netmask in nat pool command

[lifebook567]

In "ip nat pool POOLNAME 169.10.1.50 169.10.1.100 netmask 255.255.255.0", why we need to include netmask? We already specify the range of the pool which is .50 to .100. If netmask is required, is that mean the IP addresses in the range can not be in different subnet? Is a pool name always required in this command?

[pkhatri]

Hi,

The netmask is just a sanity check. It does two things:

- does not allow you to use the first and last address in the network

- ensures that the address range is covered completely by the netmask.

The pool name is required.

Paresh