Proxy network address translation (PNAT) is disclosed, which combines proxy server capability with network address translation (NAT) capability. At a NAT component, address translation is performed at a packet level of a stream of packets originating from a client and destined for a server. The address translation redirects the packets to a proxy component, and masks the source of the packets. At the proxy component, filtering is performed at a stream level of the stream of packets. The proxy component transmits the packets to the server. A specific installed component is not required at clients for access through the PNAT. The PNAT retains the advantages of a proxy server, while retaining for the component-less nature of access of NAT.