2.6 Port And Addresses

IP Addresses

The primary means of enabling devices to locate one another and establish end-to-end communication on the internet. Each end device on a network must be configured with an IP address.

IPv4 Address

The structure of an IPv4 address is called dotted decimal notation and is represented by four decimal numbers between 0 and 255. IPv4 addresses are assigned to individual devices connected to a network.

Subnet Mask

A 32-bit value that differentiates the network portion of the address from the host portion. Coupled with the IPv4 address, the subnet mask determines to which subnet the device is a member.

IPv6 Address

128-bit addresses written as a string of hexadecimal values, with groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons. IPv6 addresses are not case-sensitive and can be written in either lowercase or uppercase.

Interfaces

Physical points where end-user devices, networking devices, and cables connect. Each physical interface has specifications that define it, and the cable connecting to the interface must match these standards.

Network Media

Different types include twisted-pair copper cables, fiber-optic cables, coaxial cables, or wireless, each with varying characteristics like signal distance, installation environment, data transmission speed, and cost.

Ethernet Ports

Common LAN technology used today, found on end-user devices, switches, and other networking devices. Ethernet ports physically connect to the network using cables.

Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVIs)

Virtual interfaces on Layer 2 switches that allow remote management over a network using IPv4 and IPv6. SVIs are created in software and are used to access the switch remotely.