaching the internet will have its source replaced, whereas external traffic aimed at the NAT’s public address will have its destination replaced to reach the right internal host. The other options mix up which end is rewritten or suggest both addresses change for these functions, which isn’t how SNAT and DNAT are defined.

The effect of NAT here is about which end of the communication is being rewritten. In SNAT, the source IP of outgoing packets is replaced with the NAT device’s own IP. This makes replies come back to the NAT box, which then forwards them to the original inside host. In DNAT, the destination IP of incoming packets is replaced with the internal host’s IP, so traffic arriving to the NAT’s public IP is redirected to that specific internal device.

So the correct relationship is: SNAT changes the source IP, while DNAT changes the destination IP. For example, an internal client reaching the internet will have its source replaced, whereas external traffic aimed at the NAT’s public address will have its destination replaced to reach the right internal host. The other options mix up which end is rewritten or suggest both addresses change for these functions, which isn’t how SNAT and DNAT are defined.

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