In Cisco NAT terminology, which term refers to the destination host's address as it appears on the inside network before any translation is applied (i.e., the destination address before translation)?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding Network Address Translation (NAT) terms is essential for configuring and troubleshooting connectivity across private and public networks. Cisco uses four precise labels to describe addresses seen on either side of a NAT device: inside local, inside global, outside local, and outside global. This question focuses on the address that represents the destination host before translation as perceived on the inside network.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A NAT-enabled router separates an inside (private) network from an outside (typically public) network.
• The traffic flow is from an inside host to an outside destination.
• We are identifying the destination host's address before any translation, as seen on the inside.

Concept / Approach:
Cisco defines: inside local = inside host's pre-translation address; inside global = inside host's post-translation (globally routable) address; outside local = destination (outside) host's address as it appears within the inside domain (possibly translated); outside global = the outside host's true, globally routable address. The phrase “destination host before translation” from the perspective of the inside network corresponds to the outside local address.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Examine NAT translation tables on a Cisco router (e.g., 'show ip nat translations') and note columns mapping inside local/global and outside local/global; the entry for the destination prior to translation is labeled outside local.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Inside local: This is the source (inside host) before translation, not the destination. Inside global: Inside host after translation. Outside global: The true public address of the destination as routable on the global Internet, not the inside's pre-translation view.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “inside vs. outside” with “local vs. global.” “Inside/Outside” refers to location relative to the NAT device; “Local/Global” refers to pre- vs. post-translation scope.

Final Answer:
Outside local