What is the purpose of NAT (Network Address Translation)?

Correct answer: Allow private IP addresses to communicate with external networks through translation

Option B is correct because Network Address Translation (NAT) maps private IP addresses used within a local network to one or more public IP addresses when traffic leaves the network, allowing devices with non-routable private addresses to communicate with external networks such as the internet. Option A is incorrect because routing packets between different networks is the function of a router using routing protocols; NAT is a separate address-mapping process that often runs on a router but serves a distinct purpose. Option C is incorrect because dynamically assigning IP addresses to devices is the function of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), not NAT. Option D is incorrect because encrypting network data is performed by protocols such as TLS or IPsec; NAT only translates address information and does not provide confidentiality.