Network address translation is the method by which private IP address are held and referenced in a network translation table. It is common practice to hide an entire IP address space, usually consisting of private IP addresses, behind a single IP address.

To avoid ambiguity in the handling of packets, a one‑to‑many NAT alters higher level information such as TCP/UDP ports in outgoing communications and maintains a translation table so that return packets can be handled correctly. The DME allows stream access through a direct IP address, a Natted IP address, or both.