NAT/Route Mode
NAT/Route mode is the most commonly used mode by a significant margin and is thus the default setting on the device. As the name implies the function of NAT is commonly used in this mode and is easily configured but there is no requirement to use NAT. The FortiGate unit performs network address translation before IP packets are sent to the destination network.
These are some of the characteristics of NAT/Route mode:
• Typically used when the FortiGate unit is a gateway between private and public networks.
• Can act as a router between multiple networks within a network infrastructure.
• When used, the FortiGate unit is visible to the networks that is connected to.
• Each logical interface is on a distinct subnet.
• Each Interface needs to be assigned a valid IP address for the subnet that it is connected to it.