One-to-many Network Area Translation (NAT), which may also be referred to as Port Area Translation, is a networking service that allows one static public IP address (the “one”) to be accessed by many private IP addresses (the “many”), allowing communication between multiple devices on different subnets. NAT’s capabilities allow for easier integration, maintenance, and standardization because no IP addresses need to be changed and networking architecture does not need to be reconfigured. This is particularly useful when integrating an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) into the overall networking architecture of a plant or other facility, since the machine and plant network may be configured for different IP address subnets and could contribute to extensive commissioning and startup time and efforts.

Please click HERE to learn how to use Network Area Translation to connect to multiple Siemens PLCs behind a SCALANCE S615 LAN (local area network) router. The same concept can be applied to other industrial networking technologies such as cellular modems, industrial edge computers, etc.