Understanding NAT mode on AP LAN ports

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On the WAX300H and WAC500H, users can enable the “NAT mode on LAN ports” feature. Once this feature is active, the AP’s uplink and LAN ports are divided into two network segments, and AP itself becomes the Default gateway and DHCP server for devices connect to the LAN port. In addition to distributing IP address, it also routes all outgoing traffic and performs SNAT process, functioning like a router.

It is important to note that the AP chooses the subnet for the LAN side based on its own Management IP. If Management IP is in the 10.0.0.0/8 network range, then the devices on the AP’s LAN side will be part of the 172.16.0.0/12 subnet. Conversely, if this is not the case, the AP will use the 10.0.0.0/8 range for the LAN side devices.

To enable the NAT mode, you can follow the below steps:

• Go to the Devices > Access points > AP & port settings” page > Choose supported AP.
• Select NAT mode in the pop-up window.

After this feature being active, the AP will use the pre-configured subnet mentioned above to assign IP address for clients and handle their network traffic.

As the result, you will notice the VLAN settings on the LAN side are grayed out and cannot be further modified.