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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 example, 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 Gateway Address:
(see ISP for definition). The ISP Gateway Address is an IP
address for the Internet router located at the ISP's office.
ISP:
Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business that provides connectivity to the
Internet for individuals and other businesses or organizations.
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:
MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC address is the
hardware address of a device connected to a network. The MAC address is a unique
identifier for a device with an Ethernet interface. It is comprised of two parts: 3 bytes of
data that corresponds to the Manufacturer ID (unique for each manufacturer), plus 3
bytes that are often used as the product’s serial number.
NAT:
Network Address Translation. This process allows all of the computers on your
home network to use one IP address. Using the broadband router’s NAT capability,
you can access the Internet from any computer on your home network without having
to purchase more IP addresses from your ISP.
Port:
Network Clients (LAN PC) uses port numbers to distinguish one network
application/protocol over another. Below is a list of common applications and
protocol/port numbers:
