What does NAT stand for?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It is a networking technique used to modify the IP address information in packet headers while in transit across a traffic routing device. This enables devices on a private network to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet, thereby conserving IP addresses and enhancing security by masking internal IP addresses.

This method allows multiple devices in a local network to communicate with external networks using a single public IP address, which is essential for both IPv4 address conservation and providing an additional layer of security by keeping internal IP addresses hidden from external networks.

The other options refer to concepts or terms that do not relate to the established networking practice represented by NAT. For instance, Network Adaptive Technology and Network Access Terminal focus on different aspects of network functionalities and infrastructure, while Network Addressing Tool does not accurately define any recognized networking concept. Thus, the clarity and relevance of the definition make Network Address Translation the correct choice in this context.