What is the main benefit of using NAT?

Using Network Address Translation (NAT) primarily allows multiple devices within a private network to communicate with external networks using a single public IP address. This process translates the private IP addresses of devices in the local network into the public IP address for outbound traffic and vice versa for inbound traffic. This functionality is particularly beneficial because it helps conserve the limited number of available public IP addresses, enabling multiple devices to share a single address, which is especially crucial in situations with a large number of devices needing internet access.

Moreover, using NAT also adds a layer of privacy and security, as the internal IP addresses are not exposed to the external network, making it more challenging for potential attackers to target specific devices within the internal network. However, the primary and most direct benefit is the efficient use of public IP addresses as described.