A method for network communication is provided. The method includes assigning a first network port identifier for return communication to a packet that originates on a node of the network device and determining whether the packet has a destination internal or external to the network device. The method includes translating the first network port identifier for return communication to a second network port identifier that is within a range of network port identifiers specific to the node, responsive to determining the packet has the external destination, and sending the packet from the node of the network device to the external destination, with the packet having the second network port identifier for return communication.