PAT naming: Port Address Translation (PAT) is commonly referred to by which Cisco NAT term?

Introduction / Context:
Port Address Translation allows multiple inside hosts to share one or a few public IPv4 addresses by multiplexing connections with different Layer 4 port numbers. Cisco refers to this feature using a specific keyword in NAT configuration and documentation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You need the standard Cisco synonym for PAT.
• Classic IOS NAT syntax is used in examples.
• Understanding of static vs dynamic vs PAT is assumed.

Concept / Approach:

PAT is configured with the overload keyword in IOS, hence commonly called “NAT Overload.” Static NAT is a fixed one-to-one mapping, which is different. “NAT Fast” or “Overloading Static” are not formal features or terms.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Use show ip nat translations to observe multiple entries sharing the same global address but using different source ports. Confirm counters with show ip nat statistics.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Static is not PAT; it is one-to-one mapping.

“NAT Fast” and “Overloading Static” are not recognized configuration terms.

Common Pitfalls:

Forgetting the overload keyword; believing PAT works without inside/outside interface roles; overlooking firewall rules that block translated sessions.

Final Answer:

NAT Overload