99
A network mask is also a 32-bit binary pattern, and consists of consecutive leading 1
’
s
followed by consecutive trailing 0
’
s, such as 11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000.
Therefore sometimes a network mask can also be described simply as
“
x
”
number of
leading 1
’
s.
When both are represented side by side in their binary forms, all bits in the IP address that
correspond to 1
’
s in the network mask become part of the IP network address, and the
remaining bits correspond to the host ID.
For
instance,
if
the
IP
address
for
a
device
is,
in
its
binary
form,
11011001.10110000.10010000.00000111,
and
if
its
network
mask
is,
11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000. It means the device
’
s network address is
11011001.10110000.10010000.00000000,
and
its
host
ID
is,
00000000.00000000.00000000.00000111. This is a convenient and efficient method for
routers to route IP packets to their destination.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
:
An ISP is a business that allows individuals or
businesses to connect to the Internet. Users log on to the Internet using an account with
an ISP or Internet Service Provider. ISPs can server IP addresses dynamically, or assign
static (fixed) IP addresses to individual computers.
ISP Gateway Address
:
The ISP Gateway Address is an IP address for the Internet router.
This address is only required when using a cable or DSL modem.
LAN (Local Area Network)
:
A LAN is a group of computers and devices connected
together in a relatively small area (such as a house or an office). Your home network is
considered a LAN.
MAC Address (Media Access Control)
:
A MAC address is the hardware address of a
device connected to a network.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
:
NAT masks a local network
’
s group of IP
addresses from the external network, allowing a local network of computers to share a
single ISP account. This process allows all of the computers on your home network to use
one IP address. This will enable access to the Internet from any computer on your home
network without having to purchase more IP addresses from your ISP.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol): PPP is a protocol for communication between computers
using a serial interface, typically a personal computer connected by phone line to a server.
PPPoE (Point-to-Point protocol over Ethernet)
:
Point-to-Point protocol is a method of
secure data transmission. PPP is using Ethernet to connect to an ISP.
