NAT Connections

For a computer to communicate with other computers on the Internet, it must have an IP address. An IP address (IP stands for Internet Protocol) is a unique 32-bit number that identifies the location of a computer on a network.

Network Address Translation allows a single device, such as a router, to act as an agent between the Internet (or "public network") and a local (or "private") network. This means that only a single, unique IP address is required to represent an entire group of computers.

In the case of the Eseye APN, the APN acts as the agent, and allows a single (actually a small pool) of ip addresses to represent the SIM cards on the cellular network.

Developed by Cisco, Network Address Translation is used by a device (ifirewall, router or icomputer) that sits between an internal network and the rest of the world.

Vehicle telematics is an example of an application where NAT is needed. The unit in the vehicle initiates the connection by sending a packet of data to the company providing the location and other services.