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Networking Basics

What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to devices on a network. IPv4 addresses consist of four numbers (0-255) separated by dots, like 192.168.1.1. It's essential for network communication.

  • Public IP: Visible to the internet
  • Private IP: Used within local networks (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x)
  • IPv6: The newer 128-bit address format

What is Subnetting?

Subnetting divides a large network into smaller subnetworks. It uses CIDR notation (e.g., /24) to indicate how many bits are used for the network portion of an IP address.

  • /24 = 256 addresses (255 usable hosts)
  • /25 = 128 addresses (127 usable hosts)
  • /16 = 65,536 addresses

What is a MAC Address?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a physical address used on local networks. It identifies devices at the data link layer. Format: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E

  • First 3 pairs (OUI): Manufacturer identifier
  • Last 3 pairs: Device-specific number
  • Used in DHCP and ARP protocols

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