System for scaling network address translation (nat) and firewall functions

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a network device may be adapted to operate within a virtual private cloud where network address translation (NAT) is performed through virtual machines and each network address translation is handled differently by a different NAT control logic unit. The network device features one or more hardware processors, and a memory that stores at least a plurality of network address translation (NAT) control logic unit and demultiplexer logic. The demultiplexer logic, when executed, receives an incoming message and, based at least in part on information within the incoming message, determines a selected NAT control logic unit to receive at least a portion of the information within the incoming message. The selected NAT control logic unit handles address translation for routing of a message based on the incoming message to a public network.