NAT or VDS? What's the difference?
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If you only remember one thing: NAT shares the public exit IP, while VDS gives your service its own dedicated public IP.
Choose NAT if:
- You want a low-cost Hawaii residential connection
- You do not need a unique public IP
- You are comfortable using assigned port forwarding
Choose VDS if:
- You need one dedicated residential public IPv4 address
- IP identity, reputation, and long-term control matter to you
- You want VDS features such as Access Rules
Important differences:
- NAT uses a shared public exit IP. Buying multiple NAT services does not guarantee multiple public IPs.
- VDS stock is limited and may require a reservation.
- NAT plans are not part of the Intern-to-Reliable free-upgrade program. VDS upgrades are reviewed and are not automatic.
- Neither product includes Mainland China route optimization. Use your own suitable relay if direct routing is not ideal.
In short: choose NAT for low cost and shared access; choose VDS when you need your own residential IP.
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