SECTION 1
OVERVIEW
1-4 SECTION
1,
OVERVIEW
Understanding Functions
The various technologies and features utilized by your router require
some explanation so you can make the correct choices when
configuring your router.
Router
Routers connect two networks together, or in your case, your home
network with the Internet (which can be thought of as a very large
network). Routers provide bandwidth security by keeping data out of
your home network where it does not belong.
The router’s Firewall inspects each packet of data as it flows through
the port before delivering it to the appropriate PC. Network Address
Translation (NAT) translates one set of IP addresses, usually private,
to another set, usually public. This is how your network remains
protected and private on the Internet.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) comprises
the backbone of the Internet. IP moves packets of data between
nodes while TCP verifies delivery from client to server. Every device
you hook up to your router identifies itself with an IP address. You
are able to assign devices on your network with either a static or
dynamically assigned IP address.
Static IP Address
A static IP address is a fixed address that is assigned manually to a
device on the network. Static IP addresses must be unique and
cannot be shared, therefore they are used in situations where the
address should never change, like print servers or PC servers.
If using your router to share an Internet connection, your Internet
Service Provider (ISP) might have assigned you a static IP address,
which you will use when configuring your router. See more
information in
Configuration
.
Dynamic IP Address
A dynamic IP address is a temporary IP number, dynamically or
randomly generated by a DHCP server. The address lasts only as
long as the server allots, usually in the space of a day or two. When
the IP address expires, the client is automatically reassigned a new
IP address, ensuring smooth communication.
If using your router to share an Internet connection, your ISP might
have assigned you a dynamic IP address, which you use when
configuring your router. See more information in
Configuration
.
