Why You Should Dodge NAT Instances Like a Pro in the AWS Jungle
Tags: todayilearned, aws
Published: 2023-09-30 23:29:36

Greetings, everyone! Today's talk will examine the potential risks associated with using NAT instances. Through our exploration, we will understand why it may be prudent to steer clear of them, much like Indiana Jones avoids perilous obstacles during his exciting expeditions.
![indiana jones running from a crowd of native](https://media0.giphy.com/media/43wsmkuWDuNQX78KwS/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47fzs5c24lwv6fzdozhzv2td121p630mpk3xq7vb3o&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

Picture this: You're in the heart of the Amazon Web Services wilderness, creating your cloud masterpiece. Your instances need to access the vast internet, and you think, "Hey, I need a NAT instance!" But hold onto your fedora because there's a better way – a way that doesn't involve dealing with NAT instances, those quirky, cranky beasts of the cloud.

## NAT, The Necessary Evil?

Before considering a NAT instance, we can discuss what they are. NAT instances are like those weird cousins you only invite to family reunions out of obligation. They stand between your private instances and the internet, translating their internal IP addresses into a public one. Sounds okay. Well, that's where the fun starts to fade.
![indiana jones saying that belongs a museum](https://media1.giphy.com/media/uj8SbnHpCfxlm3jfJA/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47eovyjump0r3958jk1nxhohk1ciaevybfpo5e2nmi&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

## The Quirks and Quibbles
![indiana jones in front of a fire](https://media1.giphy.com/media/1dOH1rbk7OqYDeFZYz/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47lsvl2kzz9en0cpbx91ya4wlfa0r5vzc4vzf12uro&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

**Single-Point-of-Failure**: NAT instances are like the guy with the car keys at a party. If it goes down, everything stops working. On the other hand, AWS NAT Gateway is like the party bus – highly available, with no single point of failure.

**Scaling Woes**: Imagine trying to keep up with a buffet line that lasts longer. NAT instances need manual resizing, and who has time for that? AWS NAT Gateway scales automatically, like an all-you-can-eat buffet that never runs out.

**It's Expensive**: NAT instances may seem cheap initially, but when you factor in the cost of EC2 instances, data transfer, and your time managing them, it's like buying a lemon car that requires constant maintenance.

## A Better Way: AWS NAT Gateway
![indiana jones looking to a treasure](https://media3.giphy.com/media/9J8gnvAxmDFbG/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47kc1435w110livq398u0ugagjq2pf69m0c0ifa86y&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

Now, hold onto your hat because there's a better, safer, and more efficient way to manage your outgoing traffic – AWS NAT Gateway. Think of it as the suave secret agent who seamlessly handles all your private instances' internet requests.

## Here's Why You Should Choose AWS NAT Gateway:
![saying trust me](https://media3.giphy.com/media/gHOAu2veIeySCvVzMs/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47fzs5c24lwv6fzdozhzv2td121p630mpk3xq7vb3o&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

**Highly Available**: It's as reliable as your morning coffee, with AWS managing the availability. No single points of failure here!

**Auto-Scaling Magic**: AWS NAT Gateway scales like a Ph.D. in elasticity. It adapts to your needs without any manual intervention.

**No EC2 Instances**: That's right, no more juggling EC2 instances or worrying about their health. AWS NAT Gateway handles it so you can sip your coffee peacefully.

**Predictable Pricing**: AWS NAT Gateway offers a straightforward pricing model with no surprises or hidden fees. Say goodbye to those shocking EC2 instance bills.

## Conclusion: Steer Clear of NAT Instances and Go to NAT Gateway

So there you have it, cloud adventurers. When taming the AWS wilderness, do yourself a favor and steer clear of those quirky NAT instances. Instead, ride the sleek and reliable AWS NAT Gateway to cloud victory.

Remember, in the cloud jungle, you want allies that make your life easier, not quirky cousins that complicate things. Choose AWS NAT Gateway, and you'll be navigating the cloud with style, leaving those NAT instances behind like yesterday's fashion. Happy cloud adventures! 🌩️😎