IP filtering and network address translation

IP filtering and network address translation (NAT) act like a firewall to protect your internal network from intruders.

IP filtering lets you control what IP traffic to be allowed into and out of your network. Basically, it protects your network by filtering packets according to rules that you define. NAT, alternatively, allows you to hide your unregistered private IP addresses behind a set of registered IP addresses. This helps to protect your internal network from outside networks. NAT also helps to alleviate the IP address depletion problem, because many private addresses can be represented by a small set of registered addresses.

Note: Packet rules is the combination of IP filtering and NAT. When you see the term, packet rules, used in this topic, it means that the subject applies to both of those components.

In addition to the information contained in this topic, use the online help available from the Packet Rules Editor in iSeries™ Navigator. The iSeries Navigator online help offers tips and techniques for making the most of packet rules, including How do I help, Tell me about help, and extensive context-sensitive help.