Watchguard Network Security Practice Test

Is it possible to configure Dynamic NAT for incoming connections to two FTP servers on a trusted network?

1. True

2. False

3. Only with static mappings

4. Subject to license limitations

The correct answer is: False

Dynamic NAT, or Network Address Translation, functions by mapping an unregistered IP address to a registered IP address from a pool of addresses when outbound connections are initiated. This means that it is primarily designed to facilitate outgoing traffic rather than incoming connections. When considering the functionality of Dynamic NAT concerning incoming connections, the process becomes inefficient and impractical. In incoming scenarios, you require a way to know which internal IP should receive the incoming traffic. Unlike static NAT, which includes fixed mappings that enable access to specific internal resources, Dynamic NAT does not retain the information necessary for routing incoming requests back to the correct internal host. This limitation makes it impossible to configure Dynamic NAT effectively for receiving connections, such as those directed at FTP servers on a trusted network. Incoming connections rely on predictable addressing rather than the ephemeral nature of dynamic mapping. In contrast, static NAT would allow for clear definition and consistent mappings for incoming traffic to particular servers, ensuring that requests reach the correct destination. This functionality highlights why Dynamic NAT would not serve for incoming traffic to those FTP servers.