Computing Dictionary
Port Address Translation definition
networking (PAT) A function provided by some
routers which allows
hosts on a
LAN to communicate with the rest of a network (such as the
Internet) without revealing their own private
IP address. All outbound
packets have their IP address translated to the routers external IP address. Replies come back to the router which then translates them back into the private IP address of the original host for final delivery.
Compare
SOCKS.
(1998-05-08)
