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Q&A about Networks
Q.1 What is a network ?
A
A network is a system in which a group of computers are connected by cable (copper wire,
optical fiber, etc), infrared ray, radio waves or other means in order to share and exchange
information.
There are basically two types of computer networks.
A Local Area Network or LAN consists of a group or network of computers in a limited
range.
A Wide Area Network or WAN is a network of computers that are connected over long
distance. The Internet is an example of a WAN that has connected a multiple number of
networks.
Q.2 What is an IP address ?
A
In a network, in order to distinguish your computer from another it is necessary to assign a
number; this number is called an IP address.
When you connect to an outside network such as the Internet the IP address
that is used is referred to as a "Global IP address. In a Local Area Network the
IP address that is used is called a “Private IP address".
An IP address is divided into 4 blocks of numbers separated by periods, such as
"192.168.15.10". The assigned numbers can use the digits 0-255 with private IP addresses
usually beginning with numbers such as "192.168.".
- However, the number "255." is not usually used.
This number is absolutely necessary to enable participation in a network, so it is necessary
to set the IP address to a number that suits your network environment.
Q.3
What is a Subnet mask ?
A
An IP address is made up of the network address to which the computer belongs (network
address) and the computer’s own address within the network (host address). The Subnet
mask determines the division between these.
The Subnet mask, similar to the IP address, is made up of four blocks of numbers divided
by periods, such as “255.255.255.0”.
This number is absolutely necessary to enable participation in a network, so it is necessary
to set the Subnet mask to a number that suits your network environment.
