Chapter 4
Nice Names and Appetizing Addresses
In This Chapter
Protocols in this chapter: IP, IPv6, TCP, DHCP, DNS, ARP, UDP
Knowing what your host’s name is?
Understanding why hosts have names and numbers
Working with classful addressing
Examining the parts of an IP address
Finding out where IP addresses come from
Using the ipconfig or ifconfig command to find out about your network connection
Clearing up the difference between a private network and a global public network
Getting started with the Domain Name System (DNS)
Investigating other types of addresses
If your computer is already on a network and you always call computers by name and you’re not interested in what TCP/IP is doing to your computer’s name behind the scenes, you can breathe easy in this chapter. The only thing you need to know now is another term for a computer — a host — and what it means. In other words, you can move on to some other chapter, if you want. This chapter is high-tech.
However, if you need to get your computer on the network or the Internet, or if you want to know the meaning of all those strings of numbers and dots you see when you use an application such as FTP or telnet, stay right here. Most of the information in this chapter is aimed at you — especially if you’re a beginning network administrator.
What Did You Say Your Host’s Name Is?
If your computer uses TCP/IP, your computer must have a name. You can choose it yourself for your home computer. Most likely, your work organization has ...
