Understanding IP networking

Before you can logically configure your networks (meaning, dealing with networking protocols rather than physically configuring them by connecting pieces and parts together), you should understand the nature of the TCP/IP protocol that underlies everything you do on a Wi-Fi or Ethernet home network.

After you understand TCP/IP, IP addresses, and, most importantly, a concept called private subnets, you are ready to dive into the configuration screens of your router(s) and access point(s) and do some fun stuff with your network.

Remember Every router and wireless gear vendor has their own system for configuring things like IP addresses and DHCP (which we explain shortly). Almost always, this configuration is performed by accessing a Web configuration page within the device. We can't tell you exactly how to do this on your gear, or even exactly what a particular setting is called on your router. We talk in general terms, using the common industry parlance. Keep in mind that the names of your specific settings may differ a bit - but through generous use of your user manual and help system, when required, you should be able to follow right along.

TCP/IP networking has four critical components, which are the basis of all communication and end-user interaction on a network:

• The IP address uniquely identifies each host on a network. The IP address also provides the logical networking structure used for routing.
• The subnet mask is used primary by routers to determine the originating network subnet of each packet so the correct routing of the packet can be established.
• The default gateway handles the routing of packets going to another network.
• A Domain Name Servers server (DNS server) is used to map the hierarchal host names to IP address so packets can be correctly addressed and routed.

Understanding TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the default protocol for communication on most networks. As the name signifies, this is really two protocols that work in conjunction with each other. For our purposes, we really only need to know that they work together and that it is the most widely-used protocol on the planet. The success of the Internet and networking in general can be directly attributed to TCP/IP's widespread and open nature. To maintain any type of network/computer connectivity, a good understanding of TCP/IP and how it works is essential. Some basic principles about the TCP/IP protocol include:

• TCP/IP uses logical addressing to organize the network
• IP addresses identify the network and the computers on it. Individual computers on a network are sometimes called hosts or nodes. Host is most often used when referring to the machine initiating the packet string to the network, and node is used as the default term for all devices or any receiving device.
• IP is fully routable and interoperates with almost everything because almost all vendors support TCP/IP. TCP/IP is built into every modern computer, networking device, and networked resources. Any Wi-Fi-enabled or capable device supports TCP/IP.